Unity’s bespoke thru-tubing solution. has successfully completed a well intervention project in Central Italy for SMAPE
(WO) — Well integrity and decommissioning specialist Unity has completed a well intervention project in central Italy for SMAPE, deploying a custom thru-tubing solution to achieve isolation in a technically challenging well.
The intervention followed unsuccessful conventional cement squeeze operations, with a thief zone behind a slotted liner absorbing cement and preventing the required isolation. The well geometry also prevented the use of standard mechanical isolation equipment.
Unity engineered a 2.125-in. inflatable cement retainer capable of passing through a 2.188-in. nipple restriction before expanding and setting inside a 3.958-in. ID above the thief zone.
The company’s thru-tubing team modified the bottom-hole assembly with a dual check valve system and shear disconnect. The solution was topped with a cement plug, allowing the rig team to release from the retainer immediately after squeezing without dropping additional balls or risking complications after the packer was inflated.
Unity Thru-Tubing Operations Manager Chris Myles
“This is the first time we have used this configuration, which draws on established principles,” said Chris Myles, Unity thru-tubing operations manager. “We’re not tied to one OEM’s solution, so we can pull in whatever’s most appropriate, adapt it, and build something that fits the exact problem in front of us.”
The project marks Unity’s second collaboration with SMAPE, an independent engineering company specializing in coiled tubing and well services.
Unity has expanded its well intervention tooling portfolio since the beginning of 2025, with the Italy project forming part of a broader effort to provide integrated well integrity and intervention services.
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