A fully energized MTM seal is durable and reliable even with changing and volatile downhole conditions. (Image courtesy of Caledyne

Caledyne’s metal-to-metal (MTM) downhole seal system provides a complete metal barrier that is reliable, durable, and resistant to extreme conditions.

The company’s retrievable bridge plug (RBP), which incorporates the MTM seal, was recently deployed for Talisman on the Bunga Kekwa project in Malaysia to temporarily plug a well.

The RBP was installed to a depth of 7,244 ft (2,208 m). The assembly was run, and the setting tool activated, which sheared off the bridge plug and removed it from the well.

Well deviation at the RBP was 45° and was successfully pressure-tested to 350 psi. After one hour, a straight-line pressure test with zero dropoff was recorded, and after 24 hours, there was no pressure buildup in the tubing. A debris catcher was then installed above the RBP to keep out cuttings.

A second tubing cut was required below the original cut after problems were encountered during repair activities. Because this process was performed without a debris catcher, considerable debris landed on top of the RBP. Multiple bailer and venture runs were carried out to remove the debris. The new completion components were installed a month after the RBP.

When the plug was removed, the large amount of debris prevented the pulling tool from latching the fishing neck on the RBP, which resulted in further bailing runs to remove debris.

At this point, the plug was released but could not be pulled. Several maximum overpulls of 30,000 lbf were applied that eventually moved the plug slowly uphole.

With the plug removed, the RBP appeared to be in good condition with the MTM seal fully intact, sitting just above gauge diameter. The resilience of the RBP reflects the mechanical strength, construction, integrity, and design of the MTM seal, which had been downhole for two months.

Since this initial deployment, the operator has ordered several additional RBP units for similar reservoir applications.