Customer Challenges
- An operator in the UK North Sea required a reliable method to isolate perforations within 5” 20.3 lb/ft tubing ahead of a planned hydraulic fracturing campaign. The challenge was to achieve this using an E-Line deployed solution, enabling a lower-risk, less invasive intervention while maintaining well performance and diameter access
- This project aligned with Expro’s Well Intervention strategy. Central to the success of the project was an extensive engineering programme, including the design, qualification, and rigorous System Integration Testing (SIT) of a first-of-its-kind E-Line deployed expandable patch solution, ensuring it met the required performance, integrity, and deployment criteria
- By integrating engineering expertise with wireline intervention capabilities, Expro delivered a complete solution strategy rather than a standalone product
- As the incumbent E-Line provider, Expro was engaged to deliver the solution. The customer’s confidence was further strengthened by their awareness of Expro’s proven expertise in expandable patch technology
- However, no standard solution existed that could meet the combined requirements of:
- E-Line deployment
- High structural integrity (burst and collapse ratings)
- Preservation of internal diameter, well access and pump rates
- Without an alternative approach, the operator would have faced either a costly workover or performance limitations from conventional straddle systems
Expro Excellence
- The project showcased Expro’s integrated big picture approach to well intervention, combining:
- Analysis – detailed engineering assessment including comprehensive SIT validation
- Diagnostics – accurate wellbore evaluation and dimensional verification through a calliper run
- Preparation – confirmation of deployment readiness via dummy drift run
- Well Security – downhole plug set, ensuring safe well conditions for subsequent operations
- Integrity – deployment of the expandable patch to deliver long-term perforation isolation
- Key achievements included:
- Custom E-Line patch for 5” 20.3 lb/ft tubing with a post-set internal diameter of 3.160”
- High burst and collapse ratings to ensure long-term integrity
- Fast-track development and validation within demanding project timelines
- Strong collaboration between Expro Well Intervention and Coretrax CORE teams
Value to Client
- The solution delivered measurable operational, financial, and production benefits:
- Operational efficiency: Single run deployment reduced intervention time, complexity, and accelerated readiness for the fracturing programme
- Cost savings: Avoided a costly workover campaign while lowering offshore intervention costs
- Production preservation: Maintained a large 3.160” internal diameter, enabling future interventions and minimising production restrictions
- Risk reduction: High-integrity patch design and less invasive E-Line deployment reduced operational risk while ensuring long-term reliability
- Innovation and expertise: Demonstrated Expro’s ability to solve complex integrity challenges through integrated technologies, cross-functional collaboration, and tailored engineering solutions, helping the customer return rapidly to profitable production
Contact
For further information, please contact coretrax@expro.com.
