An Innovative Journey with Revolutionary Remote Operated Barrier Valve to Boost Efficiency, Maximize Production, and Reduce Carbon Emissions
Authors: Abdalla A. , Al-Hassani S. D. , Alhosani A. , Abdi R. , Najy A. , Burke R. , Al Messabi S. , ElSheikh H. , Sulaiman A. , Ross S. , Yakovlev T. 
Published: November 2024

This paper describes a strategy to dramatically reduce off-line time for ADNOC Offshore production facilities, when well work-over and well intervention is required. This is achieved through deployment of a novel technology solution, the intelligent barrier valve (Intelligent Remote-Operated Valve). A detailed description of this technology, its advantage over current methods of wells isolation, and the estimated efficiency gains will be presented.

Company procedures for a rig or barge approach to wellhead towers, require setting a barrier in every well in addition to DHSV; Retrievable bridge plugs are typically used, being installed in advance, and retrieved later once the rig or barge departs the tower and so wells are shut-in for whole duration from plugging until final retrieval. The new well isolation strategy uses remotely controlled valve "Intelligent Remote-Operated Valve", which is connected to Nippleless packer. Once installed, Pressure commands or timer instructions (control lines not required) can be used to close the valve, creating a V0 well barrier as per ISO 14310. After the rig or barge approach and the well-specific operation is completed, the pressure command can be used to open the valve for production or injection of that well immediately. Retrieval operation can be planned afterwards using the most economical or easily available methods, without the pressure of time or weather affecting production/ injection. The pressure instructions are very specific for well conditions. So, the INTELLIGENT REMOTE-OPERATED VALVE tool cannot be triggered by naturally occurred pressure/ temperature changes or other external activities, such as pressure or inflow testing – used for barrier verification.

A technology pilot trial at ADNOC Offshore field has proven the concept of temporary well isolation using a remotely actuated barrier. The INTELLIGENT REMOTE-OPERATED VALVE tool was successfully programmed offshore based on well conditions, it was installed by slickline, and pressure tested using the pumps at surface. Several pressure commands were issued to Intelligent Barrier Valve, to which it successfully responded as per well program. Minimal pressure differential was observed across open valve, which proved that production or injection will be unobstructed. Pressure and temperature logs, and diagnostic logs were downloaded at surface and analyzed live.

This paper is prepared following the successful trial of on-demand barrier approach, where the INTELLIGENT REMOTE-OPERATED VALVE technology was used for the first time in the Middle East for rig approach and safe Offshore well isolation. The paper contains detailed aspects of technology, operation, planning, and lessons learned. Implementation of this novel approach will be beneficial for reducing deferred production in these types of operations and should be applicable to a wide audience of Industry Engineers