In the examples below, you will see a variety of applications where Vision WellCAM and Vision ReadyCAM has provided invaluable benefit to the end user, enabling them to make decisions based on evidence interpreted from the data viewed in the Vision WellViewer.

 Vision WellCAM finds damaged seal debris

Challenge: There was potential obstruction on a sliding sleeve.

Objective: Run the 2 1/4″ WellCAM visual logging tool in SRO mode on tractor to see what issues were in the wellbore to identify the problem, specifically looking for rubber or other debris in the wellbore.

Preparation: Following our standard operating procedures, the well was bull-headed with a minimum of 1.5 times the wellbore volume with filtered seawater.  As the images show, excellent clear results can be obtained by following the right procedures to prepare for a downhole camera run.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on electric line in surface readout mode on tractor, logging whilst tractoring to the point of interest. The images show parts of rubber seal at 4,420m (14,500ft) on the high side of the well (notice the ball in the circle on the top right hand side of the video screen indicating the low side). As WellCAM is deployed deeper, screens in the sidewall can also be seen.

Benefit: The operator could clearly see there was an issue and an intervention campaign could be planned based on clear information.

Fish identification using image enhancer

 

 

 

This example shows the challenging conditions that are often encountered in the wellbore.  However, it also demonstrates that with a suitable running procedure, experience and patience conclusive images can be obtained.

The problem – the fish – is evident, with the side profile of the well also visible through the suspended particulate in the fluid.

In this example, the video is paused and the benefit of the image enhance is demonstrated.  The WellCAM image enhancer digitally removes moving matter in the image, this allowing a clearer image of the subject.

 

 

Vision WellCAM identifies damaged casing

Challenge: Suspected casing damage in a mature land well.

Objective: Run the 1 11/16″ WellCAM visual logging tool in SRO mode to see what issues were in the wellbore to identify the damage.

Preparation: The well had been shut in for a period of time with water in the wellbore so no preparation was needed.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on electric line in surface readout. The images show damaged casing at 2,494m (8,510ft) on the low side of the well (notice the ball in the circle on the top right hand side of the video screen indicating the low side). Beneath the casing damage, screens in the sidewall can also be seen.

Benefit: The operator was able to assess the viability of repair to the well to get it back to production.  As a direct result of the information gained from running WellCAM, it led to a planned intervention campaign and the well is now producing.

Vision WellCAM DHSV Inspection

Challenge: A downhole safety valve was not sealing leading to communication between the valve and the seat.

Objective: The decision was made to run the WellCAM visual logging tool to establish if there was any damage or debris preventing the valve from closing.

Preparation: A sample of the wellbore fluid was taken which indicated a high NTU with some opacity, so the decision was taken to displace the fluid column in the wellbore with filtered sea water. A minimum displacement of two times the volume was required.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on eline to give surface readout in addition to the high resolution images recorded on the tool itself for detailed analysis post-job. Whilst at the point-of-interest, the valve was cycled and it was evident that there was damage to the leading edge of the valve which was preventing it from closing fully.

Benefit: The operator was able to make a definitive decision based on the visual evidence to pull the upper completion in order to rectify the DHSV. WellCAM had removed all uncertainty which – had it not been a damaged valve – could have led to a very expensive and time consuming intervention that would not have been required.

Vision WellCAM identifies debris in wellbore

Challenge: After a milling operation during an intervention, there was suspected debris in the wellbore.

Objective: Run the WellCAM visual logging tool to determine what debris was in the wellbore to enable an effective fishing and clean-up operation to remove all and any debris from the wellbore.

Preparation: It was anticipated that there would be communication into the wellbore from the annulus and formation due to the milling, so fluid displacement may not have been effective. WellCAM was run on coil which allowed pumping during the operation to keep clean fluid at the point of interest.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on coil with continuous pumping during the operation. The images clearly show broken up debris in the wellbore. WellCAM was subsequently run into the wellbore after the clean-up operation to demonstrate a clean well.

Benefit: The operator, together with their fishing and clean up provider, were able to select the right tools and intervention programme to recover the debris. WellCAM had provided data on the extent of the problem, and on the second run, removed uncertainty that debris still remained in the well. WellCAM contributed to a significantly shorter campaign, saving time, money and reducing environmental impact.

Vision WellCAM verifies valve fluid communication

Challenge: Troublesome downhole safety valves are an ideal candidate for WellCAM to determine the problem. Here we have another valve failing to achieve a suitable seal.

Objective: Attempt to obtain evidence and reasons for the failed seating of the valve.

Preparation: With the valve set shut, the wellbore could be safely displaced to clean filtered seawater to ensure clear images of the valve and any communication problems across it.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on e-line enabling images to be viewed in real-time at surface whilst the valve was being cycled. When the valve is seen closed, bubbles can clearly be seen around the sealing edges of the valve. Evidence of debris and corrosion on the valve seats and degradation of the sealing edges was further evidence of erosive fatigue of the valve.

Benefit: The information showing the degradation of the valve enabled the client to plan a campaign of changing out the valve, knowing that the right course of action was taken. WellCAM provided visual confirmation which removed uncertainty for the client in prioritising the intervention campaign to remedy the faulty valve.

Vision WellCAM 3D rendered output of GLV

Challenge: A retrievable gas lift valve in a side pocket mandrel could not be retrieved. It was unclear why it couldn’t be retrieved so after many attempts at retrieval, it was decided to run WellCAM to investigate.

Objective: To establish any reason why the GLV could not be retrieved.

Preparation: With a high water cut in this well, and a sample of the fluid showing clear conditions, there was no pre-preparation needed before running in hole.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on slickline in memory mode knowing that the conditions were good and the exact depth of the GLV were known. Slowing down at the point of interest a number of passes were made to ensure good images were obtained. Evidence of scale and corrosion can be seen, together with a badly corroded fish neck on the GLV.

Benefit: The high resolution WellCAM images were post-processed using wire-frame interpolation to create a rendered 3D output, not only enhancing the information but also allowing a 1:1 exact size 3D print of the top of the corroded GLV. This enabled the fishing company to accurately match a retrieval tool to the exact shape and size. The result was a quick, safe and efficient intervention to retrieve the GLV.

Vision WellCAM reveals extreme scale

Challenge: The original challenge was the inspection of a DHSV, but this clip demonstrates the total wellbore visual logging capabilities of WellCAM as it picked up the extent of scale which was compromising the safety valve.

Objective: Primary: to inspect the condition and operation of a DHSV; which during operation led to:
Secondary: establishing the extend of the scale in order to put together a clean-up programme.

Preparation: The well was shut in a for a period of 24 hours before the WellCAM operation, the fluid column was displaced with clean water and left to settle.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on e-line to enable real time images at surface whist the DHSV was cycled. The extent of the scale was not known prior to the camera intervention, so surface readout enables a more thorough inspection of the wellbore. Recording in high resolution, utilising the camera in addition to the surface readout meant the entire length of the wellbore could be analysed in detail post job on WellViewer.

Benefit: Had WellCAM not been run, the full extent of the level of scale would not have been known, leading to a very costly and extensive mechanical intervention to remedy. The result was a chemical clean up which could be executed quicker, cheaper and with less impact on the environment.

Vision WellCAM provides multiple measurement capability

Challenge: A cut and deformed wash-pipe from a P&A operation was stuck in hole, and the deformation presented a challenge to the fishing company in selecting an appropriate tool and programme for retrieval.

Objective: Obtain clear images of the top of the pipe and using the WellViewer measuring tool, determine the size and shape of the deformed pipe for retrieval.

Preparation: The well was already shut in, so a straightforward process of displacing the fluid column with clean fluid was achieved.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on slickline in memory mode knowing that the well conditions were good. After an initial drift run to determine accurate depth to the pipe, WellCAM was run to depth, lightly tagged and held at depth before pulling out of hole.

Benefit: By measuring the critical dimensions of the deformed pipe, an accurate picture of the pipe could be determined, within 1mm accuracy, which enabled the most appropriate fishing tool to be selected first time. The pipe was retrieved on the first fishing intervention. WellCAM provided invaluable quantitative data in addition to the visual image which removed uncertainty for the client. WellCAM contributed to a significantly shorter campaign, saving time, money and reducing environmental impact.

Vision WellCAM identifies scale, cracks and restriction

Challenge: To carry out a memory camera log inside the longstring in order to original challenge was the inspection of a DHSV, but this clip demonstrates the total wellbore visual logging capabilities of WellCAM as it picked up the extent of scale which was compromising the safety valve.

Objective: To evaluate the condition of the tubing hanger and tubing from maximum reachable depth. To evaluate specific points of interest at three pre-determined depths.

Preparation: The well was to be shut in with the supply vessel prepared to pump fresh clear fluid while conducting the WellCAM survey.

Intervention: WellCAM was run on memory and with depth integration the pre-determined points of interest were targeted, in addition to running to the intended depth at the DHSV.

Benefit: Scale is evident in the wellbore, with radial cracks seen at various points during the deployment. At one of the points of interest, around a connection the scale can clearly show a restriction. This was a known problem well for the client, and the information allowed them to prioritise the intervention on a previously high output well, thus maximising their overall production capability.

Vision WellCAM confirms connection collapse

Challenge: Whilst running a routine well logging intervention, an unexpected hold-up was encountered at shallow depth.

Objective: This was an important high producing well, so it was vital that accurate information was gathered to establish the reason for the hold up and to determine a remedial plan of action.

Preparation: The well was circulated with clear fluid from the time the holdup was confirmed to just before WellCAM was deployed, thus ensuring clear fluid for a detailed and accurate assessment..

Intervention: WellCAM was run on e-line with surface readout as it was deemed important to inspect the issue live, and also to be able to flush with additional clear fluid if necessary.

Benefit: There are many reasons for holdups – but in this case the reason was clear to see – a collapsed connection, the pin of the lower casing clearly deformed with the disengaged threads visible. This was obviously a significant mechanical failure which required a solution and the information allowed the correct decision to be made to ensure the productivity of the well was kept to a minimum.

What WellCAM users are saying…

UKCS Service Company

The Operator has been keeping us busy with WellCAM. Great footage!

Well Superintendent, Offshore Nigeria

We were concerned that the well preparation for running WellCAM would compromise production.  The support and detailed running procedures ensured we got the visual information we needed and kept the well flowing.

Offshore Supervisor, Brunei

We ran the camera on slickline and the benefits of seeing the side of the wellbore on a memory job with WellCAM’s wide angle view on the video was something we simply couldn’t do with previous downhole cameras.

Global E&P Major

Using WellCAM through our contracted service company makes the operation and procurement much slicker, the field engineers are already on site and the camera is another tool in the toolbox that we use when needed.

Independent E&P Company, Eastern Europe

WellViewer enabled our onshore team to fully review and analyse the camera footage immediately after the camera finished a run in a remote location.  We could accurately determine what needed to be done to fix the problem. The video information actually saved the wellus having to pull the completion saving us time, money and reducing our environmental impact.