Integrity Monitoring Methods for Producing and Plugged Wells

Abstract

More challenging wells in sensitive areas require appropriate integrity monitoring to address the safety and environmental concerns. The purpose of this thesis was to gain an overview of the current status of well integrity monitoring on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and available sensors for producing and plugged wells. Published material, meetings with suppliers, manufacturers and a technical specialist from the Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) Norway, and the 2017 Leak Detection Seminar held by the PSA have been used as a basis for this thesis. Driving forces for implementing monitoring and developing sensor technology are identified, and several important challenges and solutions are presented. Despite challenging situations, there are many suitable continuous well integrity monitoring sensors available. New technologies are also being developed using state of the art technology. These can be used to avoid serious integrity failures leading to leaks to the environment, or to detect occurred leaks. Monitoring solutions must be considered during the early stages of well or field development and need to include abandoned wells.