In order to avoid the losses that occur during well downtime, Gazprom Neft specialists have conducted testing on Russian downhole equipment, the service life of which is expected to be 15 years without unavoidable repair. Achieving this has involved new materials — resistant to high pressure and various chemical substances — being used in well construction. Special tightening and sealing equipment, including packers (devices for overlapping and isolating individual well zones) with additional protective coatings are also used to give additional protection to such structures.

Several ultra-durable wells are expected to be tested at Gazpromneft-Khantos’ Yuzhno-Priobskoye field in 2018. The additional cost of these new constructions is expected to be offset by extra production volumes and lower operating costs.

Alexey Kan, CEO, Gazpromneft-Khantos, commented: “High reliability and safety are the priority areas of focus in our business, making the company a leader at every stage of production. Domestic producers are now meeting our requirements, offering optimum solutions and technologies. Using new structural approaches to construction and repair in high-technology injection wells will lead to improvements in field management.”

Mars Khasanov, CEO of the Gazprom Neft Science and Technology Centre, added: “Gazprom Neft is always working towards improving economic efficiency in hydrocarbon production. We are reducing operating costs, while simultaneously placing our stakes on the safety and durability of equipment. To that end, we are actively involved in working with Russian partners who can offer new solutions meeting the company’s needs.”