Slickline-Retrievable Wellhead Plugs and Downhole Plugging System Provides Wellbore Integrity for Extreme HPHT Environments

摘要

Trends in offshore exploration continually push the definition of high pressure and high temperature in regards to oil and gas well completions. Recent discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) are opening up vast reserves of natural gas and these discoveries are again challenging that definition. To meet the need of high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) applications in general and for an operator in one such HPHT field, an ultra high-pressure and high-temperature rated wellhead plug and downhole plugging system has been developed to provide wellbore integrity in extreme conditions.rnThis paper addresses the challenges associated with development of slickline-retrievable equipment rated to 25,000 psi at temperature extremes from 32°F to 450°F and the approaches used to overcome those challenges. A review of design considerations, sealing technology, design verification, and validation testing that exceeds industry standards, is also provided.