Mechanical Evaluation and Intervention in Non-Metallic Tubulars Using Current Technologies

Abstract

Abstract With increasing interest in non-metallic products for downhole applications, such as the fiberglass tubing, it is essential to ensure the well integrity in similar way as standard carbon steel completions. One important aspect of well integrity is the ability to routinely access the downhole condition of the tubing and perform basic intervention. This paper demonstrates the testing and validation of different mechanical evaluations of the integrity of fiberglass tubing using logging and intervention tools. In this work, two joints of Fiberglass were connected together in order to study the effect of logging and intervention tools on the integrity of these joints from inner and outer surfaces as well as the structural integrity. For inner wall evaluation, a multifinger caliper tool was run inside the two joints several times in order to investigate potential damage caused by the fingers. In addition, a tubing puncher was used to punch a hole and characterize the surface damage and any effects on the structural integrity of the fiberglass. Furthermore, a tubing cut was performed in order to confirm the performance of the cutting tool in such environment. All the tests were conducted safely and successfully at surface using two different sizes of fiberglass tubing. The tested tubulars were split cut to further investigate internal condition. The effect of applied fingertips on the inner wall surface of the fiberglass from several passes indicated minor scratches that can be further investigated using an accelerated wear test. The integrity of this non-metallic tubular can be evaluated using standard mechanical tools in order to identify defects and scale buildup. Other intervention tools such as the mechanical puncher and cutter indicated successful deployment under surface conditions. Investigation of existing downhole evaluation and intervention technologies can provide an immediate assessment of the benefits and limitations with respect to unconventional completions such as the fiberglass tubing and other non-metallic pipes. Future research and development programs can rely on such solid basis to tailor advanced solutions for any specific application or products.