Result
MCGx commissioned three high-rate offshore gas wells delivering 490 MMscf/d combined production by detecting and arresting two integrity-critical scenarios that were not apparent from design intent or procedures alone. Early intervention prevented tubing collapse, avoided sand control damage, and ensured all wells entered operations without latent integrity risk.
Problem
During commissioning of a dual-zone well, an inflow control valve inadvertently closed due to gas ingress into the hydraulic control line. Opening the production choke triggered rapid tubing depressurisation without flow response, creating imminent risk of tubing collapse under annulus pressure. Concurrently, a second well exhibited extreme acoustic sand detector activity (>200,000 counts), raising uncertainty over whether continued clean-up would stabilise or escalate into erosion or sand control failure.
MCGx Insight
MCGx recognised that commissioning risk emerges in transient states, not steady-state limits. Live pressure diagnostics confirmed both ICVs were unexpectedly closed, prompting immediate suspension before collapse conditions developed. For the solids-affected well, MCGx correlated ASD response with rate changes and pressure behaviour to distinguish clean-up from integrity degradation, enabling controlled progression rather than reactionary shut-in.
Proof
Targeted intervention restored correct valve configuration. All three wells completed commissioning without integrity damage or compromised performance. Diagnostic approach and learnings were embedded into the operator’s future commissioning standards.