proving Well Integrity in Permanent Downhole Monitoring

Systems
Authors
Thomas Engel (Weatherford) | Chris Baldwin (Weatherford) | John
Grunbeck (Weatherford) | Jason Kiddy (Weatherford) | Kaj
Stokkeland (Weatherford)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4043/25394-MS
Document ID
OTC-25394-MS
Publisher
Offshore Technology Conference
Source
Offshore Technology Conference, 05-08 May, Houston, Texas
Publication Date
2014
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Abstract
Well integrity has become an increasingly important issue for oilfield components.
Stricter testing procedures and qualification requirements are becoming more
prevalent for primary well fluid containment devices. This is being extended to well
monitoring systems, including those permanently installed on well completions using
electronic or optical cables. One example is the new fire test requirement for Optical
Well Head Outlets (OWHO) per Statoil's document TR3540, Surface wellhead and
christmas tree system, with procedures defined in API 6FB: Fire Test for End
Connections. Operators are also demanding increased reliability for downhole
systems. Ensuring that the seals are properly installed and functional in drymate
connectors and pressure foot devices is critical.

This paper discusses the development and qualification of an OWHO that meets API
6FB. Key design issues such as thermal coefficient of expansion differences of
materials, seal evaluations, and feed-through issues as related to surviving the extreme
temperature conditions of the flame test are discussed. Development and testing of
pressure-testable multipin drymate connectors and an improved pressure foot design
is also discussed.

Development of highly reliable downhole components requires significant design and

testing. For the OWHO, an internal pressure of 11, 250 psi (775.7 bar) was maintained
 while the wellhead outlet was brought to a temperature that exceeded 900C (1,
652F), with the internal feed-through exceeding 650C (1, 202F) during the test.
The OWHO experienced no leaks at any stage of the qualification testing. The design
of the pressure-testable drymate connector and pressure foot has been developed to
qualify for infield hydraulic tests.

The OWHO met the harsh environment requirements of TR3540 through a successful
flame test carried out in accordance with API 6FB. The newly designed drymate
connector and pressure foot provide a reliable, field-testable solution representing a
significant step forward to ensuring well integrity.

File Size
37 MB Number of Pages 9
Supporting information

SUPPLEMENTARY/OTC-25394-SUP.pdf

Statoil, "TR3450 - Surface wellhead and christmas tree system, " Drilling and well
technology (D&W), valid from 2011-10-24.

Keen, C., Troughton, M., and Wake, D., "Products evolved during hot gas welding of
fluoropolymers, " RR539 Research Report, Health and Safety Laboratory (HSE),
2007.