SSSV reactivated after years of shut in

Key results

• Targeted treatment Top of flow tube and flapper targeted
• Immediate results positive control line returns after initial pulses
• Production resumed after 8 years of shut-in

Challenge

A major North Sea operator had a SSSV that had been inoperable and the well had been shut in for 8 years. The SSSV flapper was stuck in a partially open position and it would not close or pass an inflow test.

There was also a Wireline brush stuck below the SV flapper at an unconfirmed depth. Calcium Carbonate scale was seen in the flow tube area and in the tubing above the SSSV.

• Depth: 550 m (1,800 ft)

Solution

Remove CaCO3 scale from the SSSV to restore functionality using electro-hydraulic pulsing technology.

• The BLUESPARK® tool was run on third-party E-Line with a No-Go so as not to contact the flapper.
• The flow tube was cleaned during the first run in the well (the flow tube was now moving).
• The No-Go was removed and a second run was made to treat the flapper directly, as well as the entire length of the SSSV.

Outcome

• An increase in control line returns was noted after the 1st BLUESPARK® run, indicating the flow tube and flapper were reactivated.
• A successful inflow test was performed on the SSSV after the 2nd run.
• Subsequently, the Wireline Brush was fished from beneath the SSSV, the well was perforated in 2 new zones and brought back online.
• Production was commenced after being shut-in for several years.