TIW (UK) LTD installs XPatch System for first time in North Sea
TIW (UK) Ltd today announced that it has successfully installed its first XPatch Expandable Casing Patch system in the UKCS. More specifically, the XPatch system was installed on behalf of CNR International (UK) Ltd in the northern North Sea to provide CNR with a cost-effective method of isolating perforations and reducing workover costs. TIW incorporated the system on CNR’s Ninian Platform located 175 km offshore the Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK.
When CNR began researching alternative technologies for use in a forthcoming workover, its objective was to obtain one that would provide an effective way to isolate two sets of perforations and convert the well from an oil producer to a water injector. In addition, CNR wanted to ensure that they would have the option of re-perforating one of the straddled zones at a later date, if required.
CNR selected the XPatch System for its simple design, metal-to-metal sealing capability, ease of installation and cost, which was substantially less than that of competing workover systems.
Patch Set from 14,260 Feet
To achieve these objectives for CNR, TIW installed the system in a three-step configuration. First, three XPatch packers were set in separate trips to straddle the lower and upper perforations with 4-1/2-inch and 4-inch tubing. The system was designed to be flexible, allowing CNR to change from 4-1/2-inch and 4-inch tubing, as needed. All three XPatch runs were installed successfully, with the entire operation carried out as planned.
Installation by TIW Flawless
“Overall, the patch was set from 14,260ft MD to 12,627ft MD at an 80° well angle, which was extremely impressive,” said Rob Spears, Completion Engineer for CNR. “I am happy to report that the XPatch System met - and exceeded – our expectations in both performance and ease of deployment. The entire installation by TIW was flawless.”
Looking ahead, CNR is planning to install another XPatch System on its Ninian development in the North Sea, and is examining others as possible candidates for installations.
A North Sea Milestone
The CNR contract to provide this custom XPatch solution on the Ninian represents a very good opportunity for TIW in the North Sea. “It is the first time that TIW has provided the XPatch not only for CNR, but it was the system’s debut in the UK oil and gas industry. That is a significant milestone for us,” said Mr Tom McGowan, UK General Manager for TIW (UK) Ltd. “From a customer relationship standpoint, we are working diligently to develop what we are confident will be a long-term working relationship with CNR. Strategically, it’s an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to introduce our XPatch technology in the UK,” he added.
Global Track Record
Although the Ninian operation for CNR was the first time that TIW had installed an XPatch system in the North Sea, the system boasts an admirable global track record. Since 2002, TIW has successfully run the XPatch on approximately 50 occasions on behalf of major operators in North and South America. Currently, several XPatch systems are being tested and installed on behalf of a major operator in Norway by TIW‘s representative company, Wellbore AS.
Flexibility is Key
XPatch can be run in any type of well bore inclination, from high angle and horizontal to monobore and slim hole. It has also proven successful in high pressure and conditions downhole. The first Xpatch was successfully tested for geothermal application.
The XPatch System features an expandable packer to provide high pressure, gastight metal-to-metal annular seals and a PBR designed to receive a metal-to-metal seal nipple. The expandable packer allows for close tolerance casing design, and can be manufactured to suit nearly any casing or tubing combination. The system utilizes standard API tubular sizes and material, including P110, L80 and CRA. Sizes Include 4-1/2” x 5-1/2”, 5-1/2” x 7”, 7-5/8” x 9-5/8”, 14” x 16” and 16” x 20.”
About TIW Corporation
TIW (UK) Limited is a division of Houston-based TIW Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Pearce Industries Company. A leading provider of production and completion solutions to the international oil industry, TIW Corporation celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2007. The company operates in every major oil and gas producing region.
