Software, Fluids, and Downhole Tools for Successful Sand Cleanouts in Any 
Wellbore Geometry Using Small Coiled Tubing

Gilmore, Todd Gerard; Leonard, R.L.; Steinback, Scott L.

doi:10.2523/97080-ms

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Based on a comprehensive experimental test of solids transport in the previous studies 1-7 , a patented fill cleanout process technology 8 with CT has been developed and proved by field operations [9][10][11][12][13] . The process includes running CT into the well while circulating fluid using a nozzle with a "high energy" jetting action pointing forwards down the well to stir up the particulate solids and allow the CT to reach a target depth or bottom of the well (penetration stage).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenging Wellbore Cleanouts With Coiled Tubing Made Easy With Computer Modeling Technology

Nasr‐El‐Din¹,

Alanazi²,

Balto³

et al. 2006

Proceedings of SPE/ICoTA Coiled Tubing Conference &Amp; Exhibition

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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractWell bore cleanouts have been performed for many years with coiled tubing and it may be said that the cleanout operation is one of the most routine services performed in the coiled tubing industry; but until recently design was no more than a rule-ofthumb approach. Sufficient information is now available to facilitate informed decisions and achieve reliable engineering solutions, utilizing a sophisticated particle transport model.A methodical thought process, based on extensive research and mathematical modeling, will be presented for designing specific well bore cleanouts in a challenging offshore field in the Middle East. Case histories from a number of wells are documented detailing the conclusions from each. Laboratory analysis was performed on samples collected from the cleanout operations to further optimize and validate the design process. It is the intent of this paper to demonstrate the importance of sound engineering design, aided by comprehensive computer modeling technology.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Challenging Wellbore Cleanouts With Coiled Tubing Made Easy With Computer Modeling Technology

Nasr‐El‐Din¹,

Alanazi²,

Balto³

et al. 2006

Proceedings of SPE/ICoTA Coiled Tubing Conference &Amp; Exhibition

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show abstract

“…Based on prior comprehensive research [1][2][3][4][5][6] , an effective CT sand cleanout methodology utilizing the forward circulation mode has been developed, patented 7 , and verified during numerous field operations [8][9][10][11][12][13] . This proven sand cleanout process entails a down hole wash tool and a sophisticated computer based methodology for CT deployment in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fills Cleanout With Coiled Tubing in the Reverse Circulation Mode

Li¹,

Luft²

2006

Proceedings of IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition

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fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractRemoving sand fills from wellbores is one of the major applications for coiled tubing (CT). For the fills cleanout process, the fluid could be circulated in two different modes: forward circulation and reverse circulation. In the forward circulation mode, the carrying fluids are pumped through the CT down to bottom and flowed back to surface in the CT/casing annulus. For reverse circulation, fluids are pumped down the CT/casing annulus and back up the coil. In many cases with large completions and low reservoir pressures, the forward circulation mode cannot effectively clean the fills out of the annulus with only a limited available flow rate or without circulating expensive gel fluids, especially for the heavier particulates in deep and/or highly deviated wells. Due to the smaller flow areas and therefore higher velocities, fills may be more readily transported inside the CT flow channel. Therefore, reverse circulation may be an option to overcome the above constraints associated with forward circulation.Several major risks for reverse circulation with CT include coil collapse, loss of well control and sand bridging in the coil. Controlling the rate of penetration (ROP) of the CT into the fill is very critical for the reverse circulation sand cleanout process. There is a lack of knowledge on the effect of as well as optimum ROP during reverse circulation. In this paper, the maximum ROP for different sand types at different deviated angles and water flowrates for reverse circulation cleanouts are investigated with a full scale flow loop test facility. Based on these test results, empirical correlations have been developed and incorporated into an existing proprietary solids transport computer algorithm, which can now be used to optimize the hole cleaning process for both the forward and reverse circulation modes of solids transport.

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“…Based on comprehensive research [1][2][3][4][5][6] , an effective CT sand cleanout methodology has been developed, patented 7 , and proved by the field operation [8][9][10][11][12] . The developed sand cleanout process includes a down hole wash tool and the methodology for CT in vertical, deviated and horizontal wells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effective Heavy Post-Fracturing Proppant Cleanout With Coiled Tubing: Experimental Study and Field Casing History

Li¹,

Bayfield²,

Paton³

2006

Proceedings of SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition

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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractBauxite ceramics are a high strength proppant, which is often used for fracturing stimulation in deep and hot wells. Due to its higher specific gravity (3.5 -3.6), it is very challenging to design and execute the post-fracturing proppant cleanout with coiled tubing (CT) successfully in the highly deviated large wellbore.In a sand cleanout with CT the solids are moved by two modes of transport: circulation and wiper trip, in which the localized fluidization is caused by jet turbulence. The jetting turbulence is produced by the down hole wash tool, and as the CT is pulled from the hole it fluidizes and propels the solids in the direction of the wellhead. Some of these solids may stay in suspension and be circulated out of the well depending on the flow velocities, hole geometry and fluid choice. The remainder will tend to fall out of the flow channel downstream from the wash tool. These solids will be continually refluidised by the movement of the wash tool. The speed with which the wash tool can be pulled out of the hole is a complex function of the choice of fluid, flow velocities, hole geometry, hole deviation and the physical properties of the particles. When conditions result in complete removal of the solids, the corresponding maximum value of the CT speed is defined as the optimum wiper trip speed.In this study, the solids transport test results with bauxite in a full scale flow loop are summarized and four case histories performed on both subsea and land wells are presented. The engineering, implementation and challenge of CT post-fracturing sand cleanout for each individual field case are discussed. The paper also describes how to use a customized down hole switchable wash nozzle and a sophisticated solids transport computer modeling software to optimize the post-fracturing sand cleanout process with 100 % removal efficiency.

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Software, Fluids, and Downhole Tools for Successful Sand Cleanouts in Any Wellbore Geometry Using Small Coiled Tubing

Abstract: TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe use of coiled tubing to clean sand from well bores remains one of the industries major areas of activity in well intervention. Recent research work programs have focused on sand transport and cuttings bed modeling with both Newtonian

Cited by 9 publications

References 2 publications

Challenging Wellbore Cleanouts With Coiled Tubing Made Easy With Computer Modeling Technology

Challenging Wellbore Cleanouts With Coiled Tubing Made Easy With Computer Modeling Technology

Fills Cleanout With Coiled Tubing in the Reverse Circulation Mode

Effective Heavy Post-Fracturing Proppant Cleanout With Coiled Tubing: Experimental Study and Field Casing History

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