Leak Detection &

Well Integrity

Objectives

To be able to

Identify the need for leak detection log.

Identify different leak detection techniques.

Identify the need for Time-Lapse technique.

Impact on Corrosion Losses to our Business

Casing and Tubing Corrosion costs the oil industry Billions of dollars annually. This does not
include the cost of Lost Oil underground through leaks and cross-flows caused by corrosion.
Many of our wells producing today were completed decades ago when corrosion control and
corrosion monitoring were not a primary concern.
As a result of this, most wells are either closed down or producing below their potential. Hence,
Corrosion monitoring, prevention and control feature as the prominent steps in efforts to extend
the life of wells and increase Hydrocarbon recovery.
Technological advances can now help in predicting corrosion hot-spots and can offer options
for quick preventive measures to arrest the corrosion rate and provide rectification.

Leak Detection Techniques

i.

Spinner

ii. Temperature
iii. Noise
iv. Mechanical
v. Electromagnetic

Spinner
How
Spinner measure fluid movement.. Hence
they are used to detect flow phenomena..

Application
Physical measurement (direct contact) of flow
i.

Casing leak

ii. Single tubing and/or accessories leak

Example

Temperature
How
Temperature react to fluid entry..
Be it warming or cooling effect..

Application
i.

Casing leak (may detect across tubing as well/)

ii. Tubing and/or accessories leak

iii. Behind casing channelling but be extra cautious
on this type of evaluation

Example

Example: Water Channelling

Example: Gas Channelling

Noise
How
Noise generated based on various
differential pressure and flowrate..
The leak need to be active in
order for it to be detected..
Application
i.

Casing leak

ii. Single tubing and/or accessories

leak
iii. Reservoir flow and channel behind
casing (new application)

Example

Example: Ultrasonic (Leak Point Tool)

Courtesy: TGT

Courtesy: TGT

Mechanical Caliper
How
Use multi-caliper radii measurements
to reconstruct internal geometry of
pipe..

Application
i.

Monitor casing and tubing thickness

ii. Monitor any deposits build-up

Principle: Finger Map

Perf
Map

Example

Example: MIT Image

Electro/Magnetic
How
Magnetic wave is emitted.. At areas
where there is corrosion or missing
metal, the magnetic field "leaks" from
the steel..
Application
i.

Monitor casing and tubing

(preferably single tubing cases)
thickness

Principle

Courtesy: Baker

Example: Vertilog Baker Inner Defect

Courtesy: Baker

Example: Vertilog Baker Outer Defect

Courtesy: Baker

Example: MTT GE Sondex

Courtesy: GE Sondex

Courtesy: GE Sondex