Jl. Saltel et al., In-situ polymerization of an inflatable composite sleeve to reline damagedtubing and shut off perforations, SPE DRILL C, 14(2), 1999, pp. 115-122
Finding an effective solution to seal-off perforations, whether it be to re
duce gas flow, reduce water cut, or to modify injection profiles, has long
been a subject of concern. Several solutions for through tubing shut-off ha
ve been tried with a varying level of success.
After several years of testing a new technology has been developed to manuf
acture a composite sleeve using elastomers, fibers, and thermosetting resin
s. The sleeve is run-in on electric wireline, inflated to push the composit
e against the inside of the casing, then heated to polymerize the resins. T
he running equipment is extracted to leave a pressure resistant inner linin
g in place. There is little diameter loss, leaning access to the well below
, and opening up applications for tubing repair. Following successful field
trials commercial operations have begun.
The technology has been used not only for water and gas shut-off, but also
for repairing damaged casings and tubings. This paper introduces the techno
logy, describes the equipment used, and runs through the development and te
sting phases prior to beginning field operations. Typical examples of jobs
carried out are cited, and some case histories are developed in greater det
ail.