NSEA-SR-127 (North Sea)
CHALLENGE
A North Sea operator encountered a leaking Side Pocket Mandrel (SPM) with a Gas Lift Valve (GLV) insert, and was required to replace it. A Kickover Tool (KOT) was unable to latch onto the GLV due to barium sulphate (BaSO4) scale build-up on the SPM/GLV and in the tubing. Brushes, downhole jars and exercise tools were attempted without success.
The operator then decided to mobilise BLUESPARK® technology with its ability to remove scale from complex downhole completion equipment without risking any damage to them.
SOLUTION
Return a critical downhole completion item back into operation for an oil producer in the North Sea using electro-hydraulic pulsing technology.
Blue Spark Energy’s BLUESPARK® service was mobilised at short notice and run on operator’s preferred wireline provider.
The service required no chemicals, explosives, or controlled goods.
20 ft (6 m) interval across the SPM/GLV, including the tubing above and below it, was treated with BLUESPARK®.
A Lead Impression Block (LIB) was run to confirm whether the top of the GLV was accessible and clear of scale.
CONDITIONS
Offshore Platform
Wireline Deployment
Depth: 8,000 ft (2,400 m)
Temp: 80°C (176 °F)
Horizontal well
Approx. 58° deviation at SPM
OUTCOME
Blue Spark Energy successfully performed its first scale removal operation on a Side Pocket Mandrel (SPM) with Gas Lift Valve (GLV) in the North Sea using our innovative BLUESPARK® technology.
The Lead Impression Block (LIB) confirmed that the scale was removed from the SPM/GLV (see photo above).
The KOT was re-run and was able to latch onto the GLV.
A successful pressure test was performed on the SPM/GLV.
The operation demonstrated the ability of BLUESPARK® to remove scale from complex completion components and tubing.
The well was returned to production with fully compliant integrity status without the requirement for a workover.
Blue Spark Energy is paving the way towards a sustainable, dynamic oil & gas industry. As leaders in high-pulse powered wellbore remediations, we provide a revolutionary technology that is a safe, cost-effective, and efficient solution for forward-thinking energy providers.
