Xclude

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Reservoir Barrier Technology

Page last modified

April 11 2024

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.

Pros & Limitations

Rigless – can be bullheaded from surface

Cost saving especially for difficult to access and Subsea wells

Significantly reduces well management risk

Easily mixed and deployed using standard pumping equipment

Uses safe and environmentally acceptable chemicals

Uses familiar and well understood mineral to create reservoir barrier

Does not require good annular cement to create barrier

Not suitable for zones with large fractures

Specification

Specification Title	Specification Description
Areas of Application	Decommissioning of onshore and offshore, oil or gas producing and water injection wells, platform or subsea.
Capabilities	Reduces formation permeability by creating scale in pore throats. Creates barrier deep in formation.
Certifications / licences	CEFAS registered with good environmental profile.
Compliance	CEFAS registered, REACH compliant.
Cost	Significant cost reduction potential especially for subsea and “difficult to get on” wells.
Deployment	Easily deployed using simple standard pumping spreads.
Impact	Alternative approach to well decommissioning, reducing costs and risks.
Material	Barrier created from well understood material, known to industry.
Patents	Patent pending.