Legitimating the use of casing patch technology.
Today the recovery optimization of hydrocarbon production is getting more important to operators. Managing oil and gas reservoirs more efficiently has become increasingly complex:
The need for a patch to isolate unwanted perforations in both production and injection wells has been growing.
Therefore the necessity of a patch to restore casing integrity is now almost inevitable:
- To prevent the well from fluid or gas migrations in the annulus
- To prevent the well from any risk of a blowout
- To lengthen the lifespan of the well
- To stimulate and preserve the production rates
Restoring casing integrity
Casing repair or perforations shutoff with a patch involves obtaining a downhole inner-lining seal system. Not only the patch provides a pressure-resistant inner barrier, but it also allows maximum Inside Diameter – ID access for further well intervention.
Saltel Xpandable Patch does not significantly reduce the casing diameter nor restrict access to the wellbore below. The patch is much more efficient than the existing solutions. (Cement squeezes after numerous cement squeeze failures)
To complete failing remedial cementing operations, one can install patches as a cement backup solution. Installing patches over a previous squeeze cementing or squeeze gel operation can repair casing leaks. This combination results in high levels of success in terms of integrity from both inside and outside the casing.
Saltel Industries have developed, tested, and successfully trialed (several hundreds of patches installed worldwide) their stainless steel Patch in situ, to create high pressure–resistant inner lining inside the tubular. Initially designed for perforation shut-off, the technology is now suitable for repairing both short lengths of damaged or corroded completion but also for repairing damaged completion modules.
Casing Patch Principle
Saltel Xpandable Patch is a remedial expandable steel solution for the oil and gas wells’ integrity. Casing leaks and damaged completion issues need oilfield solutions that can resist harsh environments while maintaining or bringing back the oil or gas production to satisfactory levels. Saltel Patch effectively meets all these oilfield downhole challenges.
Saltel Patch is an economical way to stimulate the well production or to avoid plug and abandonment operations. One of the best advantages of an expandable steel Patch is the maximum internal diameter provided post-installation, leaving full access to the well below, along with the ID initially requested by the client, and validated by our dedicated software (job planner) before the patch installation.
Saltel Patch is a permanent solution, repairing zones of damaged tubing or casing, shutting-off unwanted perforations – modifying injection profiles, and shutting off gas and water (the patch reduces the water cut: large volumes of water may be produced to keep some Oil company operators’ wells at economic oil production rates. As a result, numerous perforation zones need to be isolated with an inner lining system), to seal a leaking DV tool, a damaged frac port, or leaking sand screens or ICDs (new well applications) + other remedial applications. High temperature and harsh environment Casing Patches can also be used for damaged tubular, slotted liners, or screens in thermal applications (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage – SAGD, and Cyclic Steam Stimulation – CSS).
Setting Procedure
Saltel Casing Patch consists of high-quality stainless steel and elastomer outer skin with a profiled sealing system. The patch sets with tubing, drill pipe, and now smart coil tubing. At depth, we expand the patch using a high-pressure inflatable packer, pushing it against the casing and overpressuring to activate the outer seals. Once installed, the setting tools are POOH. Our patch exists in various thicknesses, according to the well’s required specific application.