Wellhead seal leaks repaired as they are diagnosed
On site team uses Plasma® technology to restore integrity instantly
- Client Major Operator
- Leak Location 13 3/8 inch Pack-Off Seal
- Location North Sea
- Nominal Bore 13 3/8 inch Casing
Challenge
A North Sea gas producing well had been closed in for modification. During this operation, diagnostic testing identified that the 13 3/8” lower pack-off seal was passing, allowing pressure from the C annulus to communicate with the pack-off assembly. Should the 13-3/8” upper pack-off seal fail, the 13-3/8” void would pressurise, leaving the well with only a single isolation barrier.
Solution
Brinker personnel already at the location for other, planned, operations, were able to respond instantly and deployed Plasma® technology to restore integrity in the 13 3/8” pack-off, providing a double isolation barrier from the C annulus to the 13 3/8” void.
Outcome
The 13 3/8” pack-off seal was stung before the job with a recorded pressure of 140 psi. After injecting Plasma® into the seal, a successful pressure test at 1,000 psi for 15 minutes was performed. The 13 3/8” pack-off seal was then bled back to zero, and a successful 30-minute pressure build-up test confirmed full integrity of the pack-off assembly. The Plasma® had restored the integrity of the seal, providing a second barrier from the C annulus. The entire operation took just 3 hours.
The upside
Integrity was restored without intervention and the second barrier isolation reinstated immediately the failure was identified.
There was no risk to the operation of the well, as the solution does not affect future wellhead operations.
