In a controlled offshore field trial, a major operator evaluated two competing approaches to BOP pressure testing and well barrier verification on sister drillships in the Gulf of America. The objective: determine which solution delivered faster, more accurate validation of well control equipment performance.
The Challenge
Traditional predictive analysis methods, commonly used in pressure decline analysis, rely on assumed coefficients rather than actual test data. This introduces uncertainty in well barrier testing, especially in complex subsea environments.
Operators required a solution that could:
- Improve bop pressure testing efficiency
- Enhance leak detection accuracy
- Strengthen well integrity management systems
The IPT Global Approach
IPT Global deployed its SureTec® PressureTesting Solution, a digital pressure testing software with a patented advanced analysis engine that leverages thermally compensated leak detection (TCLD).
Unlike conventional methods, TCLD:
- Uses real-time pressure, temperature, and volume data
- Detects subtle deviations in system behavior
- Enables precise validation of well barrier elements
This approach aligns with modern barrier management software strategies and supports BOP real-time monitoring across offshore operations.
The Results
Field trial results confirmed a clear performance advantage:
- 20% faster test validation compared to predictive analysis
- Improved confidence in leak detection and well integrity assurance
- Reduced rig time and operational costs
The operator concluded that SureTec PressureTesting provided superior efficiency and assurance in subsea BOP testing and overall well control equipment performance. This resulted in the operator changing their digital pressure testing provider from a competing company to IPT Global across all offshore operations.
Why It Matters
As the oil and gas industry moves toward digital transformation, relying on assumption-based models is no longer sufficient. Advanced analytics provided through IPT Global’s SureTec platform deliver:
- Data-driven well integrity software capabilities
- Enhanced barrier verification and assurance
- Scalable solutions beyond drilling for completions, interventions, and P&A pressure testing
Key Takeaway
For operators seeking to optimize bop testing, well barrier element pressure tests, and inflow pressure testing, adopting real-time, data-driven analysis is critical.
Predictive models estimate. IPT Global validates.
