CAPEX effective, enhanced well integrity via metal expandable packers
Sustained casing pressure (SCP) is common in many wells globally (>30%) and present within multiple annuli. Since 2009, well integrity has cost operators over $75 billion. This has provided the impetus for the industry to focus on and rework international standards on well integrity management.
Through the incorporation of the WAB (Welltec Annular Barrier) to the well construction phase, Welltec® are facilitating enhanced well integrity via standalone cased hole barriers, open hole isolation and cement assurance.
At Welltec, we design and test our WAB range in accordance to IS014310, the industry standard which defines packer design validation grades.
Our V0 WAB range for cased hole SCP barrier has been tested to IS014310 V0*, the highest validation level within this industry standard, and provides, a verifiable, life of well barrier against SCP.
Our V3 WAB range for open hole isolation, has been validated to IS014310 V3*, the highest fluid validation level within this industry standard. The WAB provides life of well V3 isolation assurance within the open hole section. Additionally, it can be set within cement or used in combination with 2nd stage cement systems to support HP columns of cement to prevent SCP or production of unwanted gas or water.
*Leak rate criteria
Featured case
In Norway, a 1214WAB was deployed with 9-5/8” casing to deliver a qualified ISO 14310 V0 seal and mitigate B-annulus Sustained Casing Pressure (SCP). Set as a standalone barrier after primary cementing, the WAB eliminated methane migration and prevented emissions. The solution ensured long-term well integrity while supporting the client’s environmental commitments.
Featured case 2
In Oman, a 1214WAB was deployed on 9-5/8” casing to prevent crossflow between water zones and gas migration during cement curing. Set at 1,500 m in a 12-1/4” open hole, the WAB established a reliable well construction barrier under challenging conditions, enhancing integrity in a cost-sensitive gas application.
Globally, operators are faced with a large volume of wells, that require Plug & Abandonment, and they are now realising that these wells have not been constructed to accommodate Risk Free, CAPEX effective P&A. Couple this to ever stringent local regulations, operator P&A costs have significantly increased and can range from $4Mio for a single platform well and up to $11Mio for a single sub sea well.
This realisation has driven is a paradigm shift in drilling and well construction methodology, to implement best practice for later well abandonment over the duration of the well life, during design, construction, production and ultimately abandonment. Cement alone is not a reliable barrier, and operators and now planning for the installation of multiple barriers and multi component barriers e.g. combine cement with mechanical barriers and resins to construct wells now, planning for the future.
To support this market shift, our WAB range, when incorporated within the cased hole for IS0 14310 V0 barrier or open hole, for IS0 14310 V3 isolation across the cap rock during well construction phase, will provide added future value as the foundation for placement of P& A cement plug, significantly reducing the future complexity and cost associated with P&A.
| Applications |
| IS0 14310 V0 cased hole SCP barrier |
| IS0 14310 V3 standalone open hole SCP isolation |
| IS0 14310 V3 open hole SCP cement assurance |
| Futureproof cap rock P&A |
| Platform for 2nd stage cement |
| Cross flow isolation |
| Open hole fault isolation plug |
| Liner or casing hanger |
| Features |
| Rugged, all welded, metallic construction |
| Casing integrity re-instated post setting |
| Burst protection fitted as standard |
| High expansion capability |
| Constant, high pressure ∆p over full expansion range |
| No premature expansion |
| Up to 6 x 1⁄4” control lines - hydraulic,TEC & fibre compatible |
| Optional isolation of expansion port |
| Expansion assurance in multi-WAB applications |
| NACE compliant |
| Benefits |
| Removes the need for cement and perforated liner in multi-zone smart-well applications |
| Removes channels or leak paths at setting depth |
| Rotatable during deployment enabling casing to TD in challenging environments |
| Rotatable during primary cement operations enhancing cement placement |
| Deployable through milled windows |
| Slim OD allows for high rate circulation during deployment |
| Rapid set nature of WAB reduces time to next hole section |
| High rate circulation capability |
| Full bore – as per casing / tubing |
| Specifications* | |
| Expansion range | 5.75” → 23.50” |
| Min. running OD | 5.560” → >21.75” |
| ISO14310 Standard** | Up to V0 |
| Expansion pressure | 4,000 psi → 7,500 psi |
| Standard element length | 7.2 ft (2.2 m) |
| Constant element ΔP across expansion range | 4,000 psi → 15,000 psi |
| Temperature range*** | Up to 185°C (365°F) |
| Base pipe range (up to) | 4-1/2” → 18-5/8” |
| ID | Full bore (as per base pipe) |
| * | Custom specification options are available upon request. |
| ** | Values are product-specific and subject to the qualified expansion envelope |
| *** | Maximum temperature is based on FFKM seals & elements. |
Talk to your local expert
At Welltec, our team of specialists is experienced in resolving the unique challenges of well drilling and operations across diverse terrain. Whatever your need, we can help you find a solution.