Wireline-deployed metal expandable sleeve with patch-thru-patch capability
The Welltec® Delta Xpander Internal Patch (WDX-IP) is a wireline-deployed, metal expandable sleeve designed to restore full well integrity by restricting inflow and/or outflow in damaged or corroded well casings, covering perforated zones, and protecting downhole hardware.
With no more than a 6-7 mm effect on the tubing's inner diameter (ID), the WDX-IP allows for patch-thru-patch operations with all the benefits of straddles and larger steel patches, but with a more rapid deployment capability and total flexibility for customized relining, repair, and well integrity.
This utra-slim profile addresses two of the most common pain points associated with leak remediation and the installation of patch solutions:
1) Access beyond an installed WDX-IP is retained
2) Flow rate is largely unaffected
Compatible with a range of tubing types (5.5"), the WDX-IP enables rapid, rigless remediation by sealing off problem zones and protecting downhole hardware — all without the need for heavy intervention or prolonged downtime.
Challenges and applications
The WDX-IP system is delivered on an integrated wireline toolstring, incorporating all the components required for deployment and expansion.
Once run in hole, the tool anchors itself in the desired location before hydraulically expanding the sleeve against the inner casing wall.
This expansion is controlled via a downhole pump, with real-time monitoring and dual fail-safe mechanisms ensuring reliable, consistent performance.
The upper and lower ends of the sleeve are set in a controlled sequence, resulting in a high-integrity seal across the damaged or perforated section.
Following successful setting, pressure is bled off, and the toolstring is retrieved to surface, leaving a permanent patch in place.
The end result is a high-integrity internal patch with minimal impact on inner diameter — enabling future patch-thru-patch remediation while preserving access and flow, and eliminating the need for heavy intervention.
| Applications |
| Restricting or limiting inflow and outflow in perforated well casings |
| Sealing off leaks, perforations, corroded zones, holes |
| Protecting downhole hardware |
| Water shut-off |
| Features |
| Designed for perforated well casings |
| Suitable for highly corroded environments |
| Uses well fluid column (brine only) |
| Sealing material made from Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) |
| Patch-thru-patch capability |
| Benefits |
| Wireline-deployed |
| Qualified for high temperatures and pressures |
| Long-lasting sealing performance |
| Prevents damage from drilling fluids and corrosion |
| Reliable downhole protection |
| Specifications* | |
| Tool OD* | 3.74”-3.94" |
| Setting tool length / With bow spring centralizers | 20ft/23.2ft |
| Total length / With bow spring centralizers | 43ft/50.2ft |
| Total tool weight (Minimum/TBC) | 440 lbs (TBC) |
| Maximum setting ID* | 4.55” (5.5” 26ppf) - 4.778” (5.5” 20ppf) |
| Maximum ID reduction | 0.24”-0.28” |
| Sleeve length post expansion in max setting ID | 103” |
| Effective sealing length | 91” |
| Maximum leak hole size | 0.6" |
| Burst pressure at maximum leak hole size* | 8,700 psi |
| Casing curvature (Maximum dog-leg severity) | 3° |
| Maximum setting temperature | 284°F |
| Collapse pressure | 1,500 psi |
| Qualification standard | V3 - In accordance with ISO 14310 |
| Anchoring force post-setting | ≥4,000 lbs |
| Maximum service temperature | 284°F |
| Minimum service temperature | 35°F |
| Material | AISI 316L |
| Expansion fluid | Well fluid column - Brine only (NO drilling fluid, NO mud) |
| Sealing material* | Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) |
Talk to your local expert
At Welltec, our team of specialists is experienced in resolving the unique challenges of well drilling and operations across diverse terrain. Whatever your need, we can help you find a solution.