Injector well reinstated in 12 hours
Platelets® seal 7.3mm equivalent outer annulus to conductor leak
- Client Major Operator
- Leak Location Outer Annulus - Conductor
- Location North Slope, Alaska
- Nominal Bore 9 5/8 inch casing
Challenge
A water injection well was shut-in following identification of a shallow leak from the outer annulus to the conductor, resulting in annulus fluid discharge to the environment. Costly and time-consuming work would normally be required to excavate and remove the conductor casing in order to patch the leaking casing.
Solution
A set of tailored diagnostic flow tests using Telepath® to profile the leak were carried out. The results indicated a leak with an equivalent diameter of 7.3mm and an elongated geometry. Integrity was rebuilt by pumping a specially selected Platelet® solution, in a staged deployment, to create a composite seal along the length of the leak.
Outcome
This application terminated the annulus to conductor communication, with the well passing an MIT at 1,800 psi to reinstate full service qualification. The solution was achieved without having to excavate and remove the surface conductor.
The upside
A costly excavation workover was avoided and the well reinstated by a much simpler and safer process. The well was brought back to a serviceable state in a much shorter time frame than with conventional processes: twelve hours, compared to six weeks.
