Please enable JavaScript for this site to function properly.
OnePetro
  • Help
  • About us
  • Contact us
Menu
  • Home
  • Journals
  • Conferences
  • Log in / Register

Log in to your subscription

and
Advanced search Show search help
  • Full text
  • Author
  • Company/Institution
  • Publisher
  • Journal
  • Conference
Boolean operators
This OR that
This AND that
This NOT that
Must include "This" and "That"
This That
Must not include "That"
This -That
"This" is optional
This +That
Exact phrase "This That"
"This That"
Grouping
(this AND that) OR (that AND other)
Specifying fields
publisher:"Publisher Name"
author:(Smith OR Jones)

Applied Ultrasonic Technology in Wellbore Leak Detection and Case Histories in Alaska North Slope Wells

Authors
Joel E. Johns (TecWel Inc) | Curtis G. Blount (ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.) | Jerald C. Dethlefs (ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.) | Jennifer Yvonne Julian (BP Exploration) | Mary Jean Loveland (ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.) | Marie Lynn McConnell (ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.) | Guy Lamont Schwartz (ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2118/102815-MS
Document ID
SPE-102815-MS
Publisher
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Source
SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 24-27 September, San Antonio, Texas, USA
Publication Date
2006
Document Type
Conference Paper
Language
English
ISBN
978-1-55563-149-9
Copyright
2006. Society of Petroleum Engineers
Disciplines
4.2.3 Materials and Corrosion, 4.3.4 Scale, 2.2.2 Perforating, 5.4.2 Gas Injection Methods, 1.14 Casing and Cementing, 1.2.1 Wellbore integrity, 3.1.6 Gas Lift, 3 Production and Well Operations, 2 Well completion, 4.2 Pipelines, Flowlines and Risers, 5.6.1 Open hole/cased hole log analysis, 6.5.2 Water use, produced water discharge and disposal
Downloads
0 in the last 30 days
492 since 2007
Show more detail
View rights & permissions
SPE Member Price: USD 9.50
SPE Non-Member Price: USD 28.00

Abstract

When operators are faced with well integrity problems, a variety of methods may be used to detect the source of annular communication. Methods for detecting downhole leak points include spinners, temperature logs, down-hole cameras, thermal decay logs, and noise logs. However, many of these methods are ineffective when dealing with very small leaks and can result in collecting data that requires a significant amount of logging finesse to interpret.

Ultrasonic listening devices have been used for a number of years to effectively detect leak sources in surface production equipment. Ultrasonic energy has some properties, when compared to audible frequency energy, which make it ideal for accurate leak detection. Like audible frequency energy, ultrasonic energy can pass through steel.  However, ultrasonic energy propagates relatively short distances through fluids when compared to equal energy audible frequency sound. 

On this premise, an ultrasonic leak detection tool was developed for downhole applications to take advantage of the unique properties of ultrasonic energy propagation through various media.  Data acquisition equipment and filtering algorithms were developed to allow continuous logging conveyed on standard electric line at common logging speeds. Continuous logging has proven to be significantly more efficient in locating anomalies than static logging techniques commonly used in noise logging operations.

During development, the tool was shown to be effective in measuring leaks as small as 0.026 gallons per minute (gpm) with an accuracy of 3 ft. in production tubing, casing, and other pressure containing completion equipment.  Leaks have also been detected through multiple strings of tubing and casing.

This paper will compare conventional leak detection methods, describe a downhole ultrasonic leak detection tool, discuss development testing, and provide case histories where the ultrasonic leak detection tool was used to successfully locate leaks that other diagnostic methods were unable to locate.

Introduction

Well integrity continues to be an issue of critical importance for all forward-thinking operators.  When faced with well integrity problems, the prudent operator understands the value of gaining a complete understanding of the communication source prior to embarking on a remediation campaign. Comparing the process to that of a doctor diagnosing a patient, it is difficult to prescribe a remedy without fully understanding the root cause of the ailment. Symptoms of wellbore integrity issues are usually fairly evident. The root cause of these problems, however, can be rather elusive. In particular, when leaks are of a nature that precludes the use of conventional logging tools, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to detect their source.

Detection of very small tubing leaks, (less than one gpm) is difficult using conventional logging techniques such as spinners and temperature logs. Small leaks result in velocity and temperature changes that may be below the resolution of any logging tools, or may result in data that is virtually impossible to interpret. Conventional noise logs can detect fluid or gas movement, but must be utilized in a stationary mode and more distant noise sources may confuse interpretation.  Downhole cameras can be useful in finding a variety of leaks and diagnosing other problems but require that the wellbore contain optically clear fluid or gas.  Most of these tools, along with various mechanical methods of leak detection, are ineffective when trying to locate leaks that occur behind multiple casing strings.

File Size  896 KBNumber of Pages   12

Other Resources

Looking for more? 

Some of the OnePetro partner societies have developed subject- specific wikis that may help.


 


PetroWiki was initially created from the seven volume  Petroleum Engineering Handbook (PEH) published by the  Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).








The SEG Wiki is a useful collection of information for working geophysicists, educators, and students in the field of geophysics. The initial content has been derived from : Robert E. Sheriff's Encyclopedic Dictionary of Applied Geophysics, fourth edition.

  • Home
  • Journals
  • Conferences
  • Copyright © SPE All rights reserved
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Help
  • Terms of use
  • Publishers
  • Content Coverage
  • Privacy
  Administration log in