Reliability qualification testing for permanently installed wellbore equipment

Reservoir monitoring and intelligent completions require permanent downhole equipment to monitor and control wells with flow-control devices. Reliability qualification testing (RQT) is essential for these systems that are installed in a severe downhole environment. Reliability testing identifies weak links, measures progress, and builds confidence to avoid risks and surprises. Ten years of experience with downhole safety valves and permanent gauge installations show surprisingly similar reliability and testing problems to those experienced in automotive and aerospace applications. RQT provides an objective set of techniques to develop and deploy reliable long-life systems.