Spectral Noise Logging Integrated with High-Precision Temperature Logging for a Multi-Well Leak Detection Survey in South Alberta

Abstract Gas or fluid ingress into the cement channel and then up to the surface through the surface casing annulus is called Surface Casing Vent Flow (SCVF), which causes Sustained Annulus Pressure (SAP) as a common occurrence in the petroleum industry. Gas may also migrate to the surface outside the outermost casing string, which is often referred to as external Gas Migration (GM) or seepage. In some countries with shallow coal reserves, gas migration sometimes occurs in association with coalbed gas (CBG) development. Dewatering the coal seams or lowered water levels in coal, whether induced by drought or by domestic aquifer pumping, can result in the release of methane and other natural gases in coal (NGC). Hydrocarbon gases released into the atmosphere is an environmental concern. More importantly, leaking fluids may contaminate subsurface fresh-water reservoirs, resulting in a major catastrophe for the environment and human population. According to the latest statistics, 6% of almost 270 000 operating and idle wells analysed in Alberta were found to contain leaks, 5.5% of them having SCVF and 0.5% gas migration 2. Operators are bound by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) to identify and eliminate leaks and perform remedial operations as outlined in AER's rules and directives. Even if a well is to be abandoned, the operators must precisely identify the location of the leak and its source to perform a successful plug-and-abandonment (P&A) operation. P&A activities are non-revenue generating activities. The right diagnostic technology is critical for correct leak source identification to eliminate the costs associated with numerous unsuccessful attempts. The technique of Spectral Noise Logging (SNL) coupled with High Precision Temperature (HPT) Logging have extensively benefited oil industry outside Canada in accurately identifying fluid flow behind multiple casing pipe barriers and in locating leaks and their sources 3–5. This paper describes two case histories for eight wells in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) in South Alberta region for two clients, where application of these techniques enabled gas leak source identification in a series of wells suffering from minute leak rates and also helped to discover some regional lateral flows and cross-flows.