MSAS Provides Cost Effective Solution to Re-Instate Production from Shut-In Wells with Integrity Issues

Two newly drilled and completed land wells were facing a delayed start-up due to sustained annulus pressure (SAP). Low pressure gas was being fed from the formation and building up in the B-annulus at surface, bypassing the existing dual barriers set in place during completion. 

Managing the SAP and achieving the client’s safety and well barrier policies were key to unlocking 25 to 30mmscf of production per day, per well. 

Wells with unplanned SAP pose a considerable risk to personnel and facilities. In these situations, annulus gate valves (a gasket, bonnet seal or stem seal) are the primary well barrier, regardless of how many valves are in-line, with the first valve’s seal elements being the primary and only barrier to the hydrocarbons in the annulus. 

The client’s strict dual barrier well integrity policy led them to considering multiple technical solutions and assessing them on multiple factors, such as risk and complexity of deployment, well integrity performance, and implementation and maintenance costs.  

MSAS™ was selected by the client due to its suitability for retrofit installation offline and ability to provide a primary metal-to-metal seal into the VR profile of the annulus. Additionally, this technology offered a hydraulically operated fail-safe-closed valve at the wellhead, making the annulus gate valve the secondary barrier. For the client’s application, the MSAS™ is maintained in the closed position and the annulus monitored for pressure build up. Once the pressure builds up, the valve is hydraulically operated, and SAP is bled down remotely from the control room.

MSAS™ was successfully installed on two land wells, one very remote from the clients central production facility. The small footprint of tooling required made it ideal for remote land wells with tight access. The client’s surface facilities and asset team, the wellhead service engineer and Interwell’s service engineer worked seamlessly to install and commission the MSAS™. 

The client’s feedback on the teamwork between organisations, the installation and the technological solution provided was extremely positive.    

• Two wells brought online, producing 25 to 30mmscf per day 
• Saved on implementing higher risk, complex, and costly solutions, such as a scab liner and re-cementing, or annulus intervention technologies 
• MSAS™ did not require a rig to install, but was installed offline with Interwell’s compact VR lubricator and field service engineer  
• Technology footprint and equipment to install was small enough to be air freighted into a remote location