ExxonMobil collaborates on well-integrity technology

Jan. 18, 2018
ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. signed a 3-year joint development agreement with MagnaBond LLC to develop technologies to better evaluate well cementing, casing, and tubing during decommissioning activities.

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co. signed a 3-year joint development agreement with MagnaBond LLC to develop technologies to better evaluate well cementing, casing, and tubing during decommissioning activities.

Existing evaluation technology cannot adequately characterize cement quality through multiple casing strings, an ExxonMobil news release said. A well’s production tubing must be pulled to inspect the cement, adding to the time and expense required for decommissioning.

ExxonMobil will work with MagnaBond to develop technology allowing for through-tubing cement evaluation before arrival of a rig or a workover unit.

Jayme Meier, ExxonMobil Upstream Research vice-president of engineering, said, “Developing a technology that enables us to see the quality of well casing and cement with a single tool is a major step in determining overall well integrity.”

MagnaBond has expertise in technology transfer and supply chain design from other industries, including semiconductor, aerospace, and automotive technologies.

In 2017, ExxonMobil collaborated with other oil and gas companies to form the Plugging and Abandonment Collaborative Environment, an industry network promoting early adoption of emerging technology for well plugging and abandonment practices.