Additional $100,000/day production
Plasma® seals A-B annulus communication at the wellhead
- Client Major Operator
- Leak Location MST Casing pack-off seal
- Location North Sea Location
- Nominal Bore 9 5/8 inch
Challenge
The well in question had known A-B-C annulus communication at the wellhead. The 9 5/8” casing pack-off seal had previously been treated with a setting sealant, which demonstrated initial success but broke down within six months. The well was plugged and closed in because of the potential risk of a 160 bar (2320psi) hydrocarbon leak to the atmosphere, either through the buttress connections or by bursting the outer casing string. The well was producing 15–20 mmscfd gas and 1,000 bpd oil prior to being closed in.
Solution
Brinker took the information supplied by the operator and analysed it using to identify the optimal Plasma® grade for the application. Brinker equipment, including a Plasma® gun, was mobilised offshore with a Brinker engineer and Plasma® was injected into the hanger void until a test pressure of 207 bar (3000 psi) was maintained in the void.
Outcome
Plasma® was successfully injected into the hanger void, holding an 18-hour gas injection pressure test of 160 bar (2320psi). The A-B annulus communication caused by the damaged casing pack-off seal has now been successfully sealed.
The upside
The well was unplugged. Gas lift was briefly introduced to initiate flow and the well is now back online flowing naturally as per previous figures, resulting in over $100,000 in additional production per day.
