This paper describes the successful field application of a relatively new rigless technique to repair a casing leak in a saltwater disposal well in the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia, the first installation of its kind in the Middle East. This unique repair method utilizes an electric-line-conveyed, non-metallic, composite sleeve composed of elastomers and thermo-setting resins reinforced with fibers. A description of the technology is presented, along with a brief history of its development, characteristics of the patch, and the installation procedure. The candidate selection process, candidate well history, and installation procedure for two patches are discussed, and economics are shown illustrating that this type of repair was economically superior to a rig workover.

Keywords:
production control, waterflooding, well intervention, corrosion, liner, application, production logging, reservoir surveillance, fiber, production monitoring
Subjects:
Wellbore Design, Drilling Operations, Casing and Cementing, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Production Chemistry, Metallurgy and Biology, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Formation Evaluation & Management, Wellbore integrity, Production logging, Waterflooding
Copyright 2001, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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