Meeting the Demand for Barrier Plug Integrity Assurance Verification of Well Abandonment Barriers

摘要

Well barrier installation practice is dictated by territoryspecific regulations which are largely based onrnhistoric practices. However, emerging technologies, tighteningnationalregulations, and demands fromrnassetowners are gradually affecting the way we carry out our intervention operations. Driving the technologyrndevelopment is time saving but with a sharp eye on safety. Well documented verifications on temporaryrnbarriers and barriers installed for well suspension and future P&A barrier installation is expected. There arernmultiple issues involved in gaining proper verification of aninstalled barrier. One major issue appearing isrnthe general condition and status of previously installed plugs and valve components in older wells, whichrncanresult intwo wellbore barriers installed in close proximity. Othermajor issues are the well'sgeneral abilityrnto support an inflow test, and the time it takes to get asegregating well stable.