Setting New Milestones for Coiled Tubing Intervention in Mega-Reach Wells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Jason Wheatley ◽  
Gladwin Correia ◽  
Samhar Adi ◽  
Nestor Molero ◽  
Cremilton Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Optical Fiber ◽  
Development Strategy ◽  
Safety Margin ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Software Modeling ◽  
Horizontal Section ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Coiled Tubing

Abstract Maximizing reservoir contact through extended-reach and mega-reach wells has become a prevalent field development strategy for major offshore operators in the Middle East. This is especially true for the giant oilfield "A", where drilling targets go beyond 40,000 ft. measured depth (MD), with MD/TVD ratios in excess of 4.5:1. Such challenging horizons call for a detailed re-evaluation of well interventions. In 2019, the well surveillance program in the field A required intervention in a mega-reach well with a MD over 35,500 ft. and 4.5:1 MD/TVD ratio. This reach was unthinkable only a few years ago but has been made possible thanks to several recent key technological advancements, such as coiled tubing (CT) equipped with optical fiber and new CT hydraulic tractors, proactive and detailed planning during the drilling phase, the development of highly engineered CT string designs, surface equipment upgrades, and accurate software modeling. The target well is an oil producer with horizontal section beyond 23,000 ft., completed with 6 5/8-in. pre-perforated liner and 23 swellable packers placed across the 8 1/2-in. open hole section. A multiphase production logging tool was selected to assess the production profile along its horizontal drain. With a target depth beyond the reach of conventional wireline, CT equipped with optical fiber emerged as the optimum solution to facilitate reach and overcome the weight and pumping limitations of wired CT. A comprehensive CT reach modeling exercise compared the performance of several 2-in. and 2 3/8-in. CT string designs and identified operational requirements and reach gains from CT hydraulic tractors. As a result, an engineered 2-in. CT tapered string of near 36,700 ft. was developed, capable of being equipped with optical fiber line, while delivering the required flow rate and differential pressure to the CT hydraulic tractor without compromising any operational safety margin. At the time of manufacturing, this was considered the longest CT string ever produced and fitted for downhole telemetry. The operation itself set new records for well interventions in mega-reach wells, with a CT reach above 35,500 ft. MD, including a hydraulic tractoring footage over 15,650 ft. MD with spaced slugs of chemical friction reducer. This case study explains how to develop a safe, robust, and effective solution to mega-reach well challenges using the CT-conveyed optical fiber telemetry technology in one of the deepest wells in the field A, setting a new global record in CT reach. The lessons learned are now the reference for other operators in the Middle East and across the globe for performing interventions in wells that continue to be stretched in its extended reach. It also depicts why telemetry through optical fiber is key to the success of such projects and provides an overview of technology needs for the future of mega-reach well developments.

Political Science Research in the Middle East and North Africa

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
Personal Accounts

Based on personal accounts of their experiences conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, the contributors to this volume share the real-life obstacles they have encountered in applying research methods in practice and the possible solutions to overcome them. The volume is an important companion book to more standard methods books, which focus on the “how to” of methods but are often devoid of any real discussion of the practicalities, challenges, and common mistakes of fieldwork. The volume is divided into three parts, highlighting the challenges of (1) specific contexts, including conducting research in areas of violence; (2) a range of research methods, including interviewing, process-tracing, ethnography, experimental research, and the use of online media; and (3) the ethics of field research. In sharing their lessons learned, the contributors raise issues of concern to both junior and experienced researchers, particularly those of the Global South but also to those researching the Global North.

Optimization Applied to Buzios Flexible Riser Systems and Subsea Layout

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinicius Gasparetto ◽  
Thierry Hernalsteens ◽  
Joao Francisco Fleck Heck Britto ◽  
Joab Flavio Araujo Leao ◽  
Thiago Duarte Fonseca Dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Internal Diameter ◽  
Flexible Riser ◽  
Flexible Pipe ◽  
Injection Wells ◽  
Gas Field ◽  
Field Development

Abstract Buzios is a super-giant ultra-deep-water pre-salt oil and gas field located in the Santos Basin off Brazil's Southeastern coast. There are four production systems already installed in the field. Designed to use flexible pipes to tie back the production and injection wells to the FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), these systems have taken advantage from several lessons learned in the previous projects installed by Petrobras in Santos Basin pre-salt areas since 2010. This knowledge, combined with advances in flexible pipe technology, use of long-term contracts and early engagement with suppliers, made it possible to optimize the field development, minimizing the risks and reducing the capital expenditure (CAPEX) initially planned. This paper presents the first four Buzios subsea system developments, highlighting some of the technological achievements applied in the field, as the first wide application of 8" Internal Diameter (ID) flexible production pipes for ultra-deep water, leading to faster ramp-ups and higher production flowrates. It describes how the supply chain strategy provided flexibility to cover the remaining project uncertainties, and reports the optimizations carried out in flexible riser systems and subsea layouts. The flexible risers, usually installed in lazy wave configurations at such water depths, were optimized reducing the total buoyancy necessary. For water injection and service lines, the buoyancy modules were completely removed, and thus the lines were installed in a free-hanging configuration. Riser configuration optimizations promoted a drop of around 25% on total riser CAPEX and allowed the riser anchor position to be placed closer to the floating production unit, promoting opportunities for reducing the subsea tieback lengths. Standardization of pipe specifications and the riser configurations allowed the projects to exchange the lines, increasing flexibility and avoiding riser interference in a scenario with multiple suppliers. Furthermore, Buzios was the first ultra-deep-water project to install a flexible line, riser, and flowline, with fully Controlled Annulus Solution (CAS). This system, developed by TechnipFMC, allows pipe integrity management from the topside, which reduces subsea inspections. As an outcome of the technological improvements and the optimizations applied to the Buzios subsea system, a vast reduction in subsea CAPEX it was achieved, with a swift production ramp-up.

Case History: Coring in ERD Well with Collision Risk Challenge and Optimization of Coring Parameters Based on Previous Coring Jobs in Carbonate Formation Alleviated Core Recovery

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Kamble ◽  
Youssef Ali Kassem ◽  
Kshudiram Indulkar ◽  
Kieran Price ◽  
Majid Mohammed A. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
High Angle ◽  
Collision Risk ◽  
Pilot Hole ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Core Recovery ◽  
Carbonate Formation ◽  
Carbonate Formations

Abstract Coring during the development phase of an oil and gas field is very costly; however, the subsurface insights are indispensable for a Field Development Team to study reservoir characterization and well placement strategy in Carbonate formations (Dolomite and limestone with Anhydrite layers). The objective of this case study is to capture the successful coring operation in high angle ERD wells, drilled from the fixed well location on a well pad of an artificial island located offshore in the United Arab Emirates. The well was planned and drilled at the midpoint of the development drilling campaign, which presented a major challenge of wellbore collision risk whilst coring in an already congested area. The final agreed pilot hole profile was designed to pass through two adjacent oil producer wells separated by a geological barrier, however, the actual separation ratio was < 1.6 (acceptable SF to drill the well safely), which could have compromised the planned core interval against the Field Development Team's requirement. To mitigate the collision risks with offset wells during the coring operation, a low flow rate MWD tool was incorporated in the coring BHA to monitor the well path while cutting the core. After taking surveys, IFR and MSA corrections were applied to MWD surveys, which demonstrated an acceptable increase in well separation factor as per company Anti-Collision Risk Policy to continue coring operations without shutting down adjacent wells. A total of 3 runs incorporating the MWD tool in the coring BHA were performed out of a total of 16 runs. The maximum inclination through the coring interval was 73° with medium well departure criteria. The main objective of the pilot hole was data gathering, which included a full suite of open hole logging, seismic and core cut across the target reservoir. A total of 1295 ft of core was recovered in a high angle well across the carbonate formation's different layers, with an average of 99% recovery in each run. These carbonate formations contain between 2-4% H2S and exhibit some fractured layers of rock. To limit and validate the high cost of coring operations in addition to core quality in the development phase, it was necessary to avoid early core jamming in the dolomite, limestone and anhydrite layers, based on previous coring runs in the field. Core jamming leads to early termination of the coring run and results in the loss of a valuable source of information from the cut core column in the barrel. Furthermore, it would have a major impact on coring KPIs, consequently compromising coring and well objectives. Premature core jamming and less-than-planned core recovery from previous cored wells challenged and a motivated the team to review complete field data and lessons learned from cored offset wells. Several coring systems were evaluated and finally, one coring system was accepted based on core quality as being the primary KPI. These lessons learned were used for optimizing certain coring tools technical improvements and procedures, such as core barrel, core head, core handling and surface core processing in addition to the design of drilling fluids and well path. The selection of a 4" core barrel and the improved core head design with optimized blade profile and hold on sharp polished cutters with optimized hydraulic efficiency, in addition to the close monitoring of coring parameters, played a significant role in improving core cutting in fractured carbonate formation layers. This optimization helped the team to successfully complete the 1st high angle coring operation offshore in the United Arab Emirates. This case study shares the value of offset wells data for coring jobs to reduce the risk of core jamming, optimize core recovery and reduce wellbore collision risks. It also details BHA design decisions(4"core barrel, core head, low flow rate MWD tool and appropriate coring parameters), all of which led to a new record of cutting 1295 ft core in a carbonate formation with almost 100% recovery on surface.

Lessons learned in intellectual capital management in Germany between 2000 and 2020 – History, applications, outlook

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manfred Bornemann ◽  
Kay Alwert ◽  
Markus Will
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Made In

PurposeThis article reports on the background, the conceptual ideas and the lessons learned from over more than 20 years of IC Statements and Management with a country focus on Germany and some international developments. It calls for an integrated management approach for IC and offers case study evidence on how to accomplish this quest.Design/methodology/approachReport on the German initiative “Intellectual Capital Statement made in Germany” (ICS m.i.G.). A brief review of the literature describes the background and theoretical foundation of the German IC method. A short description of the method is followed by four detailed case studies to illustrate long-term impact of IC management in very different organizations. A discussion of Lessons Learned from more than 200 implementations and an outlook on current and future developments finalizes the article.FindingsIC Statements made in Germany (ICS m.i.G.) was successful in providing a framework to systematically identify IC, evaluate the status quo of IC relative to the strategic requirements, visualize interdependencies of IC, business processes and business results as well as to connect IC reporting with internal management routines and external communication. However, ICS is not an insulated method but delivers the maximum benefit when integrated with strategy development, strategy implementation, business process optimization accompanied by change management routines. Strong ties to human resource management, information technology departments, quality management, research and development teams as well as business operations as the core of an organization help to yield the most for ICS m.i.G. Over time, the focus of managing IC changes and maturity leads to deutero learning.Practical implicationsICS m.i.G. proved easy to apply, cost efficient for SMEs, larger corporations and networks. It helps to better accomplish their objectives and to adjust their business models. The guidelines in German and English as well as a software application released were downloaded more than 100,000 times. A certification process based on a three-tier training module is available and was successfully completed by more than 400 practitioners. ICS m.i.G. is supporting current standards of knowledge management, such as ISO 9001, ISO 30401 or DIN SPEC PAS 91443 and therefore will most likely have a continuing impact on knowledge-based value creation.Originality/valueThis paper reports lessons learned from the country-wide IC initiative in Germany over the last 20 years initiated and supported by the authors. Several elements of the method have been published over time, but so far no comprehensive view on Lessons Learned had been published.

Multistage Openhole Completion Using Integrated Dynamic Diversion Frac Technique in Highly Depleted Well: First Successful Application in West Kuwait Field

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Abu-Eida ◽  
Salem Al-Sabea ◽  
Milan Patra ◽  
Bader Akbar ◽  
Kutbuddin Bhatia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Potential ◽  
Fracture Plane ◽  
Fluid Loss ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Two Fluids

Abstract The Minagish field in West Kuwait is a high potential field which poses several challenges in terms of hydrocarbon flow assurance through highly depleted tight carbonate intervals with uneven reservoir quality and curtailed mobility. These conditions have shifted the field development from vertical to horizontal wellbore completions. Achieving complete wellbore coverage is a challenge for any frac treatment performed in a long openhole lateral with disparities in reservoir characteristics. The fluid will flow into the path of least resistance leaving large portions of the formation untreated. As a result, economic fracturing treatment options dwindle significantly, thus reservoir stimulation results are not always optimum. A multistage fracturing technique using Integrated Dynamic Diversion (IDD) has been performed first time in West Kuwait field well. The process uses active fluid energy to divert flow into a specific fracture point in the lateral, which can initiate and precisely place a fracture. The process uses two self-directed fluid streams: one inside the pipe and one in the annulus. The process mixes the two fluids downhole with high energy to form a consistent controllable mixture. The technique includes pinpoint fluid jetting at the point of interest, followed by in-situ HCL based crosslinked systems employed for improving individual stage targets. The IDD diversion shifts the fracture to unstimulated areas to create complex fractures which increases reservoir contact volume and improved overall conductivity in the lateral. The kinetic and chemical diversion of the IDD methodology is highly critical to control fluid loss in depleted intervals and results in enhanced stimulation. Pumping a frac treatment in openhole without control would tend to initiate a longitudinal fracture along the wellbore and may restrict productivity. By using specialized completion tools with nozzles at the end of the treating string, a new pinpoint process has been employed to initiate a transverse fracture plane in IDD applications. Proper candidate selection and fluid combination with in-situ crosslink acid effectively plug the fracture generated previously and generate pressure high enough to initiate another fracture for further ramification. By combining these processes into one continuous operation, the use of wireline/coiled tubing for jetting, plug setting and milling is eliminated, making the new multistage completion technology economical for these depleted wells. The application of the IDD methodology is a fit-for-purpose solution to address the unique challenges of openhole operations, formation technical difficulties, high-stakes economics, and untapped high potential from intermittent reservoirs. The paper will present post-operation results of this completion from all fractured zones along the lateral and will describe the lessons learned in implementation of this methodology which can be considered as best practice for application in similar challenges in other fields.

Offshore Gas Field Development Strategy and Flow Assurance Prediction and Optimization in Harsh Environment

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humoud Almohammad ◽  
Abdullah Al-Derbass ◽  
Abdulaziz Alsubaie ◽  
Mohammed Bumajdad ◽  
Abdulaziz Al-Khamis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Harsh Environment ◽  
Flow Assurance ◽  
Gas Field ◽  
Field Development

Greater Plutonio Riser Tower Installation: Studies and Lessons Learnt

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles-Alexandre Zimmermann ◽  
Guilhem Layrisse ◽  
Daniel de la Cruz ◽  
Jeremy Gordonnat
Keyword(s):  
Water Depth ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Field Development ◽  
System A ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Lessons Learnt ◽  
Future Improvement ◽  
Tower System

The BP operated Greater Plutonio field development offshore Angola comprises a spread-moored FPSO in 1,300 m water depth, serving as a hub processing the fluids produced from or injected into the subsea wells. The selected riser system is a Hybrid Riser Tower comprising 11 risers bundled around a central structural tubular (Core Pipe), tensioned by a steel Buoyancy Tank at its top and maintained by an anchor base at its bottom. The Riser Tower is fabricated onshore and then towed to the field for final installation in deepwater near the FPSO. Once the Riser Tower installation is completed the risers are connected to the FPSO by means of flexible jumpers and to the flowlines by means of rigid spools. All fabrication and installation work has been performed by Acergy. This paper presents the studies performed to cover all the steps of the installation phase: build-up of the Orcaflex model, miscellaneous studies to determine model and analyses parameters, towing analysis, upending analysis, Buoyancy Tank ballasting and deballasting analyses, and contingency analyses. This paper is mainly focused on the Riser Tower installation but also covers the installation of the Riser Tower anchor and of the flexible jumpers in order to give a complete overview of the operations related to the Riser Tower system. A comparison between computed data and data measured during operations is also presented to support the overall installation analysis methodology. Lessons learned are provided for future improvement of Riser Tower installation covering main challenges such as Riser Tower modeling, weight/buoyancy repartition along the Riser Tower, Buoyancy Tank ballasting adjustment in Lobito bay, fatigue issues during surface and subsurface tow, bending moment issues during upending, etc.

Case History: Lessons learned From Retrieval of Coiled Tubing Stuck by Massive Hydrate Plug When Well Testing in an Ultra Deep Water Gas Well in Mexico

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Gerardo Vallejo ◽  
Aciel Olivares ◽  
Pablo Crespo Hdez ◽  
Eduardo R. Roman ◽  
Claudio Rogerio Tigre Maia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Case History ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Well Testing ◽  
Gas Well ◽  
Coiled Tubing ◽  
Hydrate Plug ◽  
Water Gas

Mobile Learning (M-Learning) adoption in the Middle East: Lessons learned from the educationally advanced countries

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 909-920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asharul Islam Khan ◽  
Hafedh Al-Shihi ◽  
Zuhoor Abdullah Al-khanjari ◽  
Mohamed Sarrab
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Mobile Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned

Azurite Field Development: Lessons Learned From Industry

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry J. Howard ◽  
Kenneth Christopher Hampshire ◽  
Jeffrey Allen Moore ◽  
Charles White ◽  
Kenneth J. Bayne
Keyword(s):  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Field Development
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