RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Video technology has been used worldwide in various applications, including situations that require diagnosis and evaluation. Advances in video equipment have led to the development of downhole video cameras that are capable of working in the harsh environments encountered in the upstream oil and gas industries.
With the advent of video technology in the oil and gas industries, unique opportunities have been captured to enable efficient and effective means of what is really happening downhole in wells. Video cameras are deployed downhole via either wireline, coiled tubing or drill pipe to inspect well bores. Cameras can be run with down view, side view or both. Common applications include imaging and inspection of wellhead hardware, tubular hardware, fluid movement, leakage, scale deposits, fills, dropped objects, fishing, milling etc. With latest advancements in the deployment methodology, video technology as a downhole diagnostic tool provides the industry with invaluable and useful services.
The video camera assembly connected to a tool string consists of two color video cameras for down and side views. The down-view camera is supported with a light head, which uses LED technology combined with an optimized lens to give color pictures.
The side-view camera has also its own LED lights and a lens with a focal length from 1″ to 8″, providing reasonable views in 2 3/8″ tubing to 21″ tubulars. Rotation of the side-view camera is facilitated by the E-line motor, which is controlled from the surface with side indicator to show where the camera is positioned.
Deviation, high side indicator and internal temperature are digitally transmitted to a surface laptop, providing essential information when viewing images. Additional information such as date, time, running speed, depth, light intensity, and other data could be added to the videos or pictures.
This paper will review applications of video camera in a giant field in Saudi Arabia. Case histories recorded by the video camera will be presented and analyzed to illustrate the usage and benefits of the system in relation to well integrity. It will also highlight findings and remedial actions to restore well integrity.