Annular Integrity

Whenever a wellbore is to be plugged and abandoned – either as a part of a field being decommissioned, or a new side-track is to be drilled – well barrier elements (WBEs) must be set for it to be plugged properly. For all WBEs to be in place, cement or a sealing formation is required in the annulus outside the casing across the zone where the barrier is to be set. To determine the annular condition, a logging tool is typically run – such as a Cement Bond Log (CBL) – providing the operator with an image of the annular state. Typically, when the log indicates that the annulus may be sealed by cement or squeezing formation, the integrity of this potential seal needs to be validated. 

Integrity testing

The conventional way of testing the annular state is to create access to the annulus and a potential circulation path by perforating the casing a pre-planned distance apart. The next step is to set two mechanical bridge plugs, one below and one between the two perforated zones, and do a pressure test from the lower sets of perforations, to the upper sets of perforations. If the formation surrounding the casing holds the pressure, i.e. no pressure passes through to the upper sets of perforations, the barrier is proven to be in place, and a balanced cement plug can be set to finalise the WBE.

HydraWell’s AIT tool offers an alternative to the conventional bridge plugs in order to verify the annular state, which can save significant operational duration compared to the more conventional method described above. The AIT solution is a one-trip solution incorporating TCP guns hung below the AIT assembly. The AIT assembly comprising a dual swab cup tool (with opposing cups), and with operating principles based on our field-proven proprietary HydraWash™ tool. It has by-pass channels to allow for fluid to be transported from below the tool to above, to prevent it from acting as a piston while running in hole. At the planned depth, the TCP guns are fired to create access to the annulus, and the swab cups in the AIT tool are then positioned to straddle across the lower sets of perforations. Fluid is pumped into the annulus between the swab cups and observation for returns on surface begins. If the annular condition holds the pressure, the annular barrier is proven to be in place. As a true one-trip solution, the running string can be disconnected from the AIT tool, which can now act as a base for the upcoming balanced cement job. The AIT tool has proven that the material in the annulus state can be considered as a barrier.

Alternatively, when returns on surface can be seen, the fluid migrates through the backside of the casing, and the annular barrier is proven not to be in place. Two options are then available, either leaving the AIT tool in the well, as a base for a future cement plug, or the AIT can be recovered. Further remediation of the annulus must now be considered in order to achieve a proper WBE.

In the event that the logging image shows neither cement, nor creeping formation, the annulus must be remediated for the operator to continue with the P&A programme. PWC® is a remediation technique and proprietary technology developed by HydraWell, which can be a cost-effective method to achieve this. Details of this technique are provided here.