RTS Partners with Oxy to Present a Novel Approach to In-Facility Tubing Inspection at the SWPSC
Abstract
The installation of tubing in a well makes it susceptible to wall loss from corrosion and wear. This degradation is influenced by environmental conditions, such as temperature, pressure, corrosiveness, and flow rates, along with operating factors like the type of artificial lift and well deviation. Periodic evaluation of tubing condition throughout the well’s operational life, using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, is a recognized best practice. Common NDT methods include ‘scanning’ tubing at the wellhead during a workover or transporting tubing to a specialized facility for comprehensive inspection. The inspection equipment, whether used at the wellhead or in a facility, typically incorporates electromagnetic inspection (EMI) technology to identify defects and assess the tubing’s suitability for continued use. Wellhead and in-facility inspection methods each offer distinct advantages. However, our recent trials demonstrated that in-facility inspections can integrate some benefits traditionally exclusive to wellhead scanning. This development enhances the overall merits of in-facility inspections, establishing it as the preferred method.