1214 WEA+WLP
First WEA deployment in APAC region
ISO14310-V0 barrier
Annular isolation
Flexibility
Open and cased hole sections
In a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) development well in North Malaysia, the operator needed a reliable solution to isolate the B annulus from the open hole below the 13-3/8” casing shoe and isolate the production zones. Previous well designs had relied on cement for isolation, but uncertainty regarding placement created potential risks to well integrity.
The client was interested in leveraging a metal expandable packer system that could act as the primary barrier and therefore significantly reduce overall reliance on cement. Welltec proposed a combination of a 1214 Welltec® Expandable Anchor (WEA) and Welltec® Light Packer (WLP) as the ideal solution. An additional WLP was proposed to isolate between the top production zones.
This innovative approach would not only eliminate the need for secondary cementing but also provide a robust life-of-well (LoW) annular isolation system, compliant with ISO14310 V0 standards. This deployment would become the first 1214 WEA + WLP assembly in the APAC region, offering a new, cost-effective method for ensuring well integrity.
The 1214 WEA + 1214 WLP were mounted on a 9-5/8” basepipe and deployed in the cased hole section to isolate the annulus. This modular system allowed for the back-up WLP assembly to be used in both cased and open hole sections, providing versatility and simplicity in deployment.
The cementing operations that were carried out focused on securing the integrity of the 9-5/8” shoe, with the cement plug bumped and both the WEA and WLP expanded via 5,400 psi. This action simultaneously tested the shoe and expanded the packer, ensuring secure isolation.
The well was drilled ahead with an 8 ½” bit to penetrate the reservoir section. The WEA and WLP provided continuous isolation, reducing operational complexity.
The WEA + WLP system ensured robust isolation throughout the operation and eliminated the need for cement placement above the 13-3/8” casing, a challenge in previous wells.
Application of the 1214 WEA + WLP assembly effectively addressed the operational challenges and expenses tied to cement placement failures, providing the client with a reliable mechanical barrier, and the benefit of enhanced well integrity.
This was the first deployment of the 1214 WEA + WLP system in the APAC region. Its success has been recognized by the local regulatory body, Petroleum Management (MPM), and has set a new benchmark for well barrier solutions in HPHT environments.
The ability to use the same packer in both cased and open hole sections demonstrated the versatility of the system. The client now has a proven, adaptable solution of a flexible modular design for future wells.
The system provided ISO14310 V0-compliant annular isolation, securing the well for its entire life cycle and ensuring maximum integrity in a high-pressure, high-temperature environment.
