Pipetech & the Net Zero Technology Centre
When tackling wellbore clogging, historically, operators have turned to longstanding chemical and mechanical methods. However, these existing techniques are facing scrutiny over inefficiencies, limitations, and the negative environmental impact they cause. As the industry evolves, we are driving towards more advanced and long-term sustainable solutions which align with operational goals and environmental responsibilities.
This desire to drive change is what led to the in-house development of Pipetech’s Downhole Scale Remediation (DSR) technology. Aided by a series of global collaborators, the DSR seeks to maximise the value of existing assets while navigating uncertainties and contribute to broader industry goals.
Challenge
Across wellbores globally, the buildup of waxes, hard scales, and corrosion frequently inhibit production while leading to disastrous consequences for operations. Labelled as a ‘billion-dollar problem’, by obstructing fluid flow, buildup of foulants can compromise production efficiency and damage assets, leading to the risk of well shutdowns.
While methods such as chemical washes and mechanical removal have been proven to dissolve deposits, they have come under increasing dissection because they can be hazardous, corrosive, and leave a lasting impact on the environment. While still successful and useful in the industry, mechanical tools can struggle in accessing complex wellbore geometries, resulting in ineffective cleaning remediation
Achievements
Supported by the Net Zero Technology Centre’s (NZTC) Emissions Reduction programme, our industry-first DSR innovation is targeting to redefine wellbore cleaning solutions.
Inspired by our scale removal experience, the DSR’s development signals a pivot in tackling scale-related issues within downhole wells in a bid to support the long-term success of existing and upcoming campaigns. Offering an efficient, precise, and more environmentally responsible cleaning solution than previously standardised, the DSR has been developed to support evolving industry needs and address common challenges.
Following an extensive research and development phase, we collaborated with key organisations including NZTC and GDi, alongside several industry experts, to bring the DSR to life.
Results
Leveraging a rotational high-pressure water-jetting system, the DSR targets and removes stubborn scale deposits within wellbores, subsurface safety valves and perforations. By cleaning the inside of a wellbore back to the bare metal, the DSR restores wellbore surfaces and addresses common issues which compromise production efficiency or even lead to the risk of well abandonment.
The DSR’s advanced water-jetting nozzle tracks and adapts to a wellbore’s varying inner diameter (ID), delivering precise and effective cleaning for safety valves, side pocket mandrels, and other critical areas, restoring surfaces to bare metal with unmatched efficiency.
In November 2024, the technology achieved proof of concept during qualification trials at our Aberdeenshire, Scotland, facility. This trial was independently verified by a third-party consultant to ensure alignment with industry standards. Client trials with leading energy operators further validated its potential to enhance production efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Soon to take place, a series of field trials in the UK, Norway, and the Middle East will demonstrate the DSR’s capabilities. These trials will help to position the DSR as a faster, more effective solution, opening significant market opportunities and proving its adaptability and reliability in diverse field conditions.
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