Well Integrity Technical Section

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  • 1.  BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-17-2015 12:29 AM

    Well is completed with 3-1/2" P-110 BTS-6 frac string. After carrying out successful fracture injection test, tubing/casing communication was developed.

    Our goal is to workover the well and re-complete with same  tubing after replacing the damaged/leaky tubing joints only. Since it is a frac candidate, so maximum surface pressure will vary from 10,000 to 12,000 psi. 

    Will BTS-6 connection maintain the seal-ability & galling resistance to its original values after break up & make up connections? 

    What are the E&P best practices to inspect & verify the tubing connection for its serviceability to conform & comply with ISO 13679?

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    Lajpat Rai
    Petroleum Engineer
    United Energy Pakistan Ltd
    Karachi City
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  • 2.  RE: BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-20-2015 11:44 AM

    The BTS connection has a seal/torque shoulder that creates a pressure seal. If propperly installed and dopped  I think it is unlikely that the connection is leaking. I would suspect that the tubing has holes in it, if that is the case your entire string should be tested for wall loss. You can find out before getting a rig on location by running a tubing calliper per log.

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    Brad Mcphee
    HoustonTX



  • 3.  RE: BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-22-2015 08:59 AM

    Lajpat,

    I agree with Bradley. 

    The connection looks very much like a Hydril PH6 and that is a very robust connection and should not be expected to leak if made up properly.

    I would look at the frac string for some more serious problem. (excessive wear, over pressure/burst, corrosion, etc). A caliper log should indicate this very quickly and at a relatively low cost.  Then if you need to replace the string you can plan for that activity.

    It may also be something as simple as the seals came out of the frac string seal receptacle.  Check your tubing movement and make sure the space out was correct.

    Let me know if you have any questions,

    Dan

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    Dan Gibson
    aka The Well Doctor
    Completion & Well Integrity Advisor
    Houston, Texas



  • 4.  RE: BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-23-2015 02:46 AM

    A leak could also be easily detected using a Temperature log.

    Set  temporary plug below below the suspected leak..

    Run a shut-in base log.

    Circulate down the tubing while running another pass.

    Leak point will be very clear.

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    David McClay
    Scientific Drilling

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-24-2015 10:11 AM
    LeakPoint logging service is an ultrasonic listening device which will very accurately locate the source of communication.

    I'll be happy to provide further information. joel.johns@archerwell.com

    Seal-Tite is an excellent product for curing leaks in tubulars.

    www.seal-tite.com


    Regards,
    Joel Johns
    281-687-1515
    Archer

    Sent from my iPhone

    ------Original Message------

    A leak could also be easily detected using a Temperature log.

    Set  temporary plug below below the suspected leak..

    Run a shut-in base log.

    Circulate down the tubing while running another pass.

    Leak point will be very clear.

    ------------------------------
    David McClay
    Scientific Drilling
    ------------------------------


  • 6.  RE: BTS-6 Tubing Connection Sealability

    Posted 11-24-2015 05:56 PM

    As mentioned by others - there are a number of logging options that may help locate the down hole leaks before you pull the tubing.

    The new generation ultra sonic logging tools are reported to be able to detect very small leaks.

    With regard to thread inspection once the tubing has been recovered - it may be best to seek recommendation from the thread vendor.

    They should be able to offer an inspection procedure with pass/rejection criteria - and options for redressing & repair.

    They should also be able to comment on galling risk due to breakout and re-make up. 

    ISO 13679 is a qualification procedure for connections - not really applicable for connection inspection.

    Not sure if the BTS-6 has been qualified under ISO 13679 ? - But if it has, the removed tubing threads would need to be within the tolerances specified in the original ISO 13679 testing - to retain validity of the original ISO qualification.

    Again, would be best to get the tread vendor to comment on any potential change in the performance properties of the re-run BTS-6 connections.

    Regards,

    Grant

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    Grant Lintern
    D&C Adviser
    Consultant
    ComoWA