Aberdeen offshore firm Sentinel Subsea has successfully completed its first offshore field trial of a remote monitoring system that detects leaks from decommissioned wells.
The well integrity specialist ran tests with independent operator Spirit Energy and the Oil & Gas Technology Centre (OGTC). Its system provides the environmental monitoring and real-time alerts in the event of leaks from wells towards the end of their life cycle, and reduces the need for regular, costly manual inspections.
Sentinel chief executive Neil Gordon said: “Following a successful onshore trial earlier this summer, this - the first in a series of offshore trials – has been equally positive, confirming the capability of our technology and the impact it will have upon well integrity monitoring.
“Environmental assurance and cost reduction are the two cornerstones of late life well activity and we continue to be impressed with the level of support provided by both the OGTC and Spirit Energy, as we work together to give the offshore industry the means to provide both.”
Willem Boon, Spirit Energy intervention and integrity manager, said: “We are very pleased to support innovative solutions that improve long-term well integrity. This low-cost, low-risk and simple to deploy technology has the potential to have a profoundly positive effect on the decommissioning sector.”
Susi Wiseman, OGTC decommissioning project manager, added: “The value in this incredible piece of technology is multi-faceted. In addition to the cost savings associated with a passive monitoring system, the confidence it engenders will encourage operators to deploy alternative barriers technologies.”
