Increased Capabilities for Upward Recomplete of Remote Platform Wells

Abstract

Through-tubing bridge plugs (TTBPs) enable the production of new zones by isolating abandoned zones without requiring a costly and time-consuming workover rig. Previously available hydraulic setting tools were not applicable to all types of well conditions and plugs, often because of extended toolstring length requirements, making them not suitable for wells with limited rigup height capability. A nonexplosive electromechanical setting tool can provide an easy-to-transport, flexible setting tool for all environments. An electrically controlled motor enables the effective setting of multiple sizes and types of TTBPs, not dependent on the environmental effects on downhole fluid required by hydraulic tools to facilitate the setting process. The tool uses rotational torque converted to linear pull tension and operates independently of downhole conditions, not requiring specialty fluid types or relying on the appropriate fluid availability. Because fluid is not required for operations, a shorter overall tool length is required compared to existing hydraulic or pneumatic tools. The ability to deploy shorter toolstring lengths means that the electromechanical setting tool can be used in a wider variety of scenarios, such as remote platforms or rigless environments. With the introduction of the electromechanical setting tool to operations, wells that might have been previously suspended because of the availability of a workover rig can now receive timely interventions, efficiently isolating noncontributing zones and enabling the perforation and production of contributing zones. Operators can benefit from rigless operations by accessing new zones at a lower cost and with a faster turnaround, enabling them to benefit from economically advantageous market conditions. The real-time feedback of the electromechanical tool also confirms that the plug has been set at the required tension using a slow and controlled setting method. This paper presents case histories to illustrate the advantages of the shorter rigup lengths enabled by the electromechanical setting tool; these advantages are made possible by pinpointing instances in which the hydrostatic setting tool methodology would not have allowed recompletion of producing zones. Job data from the electromechanical setting tool are used to illustrate that the slow, controlled set of the TTPBs was achieved within specifications of the plug design, which cannot be confirmed using hydrostatic setting tools. Cost savings and realized production gains are also highlighted in instances in which the electromechanical setting tool was used to increase asset return value.