EV Offshore Ltd has successfully completed a downhole inspection operation for Paladin Expro Limited (Paladin) in the North Sea. The operation was carried out from the GlobalSantaFe 140 semi-submersible rig on a development well in the Brechin Field, which is located close to the Montrose, Arbroath and Arkwright (MonArb) Field complex.
EV Offshore engineers knew that it wouldn’t make sense to use its standard CamScan EVO2 inspection system on its own. A special drillpipe running tool, with integral flush-through capability, was used that made it possible to run the CamScan EVO2 on drillpipe. By employing this technology, in addition to downhole pressure, temperature, and other essential downhole data, engineers were able to assess conditions visually in real-time.
With the monochrome low-light camera and a high-definition colour camera inside the running tool, Paladin engineers had instant access to high-resolution visual images of the area in question. The comprehensive pictures of conditions downhole enabled operations to be carried out with even greater accuracy and confidence. The system makes it possible to download pictures and short movies from the camera to a memory stick, from which they are transferred to a PC for transmission on a rig or onshore.
Coupled with a back-up CamScan EVO2 and umbilical, and a camera-running and flushing tool, this suite of equipment makes it possible for EV Offshore to offer full, continuous hemispherical viewing while running downhole - in colour or monochrome. It is also capable of flushing turbid water and dislodging obstructions at target depth to offer a clear view.
With the success of the inspection on Brechin Field, Paladin and EV Offshore are exploring ways in which the CamScan EVO2 could be used to deliver further benefits, by reducing downtime sometimes caused by problems that arise during critical drilling operations.
