Field Operational Results of Precision Slot Cutting Using Novel Electromechanical Slot-Cutting Technology

Abstract

The downturn in the market has affected the majority of oil and gas producers and made their ability to maximize the production of current wells a crucial goal. Completion installations are becoming increasingly complex with many incorporating sliding sleeves to gain access to multiple zones in the wellbore. These completions are often concentric in design and engineered with packers, outer gravel pack screens, and an inner tubing string to isolate zones. The production rate often decreases before its expectancy due to fines migration, asphaltine and scale. These factors are coupled with the inability to acidize and stimulate behind the inner tubular through the sliding sleeve or without damaging the integrity of the gravel pack screens. Advances in electromechanical slot-cutting technology address the need to cut multiple slots in a single trip. As a result, costly field production can be quickly restored to meet daily production flow targets, considerably minimizing downtime, risk, collateral intervention damage and overall intervention complexity and cost. Reliable, precise slot cutting of the tubing is imperative for maintaining the screen integrity. The use of shaped charges to penetrate the inner tubing without damaging the outer screen has proven to be an un-reliable solution due to a varied depth of penetration. Field results demonstrate the ability of electromechanical slot-cutting technology to produce surface-monitored slots per design that are precisely controlled for penetration and maximum flow area. Slot locations and dimensions are designed to optimize overall flow rate while preserving the durability of the cutting elements and the supporting hardware assembly. As a result, multiple slots can be made in a variety of difficult operating conditions, pipe materials and environments without damaging adjacent completion components, and with minimal debris. The ability of electromechanical slot-cutting technology to pass through inner-diameter restrictions and complete slot cuts for zonal stimulation further improves the capital efficiency and investment return to the operator. Logistical and environmental constraints are also greatly reduced by providing precise slot cuts without the use of hydraulic jet systems, ballistics or hazardous chemicals that pose safety and environmental hazards. This paper shows the novel electromechanical technology's ability to perform slot cuts in a variety of conditions and environments. The paper includes a deepwater case history to illustrate the advanced operating capabilities and to show how operators can incorporate this advanced technology into the engineering of future completions.