Unity launches a new range of compact well integrity technologies designed to deliver operational cost savings of 50-75%.

Aberdeen-headquartered Unity, Europe’s largest provider of well integrity solutions, has launched a new range of compact technologies to solve common industry challenges including working space, component weight and personnel on board (POB) restrictions. The technologies will be used to support Unity’s surface well integrity, shallow intervention and well decommissioning services.

For offshore operations, the new products reduce well bay space requirements, simplify and accelerate offline mobilisation and reduce POB, cost and risk. Due to these efficiencies, the products all offer between 50-75% savings in OPEX.

The new technology range includes a compact dual-bore xmas tree isolation system, a compact valve removal tool and a compact shear-seal valve. The products complement Unity’s existing Surface Intervention System (SIS), the first product in this compact technology range, which is already delivering multi-functional operations, such as inspection, plug setting, milling and xmas tree removal, at reduced cost and improved efficiency compared to wireline or coiled tubing intervention. The SIS is the most compact of its type on the market with a footprint of around 2ft2, requiring only two technicians to operate. It delivers savings in the region of 60-75% for a single deployment.

Unity’s new dual-bore xmas tree isolation system has a footprint of just 1.5ft2 with an operating height of only 6ft above the well cap. It can be mobilised and deployed rapidly for shallow plug setting, particularly suited to support and reduce the cost of P&A operations. It can be deployed offline without the need for traditional intervention equipment, saving around 60-75% or more per well. Time savings from rig-up to rig-down are in the order of 2-3 hrs compared to 2-3 days for wireline or coiled tubing interventions and the system is quickly and easily moved between wells.

The valve removal tool is also designed for use in cramped well bays and delivers an impressive, industry leading, 1,200 ft/lbs torque with optional hydraulic operation without the associated space normally required for such operations. Its rental price is around 60% less than similar products.

The new compact shear-seal valve is designed to reduce the weight and geometry of intervention pressure control equipment. It utilises a hydraulically actuated ram but is 50% lighter and 30% smaller than the next closest comparable product. It is rated to cut slickline, wireline, SIS rods and coiled tubing and is modular in design, allowing dual redundant stack-up configurations. Its compact size and reduced weight improve handling and help to reduce concerns over structural integrity on late-life assets.

Gary Smart, CEO at Unity explained: “Unity is engaged in long term contract work on over 1,000 wells around Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Our investment in this new compact technology range has followed on the back of significant contract wins over the last 18 months, which have highlighted several common technical challenges faced by the industry, particularly in the late-life, P&A and well decommissioning market. We are very excited to be offering such an impressive step-change in savings and technical advancement to the market.