Axter Retrieve

Remove the need for a rig by removing the need to pull production tubing

Technology concept/solution:
The greatest cost related to P&A is the use of a rig to pull tons of production tubing out of the well. Axter has developed a rig-less thru tubing wireline tool that now enables the production tubing to be cemented and left in hole, eliminating the need of a costly rig intervention, potentially reducing costs up to 80%.

The retrieve-tool is composed of a few vital modules. The ultrasonic detector scans and locates the circumferential position of the lines, the mill module enables annular access, the cutter module severs the lines, and the gripper unit module retrieves and pulls them into tubing. All in one run. When removed, thru tubing cementing can be performed.

Furthermore, the retrieve-tool is also be capable of performing “downhole machining” for other and additional scopes/applications than P&A. The modules of the tool can be stacked to enable a variety of smart intervention issues related to i.e. Slot Recovery. All with the aim of reducing cost and environmental pollution.

By utilizing new technologies to eliminate rig and shipment of production tubing to shore, there is a potential of reducing climate emissions of CO₂ = 6:1, NOx = 5:1 and SO2 = 4:1.

With regards to HSEQ, the technology/tool also reduces/eliminates the risk of hazardous operations (lifting operations) that normally occurs when handling heavy tubulars from rig to vessel, from vessel to shore, and from shore to storage/disposal in designated areas.‍

Owner:
Aarbakke Innovation A

‍Partners:
‍Aarbakke Innovation has performed most of the R&D and design on its own. A few partners on component supplies and data validation have also been engaged during the project. Operators like Aker BP, Neptune Energy and TotalEnergies have contributed with useful inputs (design criteria, well data/information), as well as support for testing at The Ullrigg Test Centre in Stavanger.

Funding:
Aker BP, Neptune Energy, TotalEnergies, Norwegian Research Council, Innovation Norway and owners of Aarbakke Innovation.

Timeline:

‍Conceptualisation - development and testing - demonstration and validation (completed)- commercialization