Technology Focus: Well Integrity (January 2022)

Abstract

Almost every aspect of the upstream industry has been forced to adapt best practices and methodologies in significant ways over the last 2 years, and even the core discipline of assuring well integrity is no exception. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and challenging economics, well integrity subject-matter experts have continued to prioritize human and environmental safety in production while pivoting their skills toward areas of growing importance such as carbon capture and sequestration. New technologies and simulation methods have allowed the authors of the three SPE papers in this year’s feature to provide a path forward that suggests new possibilities that retain the central goals of safety and productivity. Paper SPE 204385 describes the use of polymer capsules, embedded in cement and with semipermeable shells, that react with antagonistic gases downhole, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), to form a more-benign and -beneficial material. The author writes that, from this reaction with CO2, a mineral precipitate seals fractures in cement and aids in the recovery of wells. Part of the industry emphasis on decarbonization constitutes the repurposing of depleted fields as CO2 storage sites, as the authors of paper SPE 205537 describe in their discussion of such an effort offshore Sarawak. They use leakage-rate modeling to perform the critical task of estimating well integrity and re-entering existing plugged and abandoned wells. The authors of paper SPE 206052 explore various well-construction concepts and analyze the ability of cement to withstand long-term well loads. They write that, while reduction of cement stresses remains a challenge, one viable option is the use of cementless solutions, including a technology based on metal expandable packers that can seal long wellbore sections through metallic-to-rock isolation. No matter the specialized purpose or characteristics of any well, its integrity is the linchpin of production and safety. The SPE papers in this year’s feature display a versatility and willingness to tackle long-standing issues with new technologies and approaches that the upstream industry will always value. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 204374 - Epoxy Resin Exhibits Long-Term Durability and Chemical Stability as a Well Sealant by Fred Sabins, Riteks, et al. OTC 30299 - Big Data and Machine Learning: Effective Tools or Ensuring Well Integrity by Marcus Blane Savini, Frank’s International, et al. SPE 206252 - Development of a Digital Twin for Well Integrity Management in Underground Gas Storage Fields by Carlo Busollo, Snam, et al