An international oil company operated a high-pressure gas well offshore Myanmar where the lower master valve could not be fully opened and required repair. The integrity of the well and safety of the tree changeout operation depended on deploying a retrievable plug that met API 11D1 V0/V0R qualification standards.
However, the reduced internal diameter of the damaged valve presented a significant challenge. Conventional and medium-expansion retrievable bridge plugs had a running OD too large for the narrow restriction, leaving the customer without a viable solution.
SLB provided a complete intervention solution, combining mechanical slickline services with its Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug technology. The 3.500-in OD of the Hi-Ex plug enabled it to pass through the restricted internal diameter of the damaged valve and set securely inside the 5 ½-in production tubing.
Two Hi-Ex plugs were deployed and pressure-tested to 4,000 psi to confirm a gas-tight seal, establishing a temporary well barrier that allowed secure access for valve repair. Once the operation was complete, both plugs were retrieved using mechanical slickline, and the well was safely brought back online.
This successful intervention demonstrated the reliability and adaptability of the SLB Hi-Ex plug in high-pressure, restricted-access environments. The customer achieved their operational goals without compromising reliability or efficiency. The lessons from this operation have set a precedent for future interventions in similar well conditions.
