Operational & Social Challenges of Sour Gas Well Testing Operation in Brown Field

Abstract

Well testing operation of sour wells by flaring or flowing through existing pipe line network with limitations always consider as highly challenging in brown field. In this paper operational and social challenges considered during critical well testing operation during different phases. For initial performance evaluation, completion and surface facilities were not designed as per expected well fluids specially in consideration of H2S, CO2 and elementary Sulphur. These wells located in congested developed field and special consideration regarding social risk analysis and mitigation were considered. Extensive H2S and SO2 dispersion modeling conducted to develop EPZ & EAZ for safe operation by utilizing latest safety equipment's. Special scale treatment and down hole chemical injection adopted to cater tubing accessibility due to elementary Sulphur and other scale issues to improve flow assurance during well testing operation. Case study of condensate storge tank utilization with improved safety precaution will highlight the consideration of reservoir fluids for any well testing operation. High volatile Condensate handling at well site always be serious challenge and can be utilized with extensive HAZOP and better process safety controls. Well intervention operation with High H2S for gas wells in presence of water aggravate corrosion and H2S cracking significantly for any type of metallic material. Special down hole plugs, wire line, E-line and sealing elements of pressure control equipment's designed and utilized during intervention operation along with utilizing of special chemical. Well control is serious concern while flowing such wells due to catastrophic asset and environment impact. Special well control consideration needs to be in place for any well control scenario, this paper will cover all type of surface and subsurface consideration to improve the well & reservoir integrity.