Red Spider goes deep with EnDura® ED resistant seals
Application
The Red Spider Hydraulic RED (Remote Equalisation Device) replaces conventional equalisation devices run as part of a wireline lock or retrievable bridge plug assembly, such as a simple bull nose, shear out sub, prong and sub or cycle plug. In effect it is an 'intelligent' equalisation device which allows the operator the ability to perform any number of pressure tests up to its maximum rating, above or below the plugging assembly.
Hydraulic RED relies on an Annular Tubing Control Valve which is controlled remotely from the surface. The valve is designed to control the gas injection in an oil well. It allows gas to be injected into either both upper and lower zones of a reservoir or just one zone, for example, to control injection preferentially into the top zone over the lower zone.
The Hydraulic RED uses 20 EnDura® V95X O-ring seals in total. The valve relies on the EnDura® seals to prevent gas leaking and going up to the hydraulic head on the surface where it would pose a fire risk.
Problem
As a leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of innovative downhole solutions to the global oil and gas industry, Red Spider Technology's product range is engineered to address a wide range of issues and problems experienced in the upstream production of oil and gas including completion, intervention and drilling equipment. The company wanted their tools to meet the demanding ISO14310 standard, Validation Grade 1 for this type of technology.
Requirements
According to NORSOK Standard D-010 a mechanical tubular plug shall, if used as a well barrier element in production or injection applications, comply with ISO 14310 by meeting Grade V1 for design validation.
The V1 Test is particularly difficult for seals to pass. The seal is pressurised and then heated up and cooled down four times. Red Spider went further and subjected it to seven days of continuous testing. To pass the test the seal must not show any signs of leaking.
The 3.250" Hydraulic RED was tested to 7,500 psi differential pressure and within a temperature interval of 75°C and 4°C. EnDura® V95X successfully passed the test becoming the first material to be truly V1 compliant.
Solution
EnDura® has been both a technical and commercial success for Red Spider Technology according to Gary Smith, Marketing Manager. “Since achieving V1 accreditation with Endura® seals, there has been a noticeable upturn in the number of Hydraulic RED operations in the Norwegian sector and the device is fast becoming the tool of choice for workover and tubing change-out operations. So far it has been used on 12 jobs - mainly shallow set isolations where the well is being plugged for workover applications”.
Outcome
Red Spider was the first company to achieve ISO 14310 validation grade 1 for a hydraulic RED downhole tool.
How can we help? Contact our oil and gas sealing experts to discuss your requirements, or start a discussion online.