Welltec® Delta Xpander — Welltec Annular Barrier

Wireline deployment for selective WAB expansion  

The Welltec® Delta Xpander combined with a Welltec Annular Barrier (WDX-WAB) delivers a novel wireline-enabled method for well integrity management, with the ability to deploy and activate multiple metal expandable packers in scenarios where conventional pressure-based activation is not feasible.  

The WDX-WAB uses a downhole pump and valve-controlled sequence to enable precise, individual expansion of each metal expandable packer. This method allows for multiple WABs to be run in hole and expanded in place or positioned for future activation.

By decoupling deployment from pressure-based activation, the WDX-WAB unlocks new flexibility in completion design and contingency planning. The result is a highly flexible, wireline-deployed solution for remediation and proactive well integrity management.

Challenges and applications

• Scenarios where standard WABs cannot be pressurized
• Proactive WAB deployment for future activation
• Uncertain or changing downhole conditions

Benefits 

• Slim run in hole (RIH) outer diameter: Enables easier deployment in restricted or narrow wellbores.
• Lightweight equipment: Reduces handling and rig-up complexity, especially beneficial for offshore or remote operations.
• *'Fast backup solution for WAB expansion' 
• No dedicated seal area required: The tool seals directly within the tubing, eliminating the need for a specialized sealing profile and simplifying well design.

How is it deployed?

The WDX-WAB is delivered on an integrated wireline toolstring, combining all components needed for deployment and expansion. 

Once run in hole, each WAB can be positioned to isolate a zone immediately or left for later expansion, depending on operational needs. This is particularly valuable where conventional pressure-based activation is not feasible.

Expansion is performed hydraulically using well fluid, delivered by the downhole pump in a controlled sequence. Each packer typically takes around 60 minutes to set and is fully monitored in real time via Surface Read Out (SRO) data for setting pressure, downhole pressure, and temperature.  A fail-safe shear pin release provides redundancy in the unlikely event of pump malfunction or communication loss.

The result is a wireline-deployed, pressure-independent solution enabling precise, selective expansion of multiple WABs, whether for immediate isolation, staged zonal remediation, or proactive placement for future intervention.