Case Studies

DeepwaterQA & Engineering Features Showcased:

• Deepwater + HP/HT Expertise

• Proven and New Age QA/QC Methodologies

• Proprietary “Excellence Checklist”

• Data Driven KPI Solutions

• Small Client Dedicated Project Teams.

Challenge

• 26+ hours of TP&A valve troubleshooting NPT and 16+ hours of downhole fishing NPT to retrieve non-drillable plug.

• During batch development drilling, an installed downhole TP&A valve failed to hold pressure upon installation and pressure testing.

• With only one model available in country, the primary tool was retrieved to surface and the backup was run successfully, but observations showed that the primary tool’s non-drillable pump out plug feature was lost downhole or never installed.

• Upon backup valve retrieval, the running/retrieval tool failed to stab in downhole during the first 6 attempts with success being made on the 7th attempt with only 3 of 18 threads successfully engaging (significant dropped string risk).

• After retrieval, a 16+ hour fishing trip had to be made to ensure the non-drillable plug was not lost in hole.

Solution:

• DeepwaterQA & Engineering applied their failure analysis methodologies to perform a comprehensive tool teardown, analysis of tooling documentation and running procedures, and recap of rig operational timelines.

• Investigation findings yielded major flaws in the pinning techniques that secured the TP&A valve pump out plug features, along with many operational risks or gaps in the running and retrieval procedures.

• DeepwaterQA & Engineering implemented data driven “Excellence Checklists” to mandate reinforced shear pin installation methods and rating + prescribed additional downhole circulation prior to TP&A valve stab in/retrieval.

Impact:

• DeepwaterQA & Engineering successfully identified 3 TP&A valves being mobilized offshore that had the same issues and prevented their mobilization.

• The tools were torn down and redress adequately and delivered a 100% success rate for the remainder of the campaign.