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A new high-strength electrical release device has been developed that supersedes the typical weakpoint and achieves the same strength as the tool tension rating. A stronger release device facilitates running heavier tools on wireline, along with the ability to run significantly longer gun strings, which increases operational efficiency. The release device was subjected to a rigorous qualification program conducted to ensure the highest safety and reliability of this device under demanding conditions. This technology uses a motorized release that holds two sections together via retractable dogs. The release device operates using new telemetry protocols that are combinable and segregated from other communication schemes. An optional battery with a preset timer provides redundant control if electrical communication is lost during operations. After the electrical release signal is sent, the motor activates the release mechanism, enabling the device to separate, even with significant residual tension on the toolstring. Completion of rigorous qualification testing was necessary to confirm performance for the heavy load requirements and high shock levels characteristic of long perforating toolstrings. The new electrical release device has delivered flawless performance in seemingly impossible well programs. In field cases, the device was the optimal answer in providing a secondary release device that is high functioning in the harsh perforating environment. One case presents the completion of a project that involved the collaboration of six product lines. The release device was used with coiled tubing deployment of extremely long gun strings in a reservoir containing high H2S and CO2 content. The device enabled a significant reduction in the number of coiled tubing runs, which resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiency. Another application enabled the conveyance of large gun strings using wireline, which reduced the number of descents required and saved valuable time for the operator. These well programs were successfully completed because of the extreme engineering qualification achieved. For example, surface integration testing involved a maximum allowable gun string of more than 120 ft in a well to model downhole exposure. If this trend continues, it is possible that this device will change the future of wireline perforating operations. The new controllable electrical release device with exceptional strength enables the deployment of heavy tools and long guns on both coiled tubing and wireline. This will lead to efficiencies in well design as well as optimization and a higher standard in wireline perforating operations.
A new high-strength electrical release device has been developed that supersedes the typical weakpoint and achieves the same strength as the tool tension rating. A stronger release device facilitates running heavier tools on wireline, along with the ability to run significantly longer gun strings, which increases operational efficiency. The release device was subjected to a rigorous qualification program conducted to ensure the highest safety and reliability of this device under demanding conditions. This technology uses a motorized release that holds two sections together via retractable dogs. The release device operates using new telemetry protocols that are combinable and segregated from other communication schemes. An optional battery with a preset timer provides redundant control if electrical communication is lost during operations. After the electrical release signal is sent, the motor activates the release mechanism, enabling the device to separate, even with significant residual tension on the toolstring. Completion of rigorous qualification testing was necessary to confirm performance for the heavy load requirements and high shock levels characteristic of long perforating toolstrings. The new electrical release device has delivered flawless performance in seemingly impossible well programs. In field cases, the device was the optimal answer in providing a secondary release device that is high functioning in the harsh perforating environment. One case presents the completion of a project that involved the collaboration of six product lines. The release device was used with coiled tubing deployment of extremely long gun strings in a reservoir containing high H2S and CO2 content. The device enabled a significant reduction in the number of coiled tubing runs, which resulted in a significant increase in operational efficiency. Another application enabled the conveyance of large gun strings using wireline, which reduced the number of descents required and saved valuable time for the operator. These well programs were successfully completed because of the extreme engineering qualification achieved. For example, surface integration testing involved a maximum allowable gun string of more than 120 ft in a well to model downhole exposure. If this trend continues, it is possible that this device will change the future of wireline perforating operations. The new controllable electrical release device with exceptional strength enables the deployment of heavy tools and long guns on both coiled tubing and wireline. This will lead to efficiencies in well design as well as optimization and a higher standard in wireline perforating operations.
Summary In Ecuador, shutoff of an underperforming interval through plug and abandonment (P&A) and perforation of a new interval are traditionally completed with a combination of wireline (WL) and tubing conveyance. An alternative method using enhanced coiled tubing (CT) is presented here; it enables a rigless and efficient workflow that leverages real-time downhole data for on-the-fly optimization. The new workflow relies on CT-conveyed technologies without requiring any additional conveyance methods. CT delivered four different services to start the abandonment by anchoring a 7-in. cast-iron bridge plug (CIBP), complete the abandonment with a low-viscosity cement plug, simulate wellbore dynamics during nitrogen pumping to generate the required underbalanced conditions for perforating, and perforate with a 40-ft ballistic payload of 4 1/2-in. guns. Coupled with real-time downhole telemetry, the enhanced CT workflow provided critical downhole conditions, including fluid levels, accurate depth placement and control, bridge plug setting confirmation, underbalanced conditions, perforating head activation and detonation, and postperforation inflow monitoring. Compared with traditional methods, the enhanced CT workflow introduces several benefits toward completing P&A of old intervals and perforation of new ones. These benefits include enabling a rigless workover (WO) intervention, eliminating the need and cost of a WO rig, reducing operational duration by 13%, and potentially reducing asset footprint and field crews by 95 and 70%, respectively. Elimination of a WO rig reduces environmental impact and the number of personnel on location (i.e., risk). The workflow also extends the reach and efficiency of the service in horizontal wells, enables underbalanced perforation, and delivers actionable real-time downhole data. These data elevate traditional P&A workflows and create a step change in efficiency. First, they allow tracking key downhole parameters that help guarantee a reliable operation of each of the tools and services. Second, they provide insights into the actual downhole conditions throughout the intervention to enable the operator and the field crews to make on-the-fly decisions to deliver a safe and optimal service. Those decisions may include fine-tuning the prescribed treatment or extending the scope of the intervention by leveraging the CT’s pump-through capabilities to maximize well performance and meet, or exceed, the operator’s objectives. The innovative combination of real-time telemetry with abandonment and perforating technologies proved a step change in operational efficiency and range, fueled by the quantity and quality of data recorded during the operation. This case study also marks the first documented perforation with 4 1/2-in. guns with fiber-optic real-time downhole telemetry. Furthermore, the integrated, rigless solution provides operators with an opportunity to extend their WO activity pipeline and free up their WO fleet for other activities.
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