Well Abandonment - Cost-effective solutions achieved through collaboration, technology, optimization & integration

Key Takeaways: Well Abandonment - Cost-effective solutions achieved through collaboration, technology, optimization & integration

Executive Summary

In the webinar, Baker Hughes experts discussed cost-effective solutions for well abandonment through collaboration, technology optimization, and integration. Key strategies include reducing trips to lower time costs and emissions, and leveraging automation and digital technologies for smarter interventions and data-driven decision-making. The session highlighted the importance of integrated approaches, authentic partnerships, and leading technologies to improve operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Specific technologies such as the Prime compact puncher, casing integrity and cement mapping service, and the extreme slotted isolate mechanical swapping tool were showcased. Additionally, the benefits of vessel-based well abandonment and the importance of early planning and alignment on key performance indicators were emphasized to achieve significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies.

Speakers

Bart Joppe, Well abandonment leader, Baker Hughes
Knut Inge Dahlberg, Integrated Solutions Commercial & Sales Director, Baker Hughes
Alistair Tennant, Subsea Well Access Systems & Technology Leader, Baker Hughes
Moderator: Ivy Diaz, Digital Editor, World Oil

Key Takeaways

1. Collaborative Well Abandonment: Baker Hughes emphasizes a collaborative, integrated approach to well abandonment, leveraging partnerships and advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

2. Key Operational Technologies: Key technologies highlighted include the Prime Compact Puncher, CICM (Casing Integrity and Cement Mapping) service, and the Extreme SEI (Slotted Isolate Mechanical Swapping) tool, which enhance operational efficiency and safety.

3. Cost-Effective Subsea Abandonment: The company is investing in riserless light well intervention and other vessel-based PNA technologies to enable cost-effective subsea well abandonment from vessels rather than rigs.

4. Integrated Delivery Model: Baker Hughes' integrated delivery model, including the PNA hub, focuses on early planning, standardized setups, and reducing POB (Personnel on Board) to achieve up to 40% cost savings in well abandonment projects.

5. Investments in Integrity: Significant investments in technology, people, and commercial models are being made to meet the anticipated increase in well abandonment demand, with a focus on protecting aquifers and ensuring well integrity.

Key Quote

With the integrated delivery or A1 team approach, we have different synergies and that's also reducing NPOB reduction and the ability for us to use our remote operational center to remotely support our operations for all our project with our partners. The main goal is to deliver the lowest overall cost of our operations where we have different setups with our partners and different commercial models that suits the different needs that we see around.

Webinar

Watch Full Webinar here.

FAQs: Well Abandonment - Cost-effective solutions achieved through collaboration, technology, optimization & integration

General Information

1. What is the focus of Baker Hughes' well abandonment solutions?
Baker Hughes focuses on improving operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact during well abandonment operations. This includes reducing the number of trips to lower time costs and emissions, utilizing automation and digital technologies for smarter interventions, and data-driven decision making.

2. What percentage of decommissioning expenditure is spent on well abandonment?
Approximately 50% of the decommissioning expenditure is spent on well abandonment, which includes sealing and plugging off the well.

Technologies and Tools

1. What is the Prime Compact Puncher?
The Prime Compact Puncher is an electro-hydraulic tool deployed on an electric line in the wellbore. It is used to punch multiple holes in tubing or screens, allowing communication between the tubing and the annulus. It is programmable at the surface and can be used for production enhancement and well plug and abandonment.

2. What is the CICM service?
The CICM (Casing Integrity and Cement Mapping) service is a tool run in the hole after pulling the tubing out. It evaluates casing integrity, wall thickness, and cement bonds or the presence of medium outside the pipe. It can be run on drill pipe and is used extensively in plug and abandonment operations.

3. What is the Extreme SEI tool?
The Extreme SEI (Slotted Isolate) tool is a mechanical slotting tool that creates slots in the pipe and then hydraulically cleans the annulus behind the casing. It is used to provide a one-trip slot, jet, and isolate solution, making it different from traditional perforation methods.

Subsea Well Abandonment

1. Can subsea well abandonment be executed from a vessel?
Yes, subsea well abandonment can be executed from a vessel, depending on the type of well and the activities required. Baker Hughes has invested in riserless light well intervention technology to enable this.

2. What is the Extractor tool?
The Extractor tool is an open water tubing hanger retrieval tool used to remove the production tubing with the tubing hanger and pull it back to the vessel. It provides hydraulic energy to jack the hanger away from its location before recovery.

3. What is the Terminator tool?
The Terminator tool is an ROV-operated system used to cut off the wellhead and pull it back to the surface. It can cut multiple casing strings and is used to complete the plug and abandonment phase of subsea wells.

Integrated Delivery Model

1. What is the integrated one team approach?
The integrated one team approach involves bringing together Baker Hughes operators and partners to deliver well abandonment projects holistically. This includes project planning, contractual alignment, and project execution as a single team, with a focus on alignment on key performance indicators.

2. What are the benefits of the integrated delivery model?
The integrated delivery model offers a single point of contact, a responsive team, and predictable results. It includes early solution engineering, technology development, and the use of remote operational centers to support operations, leading to cost reduction and improved efficiency.

3. What is the PNA hub?
The PNA hub is a dedicated team focused on well abandonment, consisting of PNA engineers, application engineers, subsurface experts, and product line SMEs. This team handles early planning to execution, optimizing planning to reduce overall spending during operations.

Blog: Innovative Tools and Strategies for Efficient Well Abandonment

Achieving cost-effective solutions in well abandonment is crucial for the oil and gas industry. Advanced technologies and strategic collaboration significantly enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact. By reducing the number of trips required, leveraging automation, and utilizing digital technologies, companies can streamline interventions and make data-driven decisions. This approach not only lowers costs but also reduces emissions, contributing to a more sustainable industry. Tools like the ROV-operated Terminator exemplify this shift, as it hydraulically engages with the wellhead, cuts the tubular below the surface, and recovers the wellhead back to the vessel. Such innovations enable the recovery of multiple wellheads in a single campaign, streamlining the plug and abandonment process and reducing the environmental footprint.

Innovative Tools for Efficient Well Abandonment

Well abandonment strategies benefit greatly from innovative downhole tools. The Prime Compact Puncher, an electro-hydraulic tool on an electric line, precisely punches multiple holes in tubing or screens. Programmable at the surface, it reduces trips and enhances safety by avoiding explosive solutions. The Casing Integrity and Cement Mapping (CICM) service, running on drill pipe, evaluates casing integrity and cement bonds, optimizing the abandonment process.

Subsea well abandonment technologies, such as Riserless Light Well Intervention (RLWI) systems, access wells from monohull vessels, cutting costs associated with traditional drilling rigs. These systems have proven effective in through-tubing abandonments. Customized tooling solutions for legacy wells, where original equipment is unavailable, enable full abandonment of mature fields.

Advancements in Subsea Well Abandonment Tools and Strategies

The use of open water tubing hanger retrieval tools, like the Extractor tool, marks significant advancements in subsea well abandonment. This tool enables the retrieval of tubing hangers and production tubing from the wellhead using a vessel's crane, providing hydraulic energy for efficient removal even after decades. It facilitates the final stages of well abandonment and enhances operational efficiency.

Successful well abandonment projects rely on a holistic, integrated approach. By uniting operators, service providers, and technology partners, projects achieve greater alignment and efficiency. This "one team" approach ensures all stakeholders work towards common goals, leveraging collective expertise to optimize outcomes. Aligned key performance indicators (KPIs) foster a unified vision and commitment to excellence. This model also integrates various policies and procedures tailored to different markets and applications.

Cost efficiency in well abandonment is achieved through strategic integration of people, technology, and digital solutions. Early solution engineering allows for tailored solutions that meet unique project requirements. Standardizing setups and leveraging advanced technologies ensure superior execution across regions. Clients benefit from a single point of contact, ensuring responsive and predictable project delivery. This integrated approach also enables remote operational centers, enhancing efficiency and reducing personnel on board (POB).

Dedicated P&A hubs demonstrate the industry's commitment to continuous improvement. These hubs bring together engineers, subsurface experts, and product line specialists to focus on well abandonment. By breaking down silos and fostering collaboration, teams optimize planning and execution processes. Early project planning involvement leads to a deeper understanding of client challenges, resulting in more effective and cost-efficient solutions. Knowledge gained from each project refines and enhances future operations, driving ongoing improvements in quality and efficiency.

The integration of advanced technologies and strategic collaboration in well abandonment operations offers notable benefits in cost reduction, operational efficiency, and environmental impact. Utilizing innovative downhole tools, subsea intervention systems, and customized solutions for legacy wells enables more effective and sustainable processes. As decommissioning demand increases, these advancements are crucial for achieving industry goals in cost reduction and environmental stewardship. Adopting a holistic, one-team approach, early planning, and solution engineering ensures tailored, high-quality solutions. These integrated models are essential for meeting the growing demand for well abandonment services, ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations.