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Abstract
This paper describes a web-based program which provides a comprehensive
approach to well integrity management covering all potential integrity threats
to the whole well. This “cradle-to-grave” software, the Intetech Well Integrity
Toolkit (iWIT), provides well information and data analysis for timely,
informed, decision-making. Using its own or existing client databases, this
software carries out quantitative data analysis in real-time and provides
feedback to the operator about the condition of individual wells and also
overviews of the whole field integrity status.
The iWIT software has been used in fields with less than 50 up to over 1600
wells. Installations have been made in primary recovery fields to tertiary
recovery fields, both onshore and offshore. The software has been installed in
new and mature fields; some fields with no automation in place and some which
have been automated for over a decade.
All the operators that have installed the software to date have decided to
expand its use, either to incorporate more assets (e.g. the integrity
management of the flowlines up to the manifold) and/or to install the system
throughout their group operations internationally. Current installations
include two Gulf operators in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The management of well integrity is a vital element in the successful, economic
and safe operation of all assets. Data relevant to well integrity is
widespread, including the safety critical elements test results; monitoring of
annulus pressures; evaluation of tubing and casing integrity; inspection
results from well logs; evaluation of scaling risks etc. The management of, and
continuous evaluation of, this vast range of data presents a huge challenge.
The system described in this paper has met that challenge
comprehensively.
Introduction
The essential function of an oil and gas producing/injecting well is to
transport hydrocarbons/fluids in a cost effective and safe manner. The
importance of well integrity total control has been recognized and accepted as
a key part of safe operations for a long time. Significant improvements
concerning both well design and operating procedures have been made.
Nevertheless, the integrity of all well barrier components is continuously
threatened and requires great vigilance to ensure continuous active control
without the risk of unintentional leakage of well’s fluid to the
environment.
A well has the potential to create hazardous events, and hence well risk must
be acceptable. The release of inflammable/explosive fluids (hydrocarbons) to
the surroundings is by far the most significant risk factor.
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