C-clamp casing integrity remediation helps operator overcome challenge
Download PDFHydrocarbon leak observed at surface of onshore well
Middle East
An operator in the Middle East needed to repair an external hydrocarbon leak before conducting a workover that required internal well repairs. The source of the small surface leak was between 18 5/8-in. and 13 3/8-in. casing strings, and caused by a failure of the cement bond between casings.
The project faced two key challenges: first, removing the support brackets from 13 3/8-in. casing to obtain accurate dimensions and install a c-clamp; second, damages (including dents and pitting) in the potential seal area of the 18 5/8-in. casing.
The Halliburton Boots & Coots® team developed a two-phase execution plan to help resolve the challenge. The first phase involved cold cutting the support brackets from the 13 3/8-in. casing to the accurate acquired dimensions. In the second phase, the team designed and installed a non-sour service c-clamp rated for 500-psi working pressure —injected with the WellLock® resin system and tested with 500 psi. The system served as a dependable barrier to mitigate fluid flows in the wellbore. The innovative use of the WellLock® resin system helped enhance the well integrity and performance of the operator.
Boots & Coots performed an initial site assessment and completed the first phase as planned. After the initial site assessment, the team conducted three additional site visits to locate an adequate 18 5/8-in. casing to seal against. They then installed the c-clamp and filled the clamp void with the WellLock® resin system. The repair was successful, and the operator was able to proceed with the workover plans.
