An Experimental Facility for Evaluating Well Barrier Verification Technology

Abstract When designing a plug and abandonment (P&amp;A) operation the barrier quality of the casing cement sheath must be assessed such that an optimal P&amp;A solution can be chosen in terms of technical quality and operational cost. Borehole cement evaluation logs are often used for this purpose. A full-scale facility is being built whereby commercial tools and emerging barrier evaluation technologies can be evaluated. The objective is to provide reference conditions for cement barrier verification experiments. A particular aim of the project is to support the development of technologies for logging through multiple tubulars. Barrier reference test cells have been constructed representing a range of annular leakage scenarios such as gas channels, mud channels and de-bonded cement. The test cells can be coupled together using quick unions and extensions are available to account for the different logging technologies. The casing and annulus can be pressurized with different fluids and controlled leakage rates can be applied with water and gas. Experiments performed to date encompass commercial logs, alternative barrier verification technology and an X-ray concept for logging through multiple tubulars. The facility design and operation and experiments executed are described.</jats:p

Results of July 15, 2010 IADC Stick-Slip Mitigation Workshop

Abstract: This paper presents the results from a workshop on stick-slip mitigation held in Houston on July 15, 2010. This workshop, sponsored by the IADC ART Future Technology Subcommittee, brought technology leaders and engineers together to discuss issues related to Stick-Slip mitigation. Led by specialists with operating and technology companies, its goal was to educate the industry regarding existing technologies available to address this issue as well as identify the need for possible future technologies. In addition to presenting technical results, the paper describes the unique structure of the workshop: (1) opening, non-commercial presentations wherein the science of stick slip and the business case for its mitigation were reviewed; (2) a series of short presentations by various providers with technologies to identify or mitigate stick-slip; (3) a round table discussion, involving both the presenters and the audience, to assess the effectiveness of these technologies and assess areas where further technology, education, or process improvement is needed. This was all condensed into an afternoon so as to accommodate the demanding schedules of the participants and audience. This workshop is the first of a series of planned workshops to address technology needs which were identified in an industry survey conducted by the IADC Advanced Rig Technology committee last year and reported in SPE 128953.</jats:p