Through Tubing Well Abandonment: Challenges and Possibilities

Abstract

Well abandonment is crucial in the oil and gas industry, ensuring environmental safety and compliance as wells cease production. Through Tubing Abandonment (TTA) is an innovative approach that differs from traditional plug and abandonment (P&A) methods by allowing operations to be conducted through existing tubing, thereby eliminating the need for its removal. This method offers significant economic benefits and reduces Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) risks.

This thesis examines the effectiveness, challenges, and possibilities of TTA. Through a comprehensive review of industry reports and a qualitative interview with a field professional, the study explores the operational efficiencies, cost savings, and technological advancements required for TTA. The findings demonstrate that TTA can lead to substantial cost reductions and time savings while maintaining well integrity and environmental safety.

Key challenges include the need for advanced logging tools and reliable cement placement techniques. The study highlights the potential of new sealing materials and improved logging technologies to overcome these barriers. Regulatory compliance and strategic planning are essential for optimizing TTA outcomes.

The conclusion synthesizes the research findings, providing a detailed overview of TTA's benefits and limitations. It also offers insights into TTA's future, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and regulatory adaptation in enhancing well abandonment practices in the oil and gas industry.

Well abandonment is crucial in the oil and gas industry, ensuring environmental safety and compliance as wells cease production. Through Tubing Abandonment (TTA) is an innovative approach that differs from traditional plug and abandonment (P&A) methods by allowing operations to be conducted through existing tubing, thereby eliminating the need for its removal. This method offers significant economic benefits and reduces Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) risks.

This thesis examines the effectiveness, challenges, and possibilities of TTA. Through a comprehensive review of industry reports and a qualitative interview with a field professional, the study explores the operational efficiencies, cost savings, and technological advancements required for TTA. The findings demonstrate that TTA can lead to substantial cost reductions and time savings while maintaining well integrity and environmental safety.

Key challenges include the need for advanced logging tools and reliable cement placement techniques. The study highlights the potential of new sealing materials and improved logging technologies to overcome these barriers. Regulatory compliance and strategic planning are essential for optimizing TTA outcomes.

The conclusion synthesizes the research findings, providing a detailed overview of TTA's benefits and limitations. It also offers insights into TTA's future, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and regulatory adaptation in enhancing well abandonment practices in the oil and gas industry.