Offshore P&A Operation with Adaptive Plug Solution

Posted on June 22, 2026

Thru Tubing Systems (TTS) was contracted to support the plug and abandonment (P&A) of multiple wells on an offshore platform in the Gulf of America. As part of the well program, TTS mobilized the required thru-tubing plugs, casing plugs, and retainers to facilitate safe and efficient abandonment operations.

During the intervention, the operator encountered an unexpected tubing failure that required an immediate, adaptable solution to keep the project moving forward.

The Challenge

While conducting well intervention activities, the production tubing was discovered to have parted near surface.

The parted string was identified as:

• Tapered String 4-1/2 in., 12.75 lb/ft, 13Cr, 110 ksi and 3-1/2 in., 9.3 lb/ft, 13Cr, 85K BTS-8 tubing on bottom
• Inside 9-5/8 in., 53.5 lb/ft, Q125 casing
• Parted at 34 ft measured depth inside 4-1/2 in. Tubing (MD)

With the tubing string compromised, the operator needed a reliable method to isolate the well and continue abandonment operations without the delays and additional costs associated with sourcing specialized equipment.

The Solution

To address the challenge, the customer deployed a TTS 2.630 in. Cast Iron Bridge Plug equipped with:

• Bow spring centralizer above the plug
• 6 ft of 1-1/2 in. stem
• 39 ft of 1-1/4 in. stem
• Bow spring centralizer below the plug

The assembly was stung into the parted 4-1/2 in. tubing and successfully run in hole to a setting depth of 8,325 ft MD.

Following installation, the plug was pressure tested to 1,000 psi and bubble tested for 15 minutes in accordance with BSEE requirements and operator procedures.

A key advantage of the TTS plug design is its standard lower connection, which allows for quick adaptation of specialized bottomhole assemblies when operational conditions change unexpectedly. This flexibility enabled the team to respond immediately on location without waiting for custom tooling.

Additionally, the plug’s flame-hardened slips—standard on all TTS thru-tubing plugs—are specifically designed to provide reliable anchoring and performance in 13Cr tubulars.

Well Parameters

• Plug Set Inside: 3-1/2 in., 9.3 lb/ft, 13Cr, 85K BTS-8
• Well Fluid: 8.6 ppg KCl
• Bottom Hole Temperature (BHT): 179°F
• Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP): 1,102 psi

Results

By leveraging the versatility of the TTS plug design, the operator was able to overcome an unforeseen tubing failure and continue abandonment operations efficiently.

The built-in lower connection and flame-hardened slips provided the flexibility needed to adapt the bottomhole assembly on site, eliminating delays associated with sourcing specialized tools and reducing non-productive time (NPT).

When unexpected downhole conditions arise, TTS delivers field-proven solutions that help operators maintain operational efficiency, minimize risk, and keep critical P&A projects on schedule.