USE OF SWAGES AS A TUBULAR REPAIR ALTERNATIVE FOR GEOTHERMAL WELLS

Abstract

Casing deformation is commonly found in geothermal wells, caused by natural or induced forces. Casing damage within geothermal wells may lead to the decline in production, stuck downhole tools, gravel bridge when loaded during well abandonments, reduction in well integrity and numerous other problems that could potentially result in major and expensive remedial works. For this reason, maintaining wellbore integrity is vital throughout the well life cycle.
Swaging is a technique used to open partially collapsed wellbore tubular. This process consists of jarring down a swage tool through the damaged area. Different types and sizes of swages are available to facilitate the casing re-shaping procedure by gradually passing a greater size swage by the collapsed zone. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of how swages have been used as a technique to repair collapsed geothermal wells in New Zealand.