Techniques for Precise Leak Detection in Tubing-Casing and Casing-To-Casing Annular Pressure Systems: A Multi-Modal Approach with Procedure Enhancement

Abstract Using advanced diagnostic techniques and tools to identify failure points within the well structure helps in determining risk levels and mitigating potential hazards associated with annulus pressure anomalies. Analysis of individual measurement tool may not be sufficient, requiring a multi-modal approach. This paper showed the significance of integrating advanced acoustic, corrosion, electromagnetic, thermal, and pressure measurement techniques and how to manipulate the procedures based on well annular bleed off and build up characteristics to enhance the accuracy and reliability of leak detection in locating leaks. Wells with annular sustainable pressure characterized by slow build-up, rapid bleed-off, small leak rates, solo leak points, connection leaks, low pressure, and annular flow from casing to casing or behind casing are more challenging and cannot be easily identified using conventional methods. Integrating surface and subsurface diagnostic data is useful, but subsurface techniques must be adjusted individually for each case under a specific procedure. The procedure incorporates a variety of logging techniques, including corrosion, acoustic, spinners, pressure, and temperature logs. Additionally, it involves modifications to the process itself, such as addressing the requirements for shutting in the well, conducting bleed-off passes, dynamic passes during water or gas injection, and identifying hot spots and logging stationary stops. A series of field trials were conducted to validate these techniques with practical implementation across various well types, including oil, gas, gas lift, Electrical submersible pumps producers, disposal, water, water and gas alternative, gas injectors, and water supply wells. These techniques supported by field cases identified behind flows, tubing leaks, casing leaks, subsurface safety valve leaks, shallow reservoirs communication, cement channeling, and multiple leak sources. This includes multi-finger caliper logging, noise logging, pressure and temperature logging, electromagnetic logging, acoustic and ultrasonic logging, sample analysis, surface diagnostic tests, and cement evaluation logs. They helped determine remedial measures and suggested rig-less solutions such as patches, straddling, sealant injection, cement injection for sustainable annular casing to casing issues, and addressing packer and tubing leaks. Integrating multi-modal data reduces false positives and enhances diagnostic confidence. That's why it was considered one of the valuable techniques that could consolidate the analysis outcomes and decision-making process accordingly. This work introduces advanced techniques and enhancement procedures for accurately detecting leaks in tubing-casing and casing-to-casing annular pressure systems. By utilizing a multi-modal approach, this study aims to improve the accuracy and reliability of leak detection, thereby contributing to the integrity and safety of oil and gas operations.