Pipe Deformation Analysis is EV-Epidote's proprietary, in-house developed method of analysing caliper data to better define the 3D geometry of tubulars that are sheared, buckled or deformed by other mechanisms. After calculating the deformation geometry, a detailed drift analysis is provided that allows improved operational decisions on well access for future interventions.
Multi-finger cased-hole caliper surveys are usually run to quantify corrosion effects, drilling wear, and scale build up. Occasionally tubular deformation may occur, caused by subsidence, tectonic movement or mechanical damage. Shifts in pipe centre line caused by pipe deformation give a recognisable response in multi-finger caliper data, but are usually processed out for corrosion analysis when the data is corrected for a non-centred tool. Pipe Deformation Analysis uses an inversion technique to calculate the geometry of the deformed tubular using this eccentricity information.
The technique has been applied to caliper data from North Sea, Gulf of Mexico and onshore North America wells for different operators, including major international and multi-national operating companies, with various types of pipe deformation problems. MIPS™ drift analysis service enables tool simulations through the 3D deformed pipe model to determine any well access limitations and help plan future well interventions.
In addition to strong correlation of results from failed well intervention attempts, pipe yard tests have been conducted to verify the technique and software predictions. These tests also gave an insight into the behaviour of caliper tool strings in the deformation zone and were used to optimise the configuration of future surveys.
We offer an efficient service to quantify the 3D geometry of damage features and provide a better estimate of drift ID. There are many situations where knowledge of drift dimensions over a damaged section of well will save the operator time and money. Information is provided on whether intervention equipment can descend below the deformation, and we quantify its diameter and length. Applications include any interventions with wireline, slickline, coil tubing or drill pipe and can be particularly useful for determining suitability of expandable tubulars, casing patches, straddles, plugs, packers, cement retainers and perforating equipment.