Advantages to Remedial Operations of Coiled-Tubing-Enables Under-balanced Removal of Latest-Generation Composite Bridge Plugs

Efficiently fracture treating a large number of zones has created a unique downhole tool challenge. In many applications, the operator requires a drillable cased-hole bridge/frac plug to effectively isolate multiple zones for stimulation in a single borehole. The main objective of the drillable plug is to isolate the lower zones so effective stimulation can be performed in the upper zones. This minimizes wellbore interventions while maximizing the number of zones stimulated. During drill-up, the plug must breakdown into small cuttings that can be easily transported utilizing conventional flow-rates to ensure a clean wellbore and unobstructed perforations. The plug must be composed of materials that allow for rapid drill-out using standard downhole motors and milling equipment. Drillable plugs have evolved due to multiple challenges associated with the escalating number of zones that must be treated. Most recently, the service industry has produced a variety of composite bridge/frac plugs that have advanced performance compared to standard cast iron versions. However operators have experienced multiple problems with composite plugs. To addresses the issues, a plug was designed and manufactured from precision aluminum alloy. The aluminum plug technology (APT) has significantly increased plug life-span having successfully addressed degradation issues in the application's pressure/temperature range. The new plug stays locked downhole under extreme temperatures/pressures without degradation and a unique anchoring system eliminates spinning of multiple plugs during drill-out. Advanced materials and a compact design have reduced drill-out time to an average of 20 minutes, saving the operator expensive rig time. Using the APT, the operator has the option to flow back the well for an extended period before plug drill-out. APT has also drastically reduced the incidents of fishing due to partially set plugs. APT has demonstrated reliable performance during stimulation, effectively eliminating the adverse effects of plug movement during treatment.

Advanced Drillable Aluminum Plug Technology Solves Operational Concerns: Pinedale Wyoming

Lewis¹,

Hodges²,

Crawford

et al. 2010

Best Practices for Multi-zone Stimulation Using Composite Bridge Plugs

Lehr

Cramer

2011

Treatment isolation using composite bridge plugs (CP) has been practiced for about 18 years in North America and continues to be among the most economical ways to stimulate horizontal and multi-layer vertical wells. Despite this long experience, many end users still experience problems in these applications because of sub-optimal choices regarding product selection, run-in and removal options, and unrealistic expectations regarding plug life in downhole environments. This paper will identify best practices for using CPs, based on prior technical papers, field experience, and manufacturers' published data. These practices maximize the chances of successfully installing and removing CPs in multi-zone treatment applications, improving the economics of oil and gas plays requiring multiple stimulation treatments per well.As multi-zone completion activity increases in regions outside of North America, treatment applications using CPs will also increase in those regions. Realizing the benefits of using CPs in emerging regions will be achieved by learning about best practices from regions with extensive experience in their use.

Best Practices for Multizone Stimulation Using Composite Plugs

Lehr

Cramer

2011

Treatment isolation using composite bridge plugs (CP) has been practiced for about 18 years in North America and continues to be among the most economical ways to stimulate horizontal and multi-layer vertical wells. Despite this long experience, many end users still experience problems in these applications because of sub-optimal choices regarding product selection, run-in and removal options, and unrealistic expectations regarding plug life in downhole environments. This paper will identify best practices for using CPs, based on prior technical papers, field experience, and manufacturers' published data. These practices maximize the chances of successfully installing and removing CPs in multi-zone treatment applications, improving the economics of oil and gas plays requiring multiple stimulation treatments per well. As multi-zone completion activity increases in regions outside of North America, treatment applications using CPs will also increase in those regions. Realizing the benefits of using CPs in emerging regions will be achieved by learning about best practices from regions with extensive experience in their use.