Implement Fiber Optic Technology for Underground Gas Storage Well Monitoring

Overview

Main Objective

This project is expected to achieve the following objectives:

• Establish a comprehensive understanding of the applicability of various FO techniques for monitoring UGS wells in both salt caverns and depleted reservoirs;

• Develop guidelines and best practices for implementing the FO technology in UGS well monitoring; and

• Establish a cost structure to provide UGS operators with a reference to conduct technoeconomic assessment for implementing the FO technology.

The goal of this project is to develop a reliable solution of using FO technology as an alternative well integrity monitoring method that allows extension of MITs or traditional well inspection intervals specified by regulators.

Public Abstract

This project will establish a comprehensive understanding of the applicability of the fiber optic monitoring technology for underground gas storage (UGS) wells (including salt caverns and depleted reservoirs) by leveraging learnings from past projects with full-scale laboratory tests. The knowledge obtained through this project will form a basis to establish guidelines and best practices for implementing the fiber optic downhole monitoring technology in UGS wells.

Anticipated Results: The expected outcomes of this project are to establish guidelines and best practices to guide the implementation of the fiber optic technology for continuous downhole integrity monitoring of underground natural gas storage wells with consideration of applications for future underground hydrogen storage (UHS). The critical targets of the fiber optic monitoring system for UGS wells include: 1) cost effectiveness; 2) effective well integrity monitoring; 3) long-term integrity of the fiber optic system; and 4) minimal risks of introducing leak paths.

Potential Impact on Safety: Following the guidelines and best practices established from this project, the fiber optic system deployed in UGS wells is expected to enhance the well integrity management with continuous downhole surveillance. A fiber optic monitoring system is expected to provide an additional assurance of well integrity as a basis to extend the direct inspection intervals prescribed by regulators, thereby significantly reducing the risk and operational cost associated with well entries required for mechanical integrity tests and/or traditional well inspections. The continuous monitoring capability is also particularly critical for future underground hydrogen storage due to the higher leak potential of hydrogen gas than natural gas.

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