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    TGT Diagnostics and FOSINA announce collaboration Find out more Through-barrier diagnostics Decarbonise with diagnostics Find out more Find out more Press releaseAbout UsDecarboniseChorusX launch TGT is the global leader in through-barrier diagnostics for the hydrocarbons sector. What’s your challenge? True Flow Products High water cut True Integrity Seal Products Sustained Annulus Pressure (SAP) True Integrity Seal Products Flow behind casing True Flow Products Cross flow True Integrity Seal Products, True Flow Products Drop in production True Integrity Tube Products Tubular corrosion Related Answer Products We create powerful diagnostic products and technology that reveal flow and integrity dynamics throughout the well system, empowering our customers to keep wells safe, clean, and productive. New Launches ChorusX - The industry's most advanced acoustic sensing and analysis platform Find out more Decarbonise with diagnostics Our through-barrier diagnostics help to deliver more energy with reduced emissions, ultimately reducing carbon per barrel. Find out more Case Studies Find out how our powerful diagnostics can help you to keep wells safe, clean and productive. View case studies Careers At TGT we are engineers, scientists, pioneers and innovators. View vacancies Locations We have 12 offices worldwide serving all global oil and gas markets.   Head Office Office #907, 9th floor, Platinum Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Dubai, UAE PO BOX: 334585 All locations

  • ChorusX

    The industry’s most advanced acoustic sensing and analysis platform Bringing a new level of clarity, precision, and certainty to well system acoustics A flowing well is full of sound encoded with information about the flow that created it. This, and the fact that sound energy penetrates through well and reservoir materials, is why acoustics has become a powerful diagnostic technique for locating and characterising flow. However, the fidelity and resolution of the sound recording, and the effectiveness of processing and analysis technologies all have a direct bearing on the accuracy and certainty of the diagnosis and resulting decisions.   The well reservoir system is a challenging environment for capturing and analysing the high-fidelity sound required for precise diagnostics. There is a combination of materials and fluids with different acoustic properties, multiple boundaries and mechanical noise that act together to create a complex spectrum of acoustic energy. Decoding the sound and extracting useful flow information from this cacophony requires a special combination of technology, expertise, and experience.   TGT has been advancing the use of acoustics to locate and characterise flow in the well system for two decades. The Chorus brand is already recognised for its sensitivity and dynamic range when capturing high-fidelity flow sounds. Our new generation ChorusX platform takes this acoustic capability to a whole new level to deliver exceptional precision, clarity and certainty. ChorusX brochure ChorusX ingredients ChorusX is the sum of many parts that work in concert to deliver a range of important benefits to analysts and customers. Each ingredient is special in its own way, but the big wins occur when they are multiplied together.   Features Explained Benefits ChorusX has been designed to overcome the limitations of conventional acoustic technology and to provide the three essential capabilities of an effective flow-finding resource.   Reach Ultrahigh sensitivity and extreme dynamic range give ChorusX the spatial and audible reach to record the furthest and quietest flows.   Identify Four new high-definition acoustic maps enable analysts to recognise and distinguish different types of flow easily and confidently.   Locate Eight high-definition array sensors and a unique phase analysis engine work join forces to pinpoint flow sources everywhere in the well system in depth, and radial distance. Diagnostics products and applications Well systems perform by connecting the right fluids to the right places, and mapping flow dynamics downhole is essential to keeping wells safe, clean and productive. ChorusX provides asset teams with the flow insights they need to manage well and reservoir performance more effectively.   As an integral part of TGT’s ‘True Flow’ and ‘True Integrity’ diagnostic systems, ChorusX capability is available through a range of application-specific answer products. Through these answer products, ChorusX delivers clear, complementary answers that enable analysts and customers to reach an accurate diagnosis more efficiently. A robust and accurate picture of the well system enables better decisions and positive outcomes. This means that, when remediation plans are being implemented, there is a greater prospect of first-time success.   True Flow products help asset teams to understand flow dynamics between the reservoir formations and the well completion. Notably, these answer products reveal flow where it matters most—at the reservoir. Some of the distinct True Flow applications and benefits brought by ChorusX include fracture assessment, delineating active formations, and distinguishing between reservoir flow and completion flow.   True Integrity / Seal Integrity products help asset teams to validate the performance of seals and barriers throughout the well system, including packers, cemented annuli, tubulars, and valves. Typical applications for ChorusX include revealing low-rate leaks, tracing the source of B and C annulus pressure, and resolving leaks in close proximity to each other. Resources Platform flyers(8) Hardware specifications(7) Case studies(36) Technical papers(128) Intellectual property(48) More(45) Product flyers(22) System flyers(2) White papers(0) Product animations(21) Resources

  • Pollution

    PollutionPollution Overview Reduce fugitive emissions Secure abandoned wells Eliminate Pollution Go to section OverviewReduce fugitive emissionsSecure abandoned wellsEliminate Pollution Home Search Results Oil and other liquids can leak from active wells and abandoned or ‘orphaned’ wells. TGT diagnostics locate the source and flowpaths of rogue leaks so they can be sealed off, reducing pollution.Reduce fugitive emissions Well systems are designed to connect high-pressure oil or gas in deep underground reservoirs to surface flowlines securely with full containment. Rigorous industry standards necessitate the presence of at least two ‘integrity barriers’ between produced fluids and the environment outside of the well system. Occasionally, one or more barriers can fail allowing fluids to escape, sometimes with dire consequences.   Apart from the major oil leaks that make headlines, some smaller oil and gas leaks can continue undetected for years, especially if they are hidden underground or migrate far from the well system. TGT’s Seal Integrity products are designed to locate even the smallest seal failure anywhere within the well system, enabling precise targeted repair. Used proactively, the same diagnostics can be used routinely to ensure well barriers are intact at all times, reducing fugitive emissions. MULTI-SEAL INTEGRITY CASE STUDY Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations are 1.9 GtCO2e annually. Secure orphan and abandoned wells Orphan wells typically have no legal owner and may have been abandoned without undergoing a proper decommissioning or plugging process. Methane or liquid emissions from orphan wells can be significant contaminants, especially when the number of orphan or incorrectly decommissioned wells is thought to be in the millions globally. The burden of responsibility for these wells typically falls with operators, regulators or local government, and permanently sealing them is a top priority.   Validating well barrier status and revealing emission sources downhole inside the well system is the first step in sealing these wells properly. TGT’s Seal Integrity and Tube Integrity surveys are used to achieve exactly that. Precision diagnostic insights inform and guide the decommissioning agent to design and execute an effective plugging programme. This approach is equally applicable for any well decommissioning operation, not just for orphan wells, helping operators to secure them efficiently and cost effectively. Regulators estimate >3.5 million abandoned wells in US emit 7.1 mtCO2e annually. Eliminate pollution According to the ISO standard for ‘well integrity’ (ISO/TS 16530-2), a typical well system contains 26 potential leak paths that could lead to fluids escaping the well system. This is why the standard calls for a ‘dual barrier’ approach underpinned by routine testing of well barriers. Despite these efforts, oil or other harmful fluids such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can sometimes spill to the environment.   In most cases these spills are visible or detected quickly, enabling operators to take urgent action. However, sometimes they may go undetected for months or years because there is no visible warning. An example of this might be oil or gas flowing to and contaminating aquifers. TGT’s Seal Integrity answer products are specifically aimed at locating unwanted fluid flow anywhere within the well system, enabling precise targeted repair. Used proactively, TGT diagnostics can be used to ensure well barriers are intact at all times, reducing the risk of pollution. PRIMARY SEAL INTEGRITY CASE STUDY A typical well system has 26 potential leak points.

  • Methane emissions

    Methane emissionsMethane emissions Overview Stop methane venting Secure abandoned wells Emissions Go to section OverviewStop methane ventingSecure abandoned wellsEmissions Home Search Results Oil and gas producers vent leaked methane from casing cavities to reduce pressure. TGT’s diagnostics can locate the source and flowpaths of rogue gas leaks, ensuring they can be sealed, thereby reducing the need to vent.Stop methane venting Sustained annulus pressure (SAP/SCP) is caused by a build-up of fugitive fluids such as gas in the annular spaces surrounding well system casings. The casings are designed to withstand high pressure but if this pressure is reached, the gas is diverted to the production stream or vented to atmosphere. The global warming potential of methane is ~80x that of CO2, so even small amounts are damaging and must be contained.   These rogue fluids reach the annulus via seal failures and flowpaths that begin at hydrocarbon-charged formations and continue towards surface causing a build-up of annulus pressure. TGT’s True Flow and Seal Integrity products can locate the source of annular fluids and trace the flowpaths, enabling well operators to target effective repairs and eliminate SAP-related methane venting. Methane has 85x higher global warming potential than CO2. Secure orphan and abandoned wells Orphan wells typically have no legal owner and may have been abandoned without undergoing a proper decommissioning or plugging process. Methane or liquid emissions from orphan wells can be significant contaminants, especially when the number of orphan or incorrectly decommissioned wells is thought to be in the millions globally. The burden of responsibility for these wells typically falls with operators, regulators or local government, and permanently sealing them is a top priority.   Validating well barrier status and revealing emission sources downhole inside the well system is the first step in sealing these wells properly. TGT’s Seal Integrity and Tube Integrity surveys are used to achieve exactly that. Precision diagnostic insights inform and guide the decommissioning agent to design and execute an effective plugging programme. This approach is equally applicable for any well decommissioning operation, not just for orphan wells, helping operators to secure them efficiently and cost effectively. Regulators estimate >3.5 million abandoned wells in US emit 7.1 mtCO2e annually. Reduce fugitive emissions Well systems are designed to connect high-pressure oil or gas in deep underground reservoirs to surface flowlines securely with full containment. Rigorous industry standards necessitate the presence of at least two ‘integrity barriers’ between produced fluids and the environment outside of the well system. Occasionally, one or more barriers can fail allowing fluids to escape, sometimes with dire consequences.   Apart from the major oil leaks that make headlines, some smaller oil and gas leaks can continue undetected for years, especially if they are hidden underground or migrate far from the well system. TGT’s Seal Integrity products are designed to locate even the smallest seal failure anywhere within the well system, enabling precise targeted repair. Used proactively, the same diagnostics can be used routinely to ensure well barriers are intact at all times, reducing fugitive emissions. MULTI-SEAL INTEGRITY CASE STUDYMULTI-SEAL INTEGRITY CASE STUDY Methane emissions from upstream oil and gas operations are 1.9 GtCO2e annually

  • True Flow Products
    Horizontal Flow

    Flow diagnostics perfected for horizontal wells TGT’s Horizontal Flow product powered by Cascade3 technology overcomes the drawbacks of conventional production surveys, delivering a continuous flow profile in a wide variety of completion and reservoir scenarios, including fractured formations.  Hydrocarbon reservoirs are generally more horizontal in shape than vertical, so it makes sense that horizontal wells drilled through them provide more contact and productivity than vertical wells. However, the economic and efficiency gains of horizontal wells is matched by the complexity of managing them and the reservoirs they drain. This hefty task rests with the asset teams that must recover the maximum quantity of hydrocarbons in the safest, cleanest, and most economical way possible. Horizontal Flow brochure TGT’s new Horizontal Flow diagnostics product has been created to provide asset teams with the flow insights they need to manage horizontal well and reservoir performance more effectively.   Underpinning Horizontal Flow diagnostics is the all-new Cascade3 flow analysis platform. Cascade3 is purpose-built for horizontal wells and incorporates the industry’s most advanced thermodynamic and hydrodynamic modelling codes to transform temperature, pressure, and other well system data into continuous reservoir flow profiles. Crucially, the flow profiles reflect flow activity in and out of the reservoir, delivering the truest picture possible of inflow and outflow downhole, even in the most challenging wells. Challenges Understanding flow dynamics in the well system is the key to unlocking better well and reservoir performance, and this is especially true for horizontal wells. Flow inside the wellbore of a horizontal well can be challenging to decipher, but flow outside is even more complex, and way beyond the reach of conventional production surveys.   Horizontal Flow powered by Cascade3 can decode the complex scenarios that are typical in horizontal wells, revealing flow where it matters most—at the reservoir. This enables asset teams to solve daily challenges with confidence and certainty. Accessing reliable flow profiles Locating water/gas breakthrough Maintaining an accurate reservoir model Measuring effective pay length Making accurate reserves assessments Revealing crossflow Assessing ICDs and packers Assessing fractures Making accurate production forecasts Optimising completion designs Benefits Horizontal Flow with Cascade3 is the most powerful flow diagnostic resource ever created for horizontal well systems. The range of benefits provided is perfectly aligned with the needs of Reservoir Engineers in managing reservoir performance, and Production Engineers in managing well performance. The accurate and continuous flow profiles from Horizontal Flow are fundamental to driving both. Increase ultimate recovery Reduce opex and unit cost per barrel Reduce CO2 emissions Optimise life-of-asset production Extend economic life of asset Maintain or increase production capacity Minimise water or unwanted gas production Improve dynamic reservoir model Improve sweep efficiency Optimise fracture programs Full benefits table can be found here. Resources Product flyers(22) Case studies(36) Product animations(21) Platform flyers(8) System flyers(2) More(183) Hardware specifications(7) Technical papers(128) Intellectual property(48) White papers(0) Resources Related Systems & Platforms True Flow System Well systems connect reservoirs to the surface so injectors and producers can flow to and from the right place. LEARN MORE Platforms Cascade3 Cascade Chorus Indigo Maxim

  • Cascade3

    The most powerful flow analysis platform ever created for horizontal well systems Made by experts for experts, Cascade3 builds on two decades of practical knowledge and experience applying science and mathematics to solving the most complex downhole flow scenarios. Incorporating the industry’s most advanced thermodynamic and hydrodynamic modelling codes, Cascade3 transforms temperature, pressure, and other well system data into continuous reservoir flow profiles. Crucially, the flow profiles reflect flow activity in and out of the reservoir, delivering the truest picture possible of reservoir behaviour and inflow/outflow downhole.  The new Horizontal Flow diagnostics powered by Cascade3 overcomes many of the challenges faced by conventional production surveys, delivering a more reliable and complete assessment of flow dynamics in horizontal wells in a wider range of completion scenarios. Equipped with the right information, asset teams can take direct action to keep well and reservoir performance on track.  Cascade3 brochure Modelling At the heart of Cascade3 is Torrent – a remarkable modelling and simulation engine that predicts the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic behaviour of fluids and their surroundings as they flow through the well-reservoir system.     Torrent features a unique 3D fine-grid modelling framework and can simultaneously solve three distinct flow geometries – radial, spherical, and linear in fractures – reflecting the three main types of flow that occur in a horizontal well system. Apart from providing a more realistic flow modelling environment, these features mean that Cascade3 delivers accurate continuous flow profiles in a wide variety of completion and reservoir settings, including fractured formations.  FeaturesBenefits Production and Reservoir Engineers depend on downhole flow profiles to manage well and reservoir performance. Conventional wellbore production surveys can only sense certain flows entering the well completion and cannot measure inflow/outflow where it matters most – at the reservoir behind the completion. Also, even wellbore flow profiles can be compromised in open hole, and by viscous fluids, low flow rates and the complex flow regimes that occur in horizontal wells. Incorrect flow profiles can lead to missed opportunities and poor well and field management decisions.    Horizontal Flow with Cascade3 solves many of the diagnostic challenges faced by Reservoir and Production Engineers, providing them with the flow insights they need to reduce operating costs and energy consumption, and increase ultimate recovery.     Full benefits table found here. Cascade architectureProgrammes & methodsTools & measurementsProcessing & modelingAnalysis & interpretationProducts Platform partners Cascade3 works alongside three other technology platforms—Chorus, Indigo and Maxim, that together constitute the True Flow diagnostic system. Each platform has a specific role in providing Horizontal Flow insights.    Whereas Cascade3 quantifies flow activity by modelling and simulating temperature and pressure changes in the well system, Chorus locates and characterises flow activity by sensing and imaging acoustic energy. For example, Chorus data can help the analyst distinguish between wellbore flow, reservoir or matrix flow and fracture flow, and provide a clear indication of active zones. And both temperature and acoustic data can help distinguish between liquids and gas.     Multisensory Indigo provides a host of wellbore measurements, including high-precision temperature that feeds into Cascade3, pressure, and a range of standard and unique production sensors, as well as real-time data transmission to the surface. Maxim is the digital workspace where analysts plan the diagnostic programme, integrate, and process the acquired data, perform the modelling and the in-depth analysis delivered in the final Horizontal Flow answer product.  Resources Platform flyers(8) Hardware specifications(7) Case studies(36) Technical papers(128) Intellectual property(48) More(45) Product flyers(22) System flyers(2) White papers(0) Product animations(21) Resources

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    Case studies
    CS027 Multi Seal Integrity

    Challenge The completion string of a gas producer was upsized from 3 ½’’ x 4 ½’’ to 4 ½’’ x 5 ½’’ with 13% chrome tubing to enhance production. Prior to starting the workover, the A-annulus was successfully pressure tested to 1,500psi. The old completion string was cut above the AHC packer, retrieved and replaced with the new ‘13CR95’ tubing together with a new packer. An A-annulus leak was then observed after setting the packer, but with no TCA communication.   Before continuing, the operator needed to understand the integrity dynamics at play and ensure that the new packer was sealing. Conventional diagnostics could have meant another costly workover, lost production, and the risk of damage to the expensive 13CR95 tubing joints. All of which were clearly undesirable. Multi Seal evaluates the seal performance of multiple barriers, locating leaks and flowpaths throughout the well system, from the wellbore to the outer annuli. Solution To identify the integrity breach, TGT designed a diagnostic programme utilising the ‘True Integrity’ system with Chorus (acoustic) and Indigo technology. Slickline conveyance was used for efficient and low cost rigless operation, and minimal footprint.   Two survey passes were deployed, one with the well shut-in and another with continuous water injection into the A-annulus. During shut-in conditions, the baseline temperature and acoustic responses confirmed that there was no cross flow or lateral flow anywhere in the well system.   Injection was then started in A-annulus and the acoustic and temperature surveys were repeated. This time, the temperature profile exhibited a cooling effect caused by water being forced into A-annulus, but there was no temperature difference across the upper packer.   Notably, clear acoustic responses were evident at two intervals under injection conditions. A high amplitude wide frequency band acoustic signature, typical of ‘leak flow’ was observed at X175 ft. Also, a lower amplitude, lower frequency signal was observed around X650 ft. No acoustic signal was observed across the upper packer confirming it was sealing properly. Multi Seal Integrity answer product showing comparison between measurements acquired during shut-in and injection conditions. The primary leak point is clearly visible at X175 ft, and a minor leak interval is evident around X650 ft. Result The analyst confirmed the leak point in the 9-5/8” casing at X175 ft. The operator was able to assess the integrity of the well and decided not to remediate the casing leak, deciding instead to operate the well with the proper monitoring and risk mitigation plans in place.

  • True Integrity Seal Products
    Multi Seal Integrity

    Validate sealing performance of multiple barriers Well system integrity depends on the collective performance of the many barriers that form it. A single breach can happen anywhere, at any time, and undermine the integrity of the entire system.   Multi Seal evaluates the seal performance of multiple barriers, locating leaks and flowpaths throughout the well system, from the wellbore to the outer annuli.   Delivered by our True Integrity system with Chorus (acoustic) technology, Multi Seal Integrity provides a clear diagnosis of leaks and rogue flowpaths so the right corrective action can be taken.   Multi Seal Integrity is used in a targeted fashion to investigate a known integrity breach anywhere in the well system. Barriers can also be validated proactively to confirm integrity. Either way, Multi Seal provides the insights needed to restore or maintain a secure well. Challenges Evaluate integrity and sealing performance of multiple barriers Sustained pressure in one or more cemented annuli (SAP) Abnormal production or injection performance Barrier leaks and unwanted flowpaths throughout the well system Micro-leaks throughout the well system Completion component failures Benefits Comprehensive diagnosis of leaks and unwanted flowpaths throughout the well system Identify true source of SAP in any annulus Locate micro-leaks and flowpaths Locate leaks and flowpaths to mitigate integrity risk and ensure regulatory compliance Rapid deployment through-tubing minimises disruption and cost Better remediation decisions, precisely targeted Resources Product flyers(22) Case studies(36) Product animations(21) Platform flyers(8) System flyers(2) More(183) Hardware specifications(7) Technical papers(128) Intellectual property(48) White papers(0) Resources Related Systems & Platforms True Integrity System Flow isn't workable without integrity. And system integrity depends on the collective integrity of the tubes, seals and barriers that make a well function. LEARN MORE Platforms Chorus Indigo Maxim MediaMulti Seal Integrity gives you the clarity and insight needed to manage well system performance more effectively.Multi Seal evaluates the seal performance of multiple barriers, locating leaks and flowpaths throughout the well system, from the wellbore to the outer annuli.Indicative logplot for Multi Seal Integrity Oil producer was never perforated due to an integrity issue in the A-annulus. Multi Seal Integrity was executed under A-annulus pumping conditions to determine leak points across multiple barriers. Log plot shows collars of 9⅝ casing is leaking at 35.5m, 85.0m, 122.2m, 196.3m, 419.0m, 443.5m, 628.9m, 665.8m and 789.7m.

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    Reveal a greater truth

    New ideas that reveal a greater truth Article featured in Harts E&P   When oil prices fell in 2014 exploration and production (E&P) companies were forced to tighten capital budgets, reduce activity levels and drive down costs. The ensuing stampede to cost reduction hit upstream oilfield service companies extremely hard.   Today, with the oil price stablising, operators are more inclined to push their assets harder to produce more. However, when budgets were slashed, planned maintenance and workovers were amongst the first to be cut or deferred, while still treading the line not to compromise on safety. Securing asset reliability is still a top priority, ensuring that wells perform at full capacity while safeguarding life and the environment.   “Wells need to perform better and last longer. Operators need to elevate well performance and need the ingenuity of oilfield service companies to do this more effectively”, comments Mohamed Hegazi, Chief Executive Officer, TGT. “In today’s economic climate we have an obligation to challenge the old way of thinking by being bold and innovative so that customers can capture more value and address well performance challenges more readily.”   For all asset managers, a key area of vulnerability lies in the happenings thousands of meters away from the surface—downhole. A new way of thinking Like a giant industrial plumbing system fused into the earth, wells are built using a fantastically complex assembly of tubes, barriers and cement, most of which exist around a central producing conduit. Their sole purpose being to transport valuable fluids safely, productively and profitably.   Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world where natural forces conspire to undermine the perfect functioning of the well, and despite the ingenuity of man, the well will inevitably misbehave or fail. Naturally, the industry is obsessed with ‘wells’ and ‘reservoirs’. But conventional definitions and diagnostics of ‘the well’ tend to isolate the well completion from the reservoir, and yet the two are so inextricably linked they should never be separated – they work as one.   A new definition of the well is therefore needed. One that recognises the performance attributes of the completion and the reservoir it connects to, the interplay between the two, and the dynamics of the entire system. In fact, what we are dealing with isn’t just ‘a well’ – it’s ‘a well system’.   But that’s not enough. We also need to recognise the two most vital performance factors of all well systems—flow and integrity.   ‘Flow’ is about the right fluids connecting to the right places, and ‘integrity’ makes sure that happens—without compromise. So, managing well system performance effectively means managing flow and integrity – and not much else matters. The two most vital performance factors of all well systems, flow and integrity “Diagnosing well system performance is challenging. Flow and integrity issues can exist anywhere within the well system; beyond the wellbore, behind multiple casings to the outer reaches of the well system, and in the reservoir itself—a place virtually impossible to deploy diagnostic sensors”, adds Mohamed.   Conventional diagnostics can’t provide all the answers because either they don’t look far enough, or measure the right things—they don’t look at the big picture. Rogue happenings, such as active thief zones, cross-flow or the source of sustained annulus pressure lurk behind barriers and wouldn’t be diagnosed with traditional techniques. A new category is born Flow and integrity, and therefore well system performance, can only be properly understood and managed by assessing more than the inner workings of the wellbore. This concept is the foundation of a new and important oilfield category, applicable to all wells—through-barrier diagnostics.   Diagnostic tools that ‘sense through barriers’ have existed for decades and overlap into this category, but apart from a few exceptions these have been chiefly concerned with investigating reservoir properties, such as matrix and fluid parameters, or evaluating cement.   Acknowledging and advancing through barrier diagnostics as a new category allows us to look at the well system in a far more holistic and uncompromising way. Seeing through multiple barriers from the wellbore into the reservoir and everything in between reveals more than ever before. Viewing the well system in its entirety provides operators with a more complete picture of the goings on, both flow and integrity related. And equipped with better insights, operators are much better placed to make the right decisions to keep the entire system working harder. Diagnostic tools vs. diagnostic systems Maintaining safe, productive and profitable operations means that all well systems at some point will require diagnostic intervention, either for routine monitoring or to target a specific issue.   When it comes to diagnostics, ‘tools’ tend to dominate oilfield conversations, technical forums and procurement practices, and the operational focus tends to be on ‘running the tool in the well’. If a well system is experiencing unexpected sand flow, ineffective stimulation or fracturing, or sustained annulus pressure, the operator commissions a service company to deploy a certain tool in the belief that the tool itself will provide all the answers. But the reality is not that simple.   In isolation, the tool gives raw data and measurements, but revealing the truth about the well system requires more than the tool. The tool’s sensitivity and accuracy is extremely important, but many other factors beyond the tool contribute to the overall diagnostic result.   The synergy happens in all facets of the service, not just the tool; the diagnostic programme that activates the well, and the method for acquiring the data, the processing and modelling to refine and expand raw data, and the expertise in analysis and interpretation, all play a vital part. The results and insights materialise from the combined effort of all these factors—an entire ‘diagnostic system’, curated and applied by human experts.   There is no doubt that advancing diagnostics to deal with today’s challenges means evolving from tools to diagnostic systems on all fronts. But we need to go one step further. From systems come products When a well is exhibiting problems, what the operator ultimately needs is answers. Obviously, there’s an interest in making sure that the right diagnostic system is utilised, but the purchasing decision should be ultimately based on the clarity and completeness of the answer, because this is the final ‘product’ in the diagnostic workflow.   Consider the case where a well suddenly exhibits flow issues, such as a dramatic increase in water-cut, or complex integrity issues such as sustained pressure in the C-annulus. Then the operator is more concerned about getting an answer it can trust to solve these issues, not what tool or system to use.   “An application-led ‘products’ approach versus a traditional ‘tools’ approach allows for improved product selection and commercial flexibility, benefiting operators on both counts. Operators certainly appreciate technology but are ultimately seeking diagnostic answers that can help them make better decisions”, summarises Mohamed alluding to the approach TGT has adopted.   He adds, “A mechanism should be adopted where simpler products, such as diagnosing wellbore flow, that demand fewer resources and less innovation command a lower price. Whereas more complex products—like multi-barrier diagnostics, that have years of research and development behind them, demand more extensive resources, and ultimately deliver more value, naturally command a higher price.” A bright future The old thinking can’t answer today’s new challenges. As well systems become older and more complex, managing performance will remain a priority and continue to task the industry. That’s why we need to innovate on all levels. Not just by building better tools, but by creating better diagnostic systems and recognising the experts that empower them. We need to acknowledge the dual importance of flow and integrity as the key enablers for asset performance, and the criticality of through-barrier diagnostics as the only means to see the true picture. And last not least, we need to adopt a product-led approach to procurement, where the answer is king, and not the tool. Do all that and the future looks bright.

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    TGT News – Reveal a greater truth (April 2019)

    New ideas that reveal a greater truth When oil prices fell in 2014 exploration and production (E&P) companies were forced to tighten capital budgets, reduce activity levels and drive down costs. The ensuing stampede to cost reduction hit upstream oilfield service companies extremely hard.   Today, with the oil price stablising, operators are more inclined to push their assets harder to produce more. However, when budgets were slashed, planned maintenance and workovers were amongst the first to be cut or deferred, while still treading the line not to compromise on safety. Securing asset reliability is still a top priority, ensuring that wells perform at full capacity while safeguarding life and the environment.   “Wells need to perform better and last longer. Operators need to elevate well performance and need the ingenuity of oilfield service companies to do this more effectively”, comments Mohamed Hegazi, Chief Executive Officer, TGT. “In today’s economic climate we have an obligation to challenge the old way of thinking by being bold and innovative so that customers can capture more value and address well performance challenges more readily.”   For all asset managers, a key area of vulnerability lies in the happenings thousands of meters away from the surface—downhole. A new way of thinking Like a giant industrial plumbing system fused into the earth, wells are built using a fantastically complex assembly of tubes, barriers and cement, most of which exist around a central producing conduit. Their sole purpose being to transport valuable fluids safely, productively and profitably.   Unfortunately, we live in an imperfect world where natural forces conspire to undermine the perfect functioning of the well, and despite the ingenuity of man, the well will inevitably misbehave or fail. Naturally, the industry is obsessed with ‘wells’ and ‘reservoirs’. But conventional definitions and diagnostics of ‘the well’ tend to isolate the well completion from the reservoir, and yet the two are so inextricably linked they should never be separated – they work as one.   A new definition of the well is therefore needed. One that recognises the performance attributes of the completion and the reservoir it connects to, the interplay between the two, and the dynamics of the entire system. In fact, what we are dealing with isn’t just ‘a well’ – it’s ‘a well system’.   But that’s not enough. We also need to recognise the two most vital performance factors of all well systems—flow and integrity.   ‘Flow’ is about the right fluids connecting to the right places, and ‘integrity’ makes sure that happens—without compromise. So, managing well system performance effectively means managing flow and integrity – and not much else matters. The two most vital performance factors of all well systems, flow and integrity “Diagnosing well system performance is challenging. Flow and integrity issues can exist anywhere within the well system; beyond the wellbore, behind multiple casings to the outer reaches of the well system, and in the reservoir itself—a place virtually impossible to deploy diagnostic sensors”, adds Mohamed.   Conventional diagnostics can’t provide all the answers because either they don’t look far enough, or measure the right things—they don’t look at the big picture. Rogue happenings, such as active thief zones, cross-flow or the source of sustained annulus pressure lurk behind barriers and wouldn’t be diagnosed with traditional techniques. A new category is born Flow and integrity, and therefore well system performance, can only be properly understood and managed by assessing more than the inner workings of the wellbore. This concept is the foundation of a new and important oilfield category, applicable to all wells—through-barrier diagnostics.   Diagnostic tools that ‘sense through barriers’ have existed for decades and overlap into this category, but apart from a few exceptions these have been chiefly concerned with investigating reservoir properties, such as matrix and fluid parameters, or evaluating cement.   Acknowledging and advancing through barrier diagnostics as a new category allows us to look at the well system in a far more holistic and uncompromising way. Seeing through multiple barriers from the wellbore into the reservoir and everything in between reveals more than ever before. Viewing the well system in its entirety provides operators with a more complete picture of the goings on, both flow and integrity related. And equipped with better insights, operators are much better placed to make the right decisions to keep the entire system working harder. Diagnostic tools vs. diagnostic systems Maintaining safe, productive and profitable operations means that all well systems at some point will require diagnostic intervention, either for routine monitoring or to target a specific issue.   When it comes to diagnostics, ‘tools’ tend to dominate oilfield conversations, technical forums and procurement practices, and the operational focus tends to be on ‘running the tool in the well’. If a well system is experiencing unexpected sand flow, ineffective stimulation or fracturing, or sustained annulus pressure, the operator commissions a service company to deploy a certain tool in the belief that the tool itself will provide all the answers. But the reality is not that simple.   In isolation, the tool gives raw data and measurements, but revealing the truth about the well system requires more than the tool. The tool’s sensitivity and accuracy is extremely important, but many other factors beyond the tool contribute to the overall diagnostic result.   The synergy happens in all facets of the service, not just the tool; the diagnostic programme that activates the well, and the method for acquiring the data, the processing and modelling to refine and expand raw data, and the expertise in analysis and interpretation, all play a vital part. The results and insights materialise from the combined effort of all these factors—an entire ‘diagnostic system’, curated and applied by human experts.   There is no doubt that advancing diagnostics to deal with today’s challenges means evolving from tools to diagnostic systems on all fronts. But we need to go one step further. From systems come products When a well is exhibiting problems, what the operator ultimately needs is answers. Obviously, there’s an interest in making sure that the right diagnostic system is utilised, but the purchasing decision should be ultimately based on the clarity and completeness of the answer, because this is the final ‘product’ in the diagnostic workflow.   Consider the case where a well suddenly exhibits flow issues, such as a dramatic increase in water-cut, or complex integrity issues such as sustained pressure in the C-annulus. Then the operator is more concerned about getting an answer it can trust to solve these issues, not what tool or system to use.   “An application-led ‘products’ approach versus a traditional ‘tools’ approach allows for improved product selection and commercial flexibility, benefiting operators on both counts. Operators certainly appreciate technology but are ultimately seeking diagnostic answers that can help them make better decisions”, summarises Mohamed alluding to the approach TGT has adopted.   He adds, “A mechanism should be adopted where simpler products, such as diagnosing wellbore flow, that demand fewer resources and less innovation command a lower price. Whereas more complex products—like multi-barrier diagnostics, that have years of research and development behind them, demand more extensive resources, and ultimately deliver more value, naturally command a higher price.” A bright future The old thinking can’t answer today’s new challenges. As well systems become older and more complex, managing performance will remain a priority and continue to task the industry. That’s why we need to innovate on all levels. Not just by building better tools, but by creating better diagnostic systems and recognising the experts that empower them. We need to acknowledge the dual importance of flow and integrity as the key enablers for asset performance, and the criticality of through-barrier diagnostics as the only means to see the true picture. And last not least, we need to adopt a product-led approach to procurement, where the answer is king, and not the tool. Do all that and the future looks bright.