Remotely Actuated Completion System Offers Cost Efficiency for Offshore Environments
Authors: Simonds Randy , Falconer Rod , Richard Lee M. 
Published: October 2008

A new system for the remote, interventionless actuation of downhole completion equipment has been developed to support the ongoing need for operators to lower costs and increase or preserve the value of the reservoir. These needs are particularly important in offshore environments where well intervention costs are significantly higher than those performed onshore. For example, 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 efficient alternative to this method 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 facilitate economic completions in situations where more complex systems could not be justified, thus increasing the scope of application for "intelligent well" technology.

Introduction

The continual need to strive for lower completion costs while preserving or increasing the value of the reservoir is a primary driver in the development of new technology. Several areas have been identified as offering the capabilities to achieve this goal, and the application of remotely actuated, interventionless techniques has certainly been high on the list of technologies that appear to be capable of fulfilling present oilfield needs. These interventionless techniques should be considered as "intelligent well" technology.1,2,3

The intelligent well completion concept conjures up images of completely automated, electronically or hydraulically controlled wellbore systems. Such systems rely on an umbilical system run from the surface to allow the control of downhole valves and other incrementally controllable devices. Several such systems have been placed in service to date, and while they can significantly increase a project's value, their expense can often be prohibitive. Because of this, the more routine completion operations have largely been ignored in the interventionless arena.

The industry has now recognized that similar methods that can bring value to day-to-day completion operations with lower-cost interventionless techniques are also needed. The technology already exists to take features from the more complex systems; i.e., setting packers, operating sliding sleeves, etc., and apply them to projects where the economics do not justify the installation of high-end automated systems.