Well Barrier Testing Plug With Tracer Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the integrity of well barriers from below are challenging due to difficulties in localizing leaks, unreliable pressure data transmission, and limited sensitivity, especially in non-circulating wells, which can lead to undetected severe leaks and potential well failures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for testing well barrier integrity by releasing a tracer from below the barrier, using detectors in the mud circulation or conditioning systems outside the well to detect leaks, and optionally creating a pressure difference across the barrier to enhance detection sensitivity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure testing is performed from below the barrier, then the test direction aligns with potential flow direction, but leak localization becomes difficult and pressure data transmission becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
A tracer substance is introduced as an intermediary to detect leaks. The tracer mixes with formation fluids leaking through the barrier and is transported to the surface where it can be detected, enabling indirect but reliable leak detection and localization from below the barrier without direct pressure measurement challenges
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure measurement system is replaced with a chemical tracer detection system. Instead of relying on pressure sensors and wired data transmission through the barrier, the system uses tracer substances that can be detected at the surface, eliminating the need for complex pressure data transmission across the barrier
2Reliability
If tracer gas is released in non-circulating wells, then the detection system can identify leaks, but the sensitivity is reduced and detection time is delayed due to tracer diffusion through mud column
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static diffusion-based tracer transport to dynamic circulation-based transport. By circulating the mud column, the tracer is actively transported to the surface much faster and with higher concentration, dramatically improving detection sensitivity and reducing detection time in non-circulating wells
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic circulation system is utilized to transport the tracer substance. By pumping and circulating the mud column, the tracer is efficiently carried to the surface, overcoming the slow diffusion process and enabling sensitive and timely leak detection even in previously non-circulating well conditions
3Reliability
If mechanical tagging is used to test cement plugs, then barrier integrity can be verified, but rig time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical tagging process is replaced with a chemical tracer injection and detection system. The tracer is injected below the barrier and detected at the surface, providing equivalent integrity verification without requiring mechanical pushing equipment or extended rig operations, thereby reducing rig time and costs
4Loss of information
If wired pressure data transmission is used across the barrier, then pressure measurements can be obtained, but the wire constitutes a potential leak source
Solution Approach 1:
The wired pressure measurement system is extracted and replaced with a tracer-based detection system. By removing the physical wire across the barrier, the potential leak source is eliminated. The tracer detection method obtains leak information without requiring any physical connection through the barrier, thus eliminating the harmful effect of the wire acting as a leak pathway
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a simpler, time-effective, and cost-efficient means to test well barrier integrity, reducing rig time and costs, enhancing sensitivity and reliability, and ensuring early detection of leaks without interfering with ongoing operations.
Implementation Method 1
releasing the tracer from below the barrier... creating a pressure difference across the barrier
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting the tracer that has leaked through the barrier and into said mud on the downstream side
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing of leaking past a well barrier. The system includes a well including a wellbore and a upper wellbore termination means. A barrier is provided in the wellbore, the barrier having an upstream side below the barrier and a downstream side above the barrier. The system further includes a tracer and a storage means for storing said tracer, the storage means being provided below the barrier in the well. A release mechanism is configured for releasing the tracer from the storage means, wherein a pressure differential is established across the barrier for driving tracer from the upstream side to the downstream side of the barrier. A detector is configured for detecting the tracer that has leaked through the barrier, the detector being provided in the wellbore between said barrier and said upper wellbore termination means.