North Sea testing demonstrates the benefits of multi-element swellables

Valhall Field, operated by BP Norge AS in the North Sea, is undergoing a massive redevelopment that will allow the field to keep producing until about 2050. In total, more than $2.3 billion is expected to be invested in upgrading the field. The operator is investigating strategies to protect the field against damage associated with waterflood and to minimize costs in its next phase of production. The reservoir management plan for the Valhall redevelopment relies on multi-zone water injection and management of offset water in producing wells. It was recognized that cementing the reservoir liner could prevent isolation between the injection points or make the pre-perforated sliding sleeves inoperable, due to cement fallout. Swellable packers were identified as a potential solution for zonal isolation that would limit the risk of damaging the perforation valves and reduce operational risk when running and cementing the reservoir liner.