State-of-the-Art Interventionless Completion Technology Provides Key to Greater Cost Reduction and Completion Efficiency

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractA new system for the remote, interventionless actuation of downhole completion equipment has been developed to support industry needs to lower costs and preserve asset values. The traditional methods for setting a production packer employ coiled tubing or slickline to run a tubing plug.The new system provides a safe, reliable and more cost effective alternative to traditional intervention because it simply transmits acoustic pulses through the contents of tubulars to actuate one or more completion or service tools remotely in any desired sequence.The system not only decreases the time to set the packer but also extends the envelope for application to deep, extended-reach offshore environments. Since the system eliminates the need to circulate a ball downhole to set service tools during sand control operations, the operator can maintain constant hydrostatic pressure on the formation. This capability decreases completion time, intervention risk, the possibility of formation collapse against the completion string, the possibility of losing the filter cake placed against the formation, and fluid loss to the formation.To achieve the goals required for this system, three project targets were addressed: a reliable means of wireless communication, a surface control system, and a downhole power unit for completion device actuation. The design and capabilities of the new surface-operated, non-intervention completion system will improve completion economics.