Xclude

The fundamental objective of well abandonment is to isolate zones of flow potential, preventing fluids escaping to surface. Current practice requires a rig to place multiple pressure-retaining barriers in the wellbore, which at an average cost of £5M, leads to this stage being the single biggest decommissioning cost.

Xclude is a rigless, safe and cost-effective solution that creates a barrier in the formation by blocking the pore throats of the rock, removing the potential for flow. Xclude takes scale formation – a problem the North Sea has faced for over forty years – and uses it to form a permanent mineral barrier in the rock. Xclude’s specially formulated, environmentally friendly fluids are easily mixed and deployed using standard pumping equipment.

The solution can be pumped to various depths and is time-controlled to ensure that the scale forms where it is needed. By using this new approach, operators will significantly reduce the well management risk and overall P&A cost.