RestrictionVA delivers rapid and comprehensive evaluation of downhole restrictions, identifying their root cause and determining their severity. Through quantified visual assessment and advanced computer modelling techniques, RestrictionVA provides the definitive, proactive service for de-risking well interventions.
Downhole restrictions can have a significant impact on wellbore access, well integrity and well production. Often symptomless at surface, an unexpected downhole restriction adds significant risk to well interventions and can result in extended non-productive time – or even premature abandonment – of valuable assets. Therefore, having a clear understanding of the location and extent of the restriction is vital.
By combining high definition, quantified video and multi-sensor data from sources such as multi-finger calipers, RestrictionVA provides comprehensive assessment of downhole restrictions and a proactive solution to help plan and design well interventions, confirm their viability and minimize operational risk.
Image processing techniques rapidly identify the cause and measure the size of visible protrusions, in real-time and directly at the well site. Armed with this information, operators can take decisive action to clear restrictions resulting from damaged downhole hardware, foreign objects, scaling, sanding or other forms of deposition, and severe mechanical damage such as collapsed or parted tubulars. Through immediate and clear understanding of the problem, operators can act without assumption, enabling effective remediation to be deployed first time, or to cease operations at the earliest opportunity if the objectives cannot be met.
In the case of tubular deformation, RestrictionVA – powered by EV-Epidote’s patented Pipe Deformation Analysis (PDA) and Drift Simulation services – can be applied. These highly specialized computational techniques provide detailed understanding of the limitations in wellbore access caused by formation shear, swelling or compaction, and from buckling induced by excessive mechanical stresses or induced thermal loading. By creating an accurate 3D model of the deformed pipe, it is possible to calculate a drift diameter profile and simulate the passage of specific equipment through the deformation. This critical information enables well operators and intervention specialists to design bottom hole assemblies that will meet operational objectives, while minimizing risk of becoming stuck at the site of deformation. Likewise, through the same process, well workovers and abandonments can be planned to optimise barrier installation and pipe recovery operations.