Through-Tubing Well Decommissioning with Control Line Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in safely decommissioning wells without removing tubular elements, requiring complex and time-consuming operations, and regulators disallow control lines penetrating barriers.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool system performs real-time analysis and operations such as segmenting, perforating, cleaning, and cementing, using a hydraulic model to optimize fluid flow dynamics and enable non-sequential workflows with selective actuation of tools for efficient well reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional well decommissioning methods are used requiring removal of tubular elements, then complete well decommissioning can be achieved, but operational complexity and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is segmented into multiple isolated sections using bridge plugs or packers. This segmentation allows the control line to be contained in discrete segments that can be individually isolated and filled with inert material, eliminating the need to remove the entire control line while achieving decommissioning goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The control line remains nested within the tubular structure during decommissioning. Instead of extracting the control line, the system nests isolation devices (bridge plugs, packers) within the control line to segment and contain it, allowing decommissioning to proceed with the control line in place.
2Ease of operation
If control lines are left penetrating through barriers during decommissioning, then operational simplicity is maintained, but regulatory compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is extracted from the functional barrier by segmenting it and filling the segments with inert material. This removes the active control line from the barrier zone while maintaining the physical integrity of the barrier structure, achieving regulatory compliance without complete removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Bridge plugs and packers are used as temporary, disposable isolation devices during the decommissioning process. These devices are placed to segment the control line and then abandoned in place, providing a cost-effective means to isolate the control line without permanent modifications to the well structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time evaluation and adjustment capabilities are implemented, then operational flexibility and safety improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring and evaluation capabilities that provide feedback on the decommissioning process. This allows operators to assess the effectiveness of barrier establishment and control line isolation in real-time and make adjustments as needed, improving operational flexibility through informed decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The decommissioning system is designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow a single system to perform multiple operations (segmentation, isolation, verification, and adjustment). This universal approach reduces the need for multiple specialized devices while providing real-time evaluation and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein provide for well de-commissioning and other operations in through-tubing applications. A control device analyzes the well to plan a reconfiguration, wherein the reconfiguration eliminates flow through a control line in the well. A downhole tool fills the control line, segments the control line into smaller sections, confirms positioning of the sections following the segmenting. The control device measures a state of the well in real time during the filling and segmenting, and wherein the filing and segmenting are modified based on the measured state. Additionally, a washing operation can be performed to remove residuals prior to performing a cementing operation to fill the annular space.