Surface casing failure repaired and well returned to production
Download PDFRepair surface casing failure and return well to production
South America
An onshore operator removed a highly productive well from service after a 20-in. casing failure at the surface. After considering heavy workover remedial options, with potentially high costs and long delays, the operator sought alternative solutions to return the well to production with the shortest delay.
During cellar cleaning, the operator observed that a 20-in. casing was damaged and corroded at the cellar level below the casing head. It had been buried in sediment for an unknown period, and the operator suspected prolonged exposure to water and sediment accumulation. The operator noticed wellhead movement due to thermal expansion. The wellhead was not appropriately supported, causing stress on the casing during production and shutdowns. Fatigue on the casing, combined with infrequent inspections and cleaning, led to surface failure.
Halliburton Boots & Coots® developed an engineering and execution plan. The team treated this operation as a workover and secured the well with a blowout preventer. The primary stages were as follows:
All objectives were achieved through this innovative and multidisciplinary engineering and operational approach. In total, preparation and engineering required three months. The operation was performed safely with zero incidents and cost-effectively, and the repair helped the operator avoid a heavy workover to change the wellhead. Halliburton Boots & Coots reconnected the well and restored it to its former production.
