Utilizing Advanced Sectorial Electromagnetic Technology to Tackle Well Integrity Issues

The paper explains sectoral electromagnetic flaw detection for diagnosing well integrity issues, focusing on corrosion and deformation in wells under different challenging conditions. This diagnostic technology advances well integrity management by providing highly localized, azimuthal measurements of wall thickness. This allows for the accurate identification of metal loss in the well's first barrier. The sectoral tool is particularly effective in detecting localized defects, such as corrosion, pitting, and external deformations, which traditional diagnostic methods often overlook due to their lower resolution. Conventional diagnostic methods - mechanical multi-finger calipers and ultrasonic tools have notable limitations. Multi-finger calipers are used to measure the inner surface of the casing and provide reliable wall thickness measurements with approximately 10% accuracy. However, they can only assess about 20% of the casing's inner circumference during a single run, leaving large areas unexamined. The effectiveness of calipers is reduced when the casing's inner surface is coated with non-conductive or anti-corrosive layers, or when scale and other deposits interfere with sensor contact. Ultrasonic tools, on the other hand, offer comprehensive azimuthal coverage and are capable of measuring both wall thickness and internal radius. However, their performance depends on the quality of reflections from the casing wall, which can be disrupted by irregularities such as pitting, scale, or rough surface conditions. Ultrasonic technology requires specific wellbore fluid types to function correctly. In contrast, the sectoral electromagnetic flaw detection tool overcomes these challenges mentioned above by employing non-contact design that ensures reliable operation in diverse wellbore conditions. With its eight circumferentially arranged inductive sensors, the tool provides full 360-degree coverage and eliminates blind spots. The azimuthal measurement capability ensures that even small, localized defects, such as pitting and perforations, are identified with high precision. It operates effectively in various wellbore environments, including those containing gas, oil, or water, and is unaffected by non-conductive deposits such as paraffin or salt. This effectiveness is further enhanced by its compatibility with a wide range of casing materials, including high-chromium alloys and other corrosion resistant metals, which are increasingly used in modern well completions. By addressing the shortcomings of traditional methods, the sectoral tool offers a solution for comprehensive and precise well integrity diagnostics, improving operational safety, environmental reliability, and efficiency in oil and gas operations.