A BiSN field technician working to set a Wel-lok tool for Aker BP
BiSN, a leading supplier of downhole sealing solutions, said two years after its Wel-lok technology was used to plug and abandon (P&A) 30 Aker BP wells in the Valhall field in the North Sea, no leaks had been reported.
In 2020, BiSN partnered with Aker BP to deploy Wel-lok to create safe and cost-efficient Wel-lok plugs. Not only did this provide a permanent plug and abandonment solution, it allowed for new wells to be drilled and operated safely for the next 30 years.
'As part of the success story, we are monitoring the same wells today and we’re proud to say that out of the 30 wells today there is no leakage,' said Kjetil Vadset, Senior Drilling Engineer, Aker BP.
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In 2020, BiSN set the world’s largest bismuth plug using its |
For two years prior to commencing the campaign, Aker BP and BiSN carried out a joint testing program at BiSN’s Houston location to ensure Wel-lok technology was the safest, most cost-effective option.
As a result of completing this rigorous testing programme, BiSN Wel-lok technology received acknowledgement of consent for use, including DNV-GL verification and PSA (NORSOK) evaluation of bismuth.
'Qualifying Wel-lok technology for use in the North Sea and securing a long term partnership with Aker BP were two major priorities for BiSN at the time,' said Paul Carragher, Founder and CEO of BiSN. 'We are looking forward to continuing to develop a one team relationship with Aker BP on their forthcoming P&A campaigns.'
By implementing Wel-lok technology over traditional cement, the campaign saved approximately three months of rig time, or approximately $2,000,000 per well.
As part of the campaign, BiSN delivered the largest bismuth plug ever deployed to date. Produced at BiSN’s UK facility, the tool weighed in at 33,191 lbs (15,055 kg) and sealed up to 30 inches in the wellbore.
'We're very proud. The operation has gone beyond expectations. We planned and hoped for 72 hours per installation. We're down to 33 hours per installation just now,' said Kjetil Vadset, Senior Drilling Engineer, Aker BP.
