America's Aging Well Problem Needs a Modern Solution

There are approximately 117,000 orphaned wells across the United States, and the number keeps climbing. Many of these wells leak methane and other contaminants into the atmosphere, posing a growing risk to nearby communities and the environment while draining resources from the state and federal bodies left to manage them.

Traditional plugging methods, typically concrete, remain the industry standard and are effective in many cases. But they aren't foolproof. A significant number of plugged wells continue to leak greenhouse gases long after remediation is considered complete.

KCI has been working alongside federal and local authorities to find more reliable - and cost-effective - ways to plug abandoned wells for good. Our leak-sealing solutions have been deployed as a primary barrier, or used alongside traditional concrete plugs, to produce a durable, leak-proof seal that holds up where conventional methods fall short.

A Smarter Approach to Abandonment

KCI's family of time-activated sealants was built to seal leaks on live infrastructure, but they’re equally compatible with the long-term integrity challenges associated with orphaned wells. 

Our solutions 

  • are engineered for rapid deployment

  • can be tailored to a wide range of well conditions

  • are trusted by local authorities managing large well portfolios across the US. 

Used on their own or in combination with concrete plugging, our sealants provide a leak-tight barrier that meets the latest industry and environmental standards, helping agencies close out orphaned well programs with confidence rather than guesswork. 

At the time of writing, our leak-sealing solutions been used to seal four orphaned wells in the US, and have a 100% success rate in this application

Having worked closely with federal regulators, we understand that every leaking well is a liability for the authorities responsible for it. Methane escaping from poorly sealed wells contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions, and the cost of repeated interventions adds up quickly when the first fix doesn't hold. 

There’s also an element of reputational damage that can’t be discounted, not to mention the time and cost involved with a negative audit finding.

KCI's solutions are designed to get it right the first time. Our sealants provide a durable barrier that cures in hours and blocks all contaminants without the need for costly workovers or repeat visits, giving agencies and operators a dependable way to close out their orphaned well liabilities.

 
 
 

 

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

Well Integrity Without Operational Compromise

Balancing well integrity with the realities of day-to-day operations isn't straightforward. In this webinar, KCI's senior leadership explore why a flexible, bespoke approach is essential and how it adapts to the distinct regulatory, environmental, and operational pressures operators face around the world.

 

Speakers

Kevin Watt, Managing Director
Graham Steele, Engineering Director

Access the Recording

 
 
 
 
 

 

A Family Of Field-Proven Sealants

 

With over 23 years of operational experience, we’ve developed a flexible catalogue of highly effective chemical sealants. Whether you’re holding stock as a contingency or responding to an emergent integrity issue, we have a solution that fits.

Wellhead Seal Isolations

MS-Sealant is a two-part, time-activated product that cures to become solid yet flexible. Available in various viscosities, it is specifically formulated for high-temperature environments, making it ideal for hotter climates.

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Control Line Leak Repair

IG-FP for Control Line Leak Repair is a one-part, pre-cured sealant that isolates hydraulic control line leaks while maintaining full downhole safety value functionality.

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Packer and Casing Shoe Isolations

IG-H for Packer Isolations is a two-part, time-activated product that cures into a soft, flexible gel with high compression strength and a low torsion and tear threshold.

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Responsive, Reliable Deployment Across the US

You need a partner who moves quickly and brings genuine technical expertise. KCI’s responsive operating model means we can put boots on the ground within 24–48 hours, and our network of regional partners ensures that product and on-site support can be mobilised without delay.

For operators managing larger asset portfolios, we also provide bulk solutions and training to equip your internal teams - or contractors - to deploy our sealants wherever and whenever they’re needed. We frequently deploy to the US, and have a well-honed operating model that makes us an ideal choice for both individual and bulk well abandonment projects.
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Speak With an Engineer

Whether you're managing a state orphaned well program, planning a large-scale abandonment campaign, or looking for a more reliable alternative to traditional plugging methods, our engineers are ready to help.

Get in touch and we'll provide guidance on our leak sealing technologies, or discuss whether our solutions are suitable for your program.