Field Trial Results of Annular Pressure Behavior in a High-Pressure/High-Temperature Well

Abstract

Abstract The problem of annular pressure buildup due to heating of the strings by the (hot) well effluent, will typically be of concern in the design of casing strings for high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) sub-sea wells. In such completions bleeding off the pressure through the wellhead, as done routinely with surface wells, is not possible. Theoretical studies indicated that, potentially, extreme pressures could develop in confined sealed annuli of subsea completions, posing a severe threat to well integrity. To investigate the effect under realistic conditions, Shell Expro (UK) ran battery operated gauges in the 9 5/8 in. × 13 5/8 in. annulus of an offshore HP/HT well, to record pressure and temperature changes during drilling, cementing and production testing. This paper presents the results of these tests and a general model for pressure buildup in unconfined sealed annuli to correlate the field data. Since only pressure and temperature measurements were available certain assumptions had to be made with respect to, e.g., formation response to pressure buildup, in situ liquid properties, etc. Although these assumptions could be debatable, it is hoped that by publishing and sharing ideas, a better understanding of annular pressure behavior can be developed.