For cement replacement
The Welltec Annular Isolation (WAI™) provides long length open hole zonal isolation, significantly reducing the free annulus space between the liner (casing) OD and the open hole ID. The removal of this annular space can be beneficial in highly layered reservoirs of varying permeability, where selective production, stimulation or water shut off is required.
The WAI metal expandable sleeve is hydraulically expanded quickly, under full surface control via the application of well bore pressure using the rig pumps. Sealing on the ID of the open hole is achieved via a series of compliant, elastomeric seals, backed up by full circumferential metal to rock contact fins that prevent seal extrusion under high differential pressure.
Featured case
An operator selected WAI for Cement Replacement after swell packer failures had caused high water cut and rapid watering-out. WAI deployment reduced losses from 750 bph to 15 bph in a lateral abandonment, followed by two more units straddling a fracture. The proven effectiveness led the client to designate WAI as its primary solution for isolation and abandonment.
At Welltec, we design and test the WAI range (Welltec Annular Isolation) in accordance to IS0 14310 V6 to V3 leak criteria. The WAI metal expandable sleeve is hydraulically expanded quickly, under full surface control via the application of well bore pressure using the rig pumps.
Sealing on the ID of the open hole is achieved via a series of compliant, elastomeric seals, backed up by full circumferential metal to rock contact fins that prevent seal extrusion under high differential pressure.
| Applications |
| Cement replacement across laminated & highly layered reservoir sections |
| Selective production |
| Selective stimulation |
| Water shut off |
| Overburden protection |
| Features |
| Rugged, all welded, metallic construction |
| Expansion assurance |
| High expansion capability |
| Constant, high pressure ∆p over full expansion range |
| No premature expansion |
| Slim OD allows for high rate circulation during deployment |
| NACE compliant |
| Benefits |
| Rotatable during deployment enabling liner to TD in challenging environments |
| Replaces cement across reservoir section |
| Removes need for under-reaming / extended shoe tracks |
| Enables pinpoint perforation of production / stimulation intervals |
| No CBL required across reservoir section |
| Rapid set nature of WAI reduces time to production |
| WAI can be expanded online or offline |
| High rate circulation capability |
| Full bore – as per casing / tubing |
| Specifications | |
| Welltec® WAI™ | 6WAI, 612WAI, 812WAI |
| Expansion range | 6” → 10.00” |
| Min. running OD | 5.75” → 8.18” |
| ISO14310 Standard ** | V3 |
| Expansion pressure, psi (bar) | 5,000psi (345bar) → 8,500psi (586bar) |
| Constant element ΔP across expansion range | 5,000psi (345bar) → 8,500psi (586bar) |
| Max. element length | 30 ft / 10 m each joint |
| Temperature range °C (°F)*** | 25°C to 150°C (77°F to 302°F) |
| Base pipe range | 4 ½” → 7” |
| ID | Full bore (as per base pipe) |
| Standard Material* | AISI 316 / Alloy 28 |
| (*) | Alternative metallurgy available on request |
| (**) | Upgraded IS0 14310 Leak Rate Criteria available upon request |
| (***) | Maximum Temperature is based on HNBR 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.