Expro has launched Galea—the world’s first fully autonomous well intervention system— on Nov. 24 to maximize production while reducing intervention costs, HSE risks and environmental impact.
Galea replaces larger, conventional and more labor-intensive wireline rig-ups for a range of slickline operations such as solids removal, plug setting/pulling and logging surveys. Galea can be configured in a variety of operating modes to suit a range of applications onshore and offshore.
In fully autonomous mode, Galea deploys a tool string into the well either at regular intervals or as defined by the well conditions. With continuous remote monitoring available from anywhere in the world, Galea can increase production at reduced operating costs and remove personnel from the worksite while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of intervention operations.
In semi-autonomous mode, Galea performs a pre-programmed intervention sequence, initiated locally or remotely. This benefits multi-well platforms or pads where regular interventions—such as paraffin wax scraping operations—are required. A small, self-contained intervention package permanently located at the well site eliminates the need for a wireline unit or truck.
The system also reduces the impact of operations on the environment around the well site. Galea has several fail-safe features to ensure containment and eliminate potential wire-breaks during interventions.
In manual mode, Galea enables quick rig-up intervention compared to conventional operations. When not in use, the system occupies a fraction of the well site or deck-space required for a standard slickline winch unit and PCE package. A single lift, enclosed rotating parts and the elimination of slickline wire across open deck-space enhance the system’s safety credentials.
“Galea maximizes production while reducing operational overheads by using an intelligent, autonomous system to perform a variety of slickline operations,” Max Tseplic, Expro’s vice president of well intervention, said. “Frequent, routine interventions typically involve significant manpower and equipment, which are costly. Planning these operations is often restricted by the availability of hardware and crew. The environmental impact of regular interventions, and the movement of vehicles and equipment, are also significant, as is the HSE risk to crew in traveling to and from well sites and performing operations.
Tseplic continued, “Galea eliminates these challenges by removing the movement of people and equipment to the well site for each intervention. Remote control and 24/7 monitoring reduce HSE risk and allow production to continue in inaccessible areas. The reduced environmental impact of using Galea helps asset managers comply with environmental regulations.”
Galea is the latest addition to Expro’s portfolio of future-facing technologies, which together with best-in-class safety and service quality, allows Expro to deliver cost-effective, innovative solutions to increase production and reduce emissions.