Two critical facets of the discipline of well control and wellbore integrity—decarbonization and groundbreaking automation of essential processes—are highlighted in the three primary paper selections presented at SPE and SPE-affiliated conferences during the past year. These authors advance studies dedicated to heightening safety and embracing the energy transition, two goals that must be interwoven as the industry enters the second quarter of the century.
In paper SPE 221116, the authors describe a methodology for analyzing blowout-preventer (BOP) pressure charts that leverages computer vision to decode image captures of data in conjunction with a BOP-inspection application. Their findings indicate that an average of 90 minutes can be saved per test while the accuracy of readings is simultaneously improved. Additionally, the operator deploying the technology has reported a 300% return on investment.
Plugged and abandoned (P&A) wells are already playing a crucial role in CO2-storage projects, but they pose special challenges because of the potential for corrosion and decreased casing thickness once they are exposed to CO2. The authors of paper SPE 222449 present a modeling framework that provides a quantitative, risk-based assessment of the long-term integrity of P&A wells. The framework includes three newly developed modules (centered on geochemical, geomechanical, and corrosion concerns) customized for CO2 storage.
The authors of paper SPE 225550 adopt a broad scope in addressing the discipline’s ability to accommodate and enhance the energy transition. The paper summarizes their findings from laboratory experiments conducted in recent years on wellbore integrity for geothermal projects, geological CO2 storage, and hydrogen storage. A wide range of concerns, approaches, and options are reviewed, from existing salt-cavern-storage projects to methods of drilling new wells that better accord with net-zero goals.
Summarized Papers in This January 2026 Issue
SPE 225550 Study Explores Wellbore-Integrity Challenges in the Era of Energy Transition by Taofik H. Nassan, SPE, and Mohammed Amro, SPE, TU Bergakademie Freiberg.
SPE 222449 Modeling Framework Developed To Assess Integrity of Legacy Wells for CO2 Storage by Saeed Ghanbari, Morteza H. Sefat, SPE, and David Davies, Heriot-Watt University, et al.
SPE 222116 BOP Pressure-Chart Analysis Approach Uses Computer Vision Technology by Ali Mohamed S. Al Hosani, SPE, and Geetha Selvamoorthy, ADNOC, and Koushik Kumar, Trust Technical Services.
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 224896 Innovative Recovery Strategies for High-Risk Well-Integrity Failures by M. Al Mahrooqi, Petroleum Development Oman, et al.
SPE 225047 Cutting-Edge Wellhead Support To Secure Subsiding and Unstable Onshore Wells: Casing and Structural Rehabilitation Methodology by A.M. Darwish, ADNOC, et al.
SPE 225724 Success Story: A Cost-Effective and Systematic Approach To Restore Integrity in Wells Having Sustained Annulus Pressure Using Rigless Intervention by A.Y. Sulaiman, ADNOC, et al.
OTC 35769 Fingerprinting Burst and Collapse Events in Well Casings Using Electromagnetic Logs by Huiwen Sheng, Halliburton, et al.
Chris Carpenter joined SPE in 2001, starting his career as an associate editor and then managing editor of SPE’s peer-reviewed journals. In 2013, he joined the staff of the Journal of Petroleum Technology as technology editor. He is responsible for Technology Focus feature synopses of selected SPE conference papers and is liaison for the JPT Editorial Review Board. He has also served as an adjunct professor of English for several Texas community colleges since 2001. Carpenter holds a BA degree in history from Hendrix College, an MA degree in English from Texas A&M University, and an MFA in writing from the University of Arkansas. He can be reached at ccarpenter@spe.org.
