Precise Well Integrity Diagnostic Delivers Production Sustainability, Cost Reduction and Regulatory Compliance

Abstract

This paper is a case study of a well intervention performed by PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PCSB) in Sarawak region to investigate and rectify a breach in well integrity. The review and discussion demonstrate that the intervention not only ensured compliance with existing well bore risk management guidelines but also reduced operational rig cost and enabled increase in production. The paper identifies the aspects of what appears on first view to be a straightforward well integrity diagnostic process, but which on deeper evaluation exposes the wider and acute impact of the outcomes of such a diagnosis. The nature of the diagnostic technique is examined, and the interrelated impact on PCSB HSE requirements, platform operating efficiency, and field-wide production. The well intervention and the subsequent targeted rectification made possible by the precise nature of the diagnosis, enabled PCSB to bring this well back online and restore its gas production. This gas production is vital for several of the gas lifted wells in the field. Restoration enabled PCSB to increase field production significantly. The study concludes that accurate, reliable and rapid integrity diagnostics should not be evaluated as only relevant as a means of HSE management but also a means of cost management and in sustaining or increasing overall production.