Abstract
Plug and Abandonment (P&A) and subsea slot recovery operations are critical phases in the lifecycle of oil and gas wells. These operations often involve the removal of casing sections, a process that can be technically challenging and financially burdensome. One of the primary obstacles is the presence of settled barite in the annulus, which forms over time due to fluid dynamics and particle settling. This hardened mass significantly increases friction and mechanical resistance, particularly around casing collars, making pipe pulling operations difficult and time-consuming. Casing removal operations in oil and gas wells, particularly during Plug and Abandonment (P&A) and subsea slot recovery, are often hindered by the presence of settled barite in the annulus. This accumulation significantly increases the pulling force required, leading to higher operational costs and extended intervention times. This study presents a novel approach to reduce casing pulling force by introducing strategically placed holes above the casing collar, allowing barite debris to escape into the borehole. A down scaled experimental setup was used to simulate settled barite conditions and pulling force measurements were conducted under various scenarios. Numerical analysis was also performed to optimize hole size and number while maintaining casing integrity. The results demonstrate a substantial reduction in pulling force when holes are introduced, offering a promising solution for more efficient and cost-effective casing removal operations