You are on page 1of 2

archerwell.

com

Case study: LeakPoint

Locating multiple failed gas lift


valves removes need for mass
replacement Region: North Sea, UK
Well type: Gas lift oil producer

Challenge Case benefits


A well operated by a major international oil company in — Identifying failed GLV rather than replacing
each one sequentially
the UK sector of the North Sea had failed a well integrity
— Saving rig time and avoiding risk
test. A tubing-to-A-annulus communication was above
of new leaks
the maximum allowable rate as defined by the operator’s — Identifying the second, unexpected
management procedures. As a result the well had been leak in the tubing, thereby enabling
placed on a time-limited dispensation in which production a more complete remediation
could continue while a solution was sought to fix the leak.
Key capabilities
The operator suspected that the cause of the leak was — Fast, highly accurate location of
associated with the gas lift system, installed to optimise single or multiple leaks
production. However, there were 7 possible failure paths — Locates leaks through tubing in
in this system (7 gas lift valve locations) and further A, B, & C annuli
— Sensitive to a wide range of leak
diagnosis was required. It was essential to determine the
rates: 0.02 to >5,000 l/min.
leak mechanism and location to design and implement the
— Clear, unambiguous log response
optimal remedial action. — Proven effectiveness. Pinpointed
-100 Cable velocity (ft/min) 100 Depth 0 LeakA 30000 leaks in >90% of wells surveyed
(ft)
120 CCL 280 0 LeakB 15000
135 Temperature (degF) 150 0 LeakC 12000
— Confidently select and target the
most effective remedial intervention

4940

4960

4980

Leak at gas lift valve. The temperature log responds slightly


at the leak point but lacks clarity.
Case study: LeakPoint
Solution
A LeakPoint survey was undertaken to identify and confirm
the location of the leak. In parallel to the leak detection
survey and in order to enable diagnosis and remediation in Annular safety system
the same campaign, the operator mobilised a dual slickline/
wireline unit, complete with gas lift valve (GLV) replacement
capability. This included wireline settable straddles as a
contingency in case the leak was not related to the gas
lift system.

Results
Two leaks, one unexpected, were located after a single
intervention with the leak detection tool. One was related to
a GLV, the other identified within a tubing connection some Gas lift valves
2,300 ft above the gas lift system. This information was and mandrels
presented to the operator at the well site and the decision
was made to replace the leaking GLV before setting a
straddle across the leaking tubing connection.

The GLV was successfully replaced, verified by a second


run with the leak detection tool and a straddle set across
the leaking connection. The additional verification run was
essential as the restricted ID of the straddle would have
prevented access to the gas lift system after setting. Finally,
following the remedial work, well integrity was confirmed
and verified at surface before returning the well back to HF1 Packer with control
full production. line bypass

-100 Cable velocity (ft/min) 100 Depth 0 LeakA 600000


(ft)
120 CCL 280 0 LeakB 250000
90 Temperature (degF) 120 0 LeakC 150000

2240

2260
Casing shoe

2280

Leak at tubing joint. The temperature log clearly confirms Double grip flexlock
the leak point. hanger with packer

Liner Shoe

For more information visit archerwell.com Completion schematic showing 7 GLV locations
or contact point@archerwell.com
We are a global oilfield service company that specializes in drilling services and well
services because we believe that specialists do the job best. More than 40 years’
experience drives our difference in a constant search for new ways to deliver better
wells. We listen to our customers and use our expertise to help them produce more oil
and gas. We are craftsmen. We take great pride in our work and always deliver on our
promises. We are Archer, the well company.

You might also like