Annulus Pressure Management
Interwell’s annulus pressure monitoring and management system provides a cost effective and reliable system for continuous pressure- and temperature monitoring, and pressure management applications.
Enhanced well integrity by implementing unique monitoring and control of annulus pressure in dry wellheads.
Well integrity is a fundamental need throughout the lifecycle of all wells. Definitions vary, but the universally adopted rule to facilitate this is: “At least two testable independent (primary and secondary) barriers between a hydrocarbon source and the environment shall exist at all times”.
Sustained Annulus Pressure (SAP) is a known challenge in the global well stock. Most commonly SAP is unplanned (a result of downhole completion, casing, or cementation failure) but can also be planned (lift gas injected or vent gas produced via annulus). Irrespective, both scenarios pose a significant risk to personnel and facilities as the double barrier rule has been compromised in these wells. Specifically, the wellhead outlet valves with belonging equipment provide only a single barrier between the hydrocarbon source and the environment. Reliable data and continuous monitoring and management of the annulus pressure is critical for safe operations.
Introducing Interwell’s VR Sensor™, MSAS™ and A-Pro™
The Master Surface Annulus Safety Valve (MSAS™) is installed in the wellhead VR profile, on the active side of the wellhead. It can be used as an actuated (fail-safe closed) barrier valve in gas lift applications, or safety / bleed valve in wells where SAP or annulus production needs to be managed.
The VR Sensor™ is installed in the wellhead VR profile on the passive side of the wellhead. It enables continuous and reliable annulus pressure and temperature (P&T) monitoring, thus enhancing well integrity. The system eliminates the need for wellhead gate valves and instrument flanges.
Furthermore, these technologies eliminate the need and cost associated with human intervention and are designed to maintain well integrity even upon impact or collision.
The integration of Interwell’s VR sensor™, MSAS™ and Field Cabinet provides a system for autonomous and controlled annulus pressure management. This system, the A-Pro™, can be configured to both autonomous and human intervention modes. The system can be self-sustained or connected to an external power source.