Result
MCGx enabled the safe commissioning of a high-rate offshore gas well where early performance deviated materially from design expectations. By identifying and managing a latent flux-driven integrity risk during start-up, MCGx prevented potential OHGP failure, avoiding loss of the well and a US$100 million re-drill while preserving long-term integrity.
Problem
During commissioning, the well achieved stable operation but delivered significantly lower rates than predicted. While initially appearing to be a performance issue, the deviation raised a serious concern: if reduced effective inflow length was causing underperformance, local OHGP flux could be dangerously elevated. The original plan (continue ramping to maximum allowable rate) risked OHGP failure if flux limits were unknowingly exceeded.
MCGx Insight
MCGx recognised that commissioning performance anomalies can be integrity signals, not just reservoir uncertainty. Rather than continuing the ramp-up, MCGx implemented extended hold points and multi-rate testing to diagnose whether lower performance stemmed from poor reservoir quality or reduced inflow length. This distinguished between a production constraint and an integrity threat, enabling evidence-based rate decisions under live conditions.
Proof
The well completed staged commissioning without integrity degradation and was eventually produced to maximum deliverability once reservoir performance was confirmed. The flux-assessment approach was adopted as standard practice for all subsequent new wells.