Largest-ever Bismuth Plug Deployed

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Metal-to-metal downhole sealing solutions provider BiSN said it recently deployed the largest-ever bismuth plug in the Valhall A-30 well, Norway, in conjunction with AkerBP and Altus Intervention.

BiSN’s Wel-lok M2M technology – which can be utilized during well and rigless well abandonment – was deployed via E-line in collaboration with Altus Intervention in AkerBP’s Valhall A-30 well in the Norwegian North Sea.

Conducted as a field trial, the tool was set to evaluate the effectiveness of bismuth as a permanent seal for P&A operations in lieu of cement. With 3,500 kg of bismuth alloy, a gas tight surface seal was created inside 18 5/8” casing through a section milled window cut in the 13 3/8” casing, entering previously unchartered territory regarding weight, size and precise setting procedures.

BiSN chief executive officer, Paul Carragher, said, “This project is an important step towards the adoption of bismuth well sealant technology. Wel-lok M2M drastically reduces the rig time needed to complete well abandonments (P&A) through the use of thermite heaters to melt bismuth-based alloys.

“We are fundamentally changing the way downhole sealing is carried out, and through trials like this, we continue to break the mold of traditional methods, changing the way operators look at well abandonment.”

Martin Straume, P&A Engineering Manager at AkerBP, said, “This installation is proving that there is great savings potential in performing rigless P&A.”

Cathrine Bjaarstad, President Norway & Denmark, Altus Intervention, said, “This project clearly demonstrates Altus Intervention’s ability to deliver innovative solutions and assist operators in resolving downhole challenges, adding value to their operations whilst creating both cost and time-savings.”

Categories: Technology Subsea Europe Production Decommissioning Hardware

Related Stories

TPAO, SOCAR and BP to Ink Caspian Sea Oil and Gas Production Deal

BW Opal FPSO Vessel set for Work off Australia

Shell-Reliance-ONGC JV Complete India’s First Offshore Decom Project

TMC Books Compressors Orders for FPSO and LNG Vessels

Petrovietnam, Petronas Extend PSC for Offshore Block

Borr Drilling Bags Three New Assignments for its Jack-Up Drilling Rigs

VARD Snags $125M Shipbuilding Deal for Subsea Construction Vessel

Valeura Wraps Up Infill Drilling Campaign in Gulf of Thailand

Sapura Energy Nets $720M from Multiple Drilling Services Contracts

Shell Predicts 60% Rise in LNG Demand by 2040 with Asia Leading the Way

Current News

CDWE Wraps Up Pin Pile Installation Job for Taiwanese Offshore Wind Farm

BP Expands Oil and Gas Scope in Azerbaijan with New Projects and Exploration Rights

Azeri SOCAR Plans New Agreements with Oil and Gas Majors

TPAO, SOCAR and BP to Ink Caspian Sea Oil and Gas Production Deal

Fugro Lands Deepwater Gas Field Job in Southeast Asia

OMV Exits Ghasha Gas Project off UAE with Lukoil Stake Sale

China's Sinopec Laucnhes $690M Hydrogen Venture Capital Funds

CIP, ACEN Partner Up for First Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farm in Philippines

Valeura Concludes Eight-Well Drilling Campaign in Gulf of Thailand

Three Dead in Chevron's Angolan Oil Patform Fire

Subscribe for AOG Digital E‑News

AOG Digital E-News is the subsea industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email three times per week

https://accounts.newwavemedia.com