Abstract
Operators continuously strive to improve the efficiency of well intervention activities, as any time spent on interventions is non-productive time. However, planning and executing an efficient intervention is challenging when downhole conditions or issues are uncertain. The guesswork involved often leads to a trial-and-error process during interventions. Performing diagnostic imaging at the outset of an intervention could break this inefficient cycle, but the techniques commonly used for downhole visualizations, such as video cameras, lead impression blocks and ultrasonic imaging, are not sufficiently reliable. Recently, an X-ray based wireline tool was introduced for providing downhole imaging, regardless of the well fluid. We will present a case study in which this new tool was used to assess the condition of the flapper on a downhole safety valve. The X-ray images showed that the flapper was mobile and verified that an insert downhole safety could potentially be installed. This allowed the operator to eliminate higher-risk and more costly options, and they eventually installed the insert downhole safety valve.
