This report sums up the investigation made into the reliability of cemented shoe track used as a well integrity barrier. The industry has identified a gap in the verification requirements for such practice and several well integrity incidents have occurred while relying on shoe track as a sealing barrier against hydrocarbons.
The investigation aimed at gathering industry knowledge on cemented shoe track used as a well integrity barrier in order to propose an enhancement of the verification requirements for this.
It reviews industry history to spotlight major well integrity events involving this practice and the lessons learned from these incidents. A combination of literature reviews, case study analysis and experts’ interviews are employed to draw the current industry situation and try to find a way forward to a sustainable and safe solution. It also explores technologies available on the market or under development that can improve safety and reliability of shoe tracks used as a well integrity barrier.
This work tries to improve well integrity by challenging experts on the current field practices. It digs into technical problems that were lying on the floor due to non-acceptable solutions available. By exposing facts, this investigation tries to bring the subject into light, so it won’t be ignored anymore. By providing mitigation measures, it shows that a solution can be engineered. A technical discussion needs to start between major actors of the industry to find a reliable and safe solution and more than ever, avoid new accidents involving the use of cemented shoe track as a well integrity barrier.