MEMBER NEWS: Coretrax downhole technology reaches landmark with 1,000 bridge plug deployed

October 10, 2023
MEMBER NEWS: Coretrax downhole technology reaches landmark with 1,000 bridge plug deployed

Coretrax, a global leader in well integrity and production optimisation, has successfully deployed its 1,000th CX-2 bridge plug during a project in the North Sea.

As the industry continues to drive efficiencies in plugging and abandonment (P&A) operations, the CX-2 is a solid and tested base for cement plugs and delivers enhanced efficiency and reliability.

Depositing cement into a well is key to placing effective environmental barriers as this prevents pollution at the surface and prohibits the emission of harmful methane gasses. This assists the oil and gas market to incorporate more environmentally responsible practices.

The CX-2 permanent cast iron bridge plug is constructed of drillable materials and features a built-in setting mechanism. It is set with both hydraulic pressure and mechanical pull and has an innovative release system, with a slim outer diameter (OD), a large inner diameter (ID). This allows cementing operations to be completed as part of the one trip system whilst minimising cement disturbance, ultimately eliminating the need for a dedicated cementing trip and further reducing rig time. It is proven to save an average of three hours per run.

With the North Sea Transition Authority estimating £40 billion is expected to be spent on decommissioning in the North Sea in the next decade, the technology is actively supporting cost reductions for the sector.

The CX-2 is regularly run in conjunction with the company’s CX-Superflow, a fully sacrificial combination scraper and brush tool. It delivers an effective solution for the removal of residual cement, scale, small perforation burrs and other foreign debris from the ID of the casing in the same trip as setting the bridge plug.

John Fraser, Coretrax CEO, said, “Coretrax has a long history and proven track record in the UKCS, so it is fitting that we achieved this milestone deployment in the North Sea. Our CX-2 bridge plug is a staple in our portfolio and has built an unrivalled reputation for delivering cost and time efficiencies in P&A operations.

“As the decommissioning sector continues to ramp up, our innovative technology combined with our experienced personnel allows us to remain at the forefront of well abandonment and able to tackle to most complex well challenges, while delivering greater efficiencies.”

The CX-2 bridge plug has been deployed for more than 40 customers across over 12 regions since the launch of the initial design in 2012.

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