Paper: Casing Inspection Logs Help Plan Waterflood Re-Development

Casing inspection logs have proven to be an effective tool to help design and implement remedial operations during- waterflood redevelopment. A series of magnetic logging tools was run in a Tubb- Drinkard water flood located in SE New Mexico. The casing inspection logs qualitatively evaluated overall casing condition and indicated packer set points prior to conversion to water injection. In extreme cases, the logs discovered terminal casing damage requiring well abandonment. Many Permian Basin waterflood units have been infill drilled to reduce the pattern spacing. Older wells, some dating to the 30"s, are often converted to water injection to complete injection patterns. From the time a well is first completed, the casing wall thickness decreases. Corrosion, wear and physical damage combine to reduce the mechanical integrity of the casing, eventually destroying it. The casing inspection logging program has proven its value by substantially reducing workover costs and improving the success rate of injection well conversions.