Intervene With Intelligence: Leading to Maximized Efficiency, Reduced Risks and Optimized Production
Authors: Fang Lei , Murphy Stuart , Nordenstam Erik 
Published: October 2017

The paper presents two intelligent intervention systems, deployed on drill pipe and coiled tubing respectively, and showcases how these systems improve intervention efficiency, reduce operational risks and optimize production in mature asset.

Interventions are more challenging than ever, driven by the increased well complexity and reduced margin for error. The conventional intervention approaches, which are mostly experience based and involve significant amount of guesswork, are inadequate. Two new intervention systems, enhanced by real-time downhole insights and deployed on drill pipe and coiled tubing respectively, were developed to overcome these challenges. Three cases are presented in this paper: 1) optimize plug & abandonment (P&A) and slot recovery operations with smart intervention system in North Sea, 2) increase well life by employing intelligent coiled tubing enabled intervention services in Caspian Sea, and 3) Optimize re-entry stimulation with intelligent coiled tubing system in Middle East.

The intelligent intervention systems were proven to be critical and valuable to the success of above-mentioned intervention operations. For a P&A and slot recovery operation in an aging, deep and highly deviated well in North Sea, the drill pipe deployed smart intervention system was used in 4 different runs to deliver real-time insights to mitigate risks and ensure operational success. Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD), Weight on Bit (WOB) and torque readings increased confidence in making real-time decisions to respond to encountering total loss and obstruction during packer milling and wellbore cleanup operations. For the casing exit operation, real-time Casing Collar Locator (CCL) service enabled optimal whipstock placement, and WOB, torque and vibration data ensured a smooth and efficient casing window milling process, delivering a successful 7-in casing exit at 14,993-ft and 65 degree inclination. The intelligent coiled tubing system enabled an otherwise challenging and highly risky intervention operation to increase the life of a well in Caspian Sea. Uneven gravel packing in several sections allowed incoming sand to damage the screens and begin filling the wellbore. The intelligent coiled tubing intervention system not only assisted in setting a bridge plug at the depth of 13,481-ft, but was critical in enabling the setting of six expandable steel patches over two different intervals. Downhole readings, such as CCL, pressure, temperature, tension, compression and torque were critical to the success of the job. Total time to perform the entire operation was 286 hours with no Non Productive Time (NPT) and sand production was reduced significantly to an acceptable level. Finally, the intelligent coiled tubing system was employed in a rigless Thru-Tubing remedial stimulation operation in a horizontal well in Middle East to selectively target, isolate, and treat each Inflow Control Device (ICD) with an acid wash solution, re-establishing connectivity with the production zones. Real-time CCL helped to establish precise bottom hole Assembly (BHA) placement, and real-time parameter controls enabled more efficient system control and verification of inflatable element inflation and deflation. 13 successful Inflatable Straddle Acidizing Packer (ISAP) stages were achieved in a single coiled tubing (CT) trip and the total operation lasted only 21 hours, treating 11 intervals with flawless execution and zero no NPT.