Abstract
Scale deposition is a major concern in Gulf of Suez Fields, variations in water composition and operating conditions resulted in the deposition of full spectrum of scale depositions in different fields. The common practice in GOS is to prevent scale deposition by periodical scale inhibition treatment. However the field experience showed variation in efficiency of inhibition under different operating conditions which results in some cases in scale deposition. In this case we are obliged to react and do intervention to clean out these wells either with chemical dissolution or coiled tubing clean out which is sometimes becomes costly and stand clueless in front of hard scale. Typically, in offshore operating fields, rig-less solutions is the optimum.
A simple, innovative, and cost effective Torque action debris breaker tool is a new rig-less solution deployed on slick-line unit. The tool can be run at different sizes to allow for optimum scale removal. Activation is achieved via downward jarring action. The TADB tool applies a new operating concept different from milling. The tool consists of a sharp knife with a broach body. The operating mechanism uses the jarring down action in order to apply jackhammer force on the scale accumulation, which allows decreasing the bond between different layers of scale and between the scale and tubing. Another advantage is having the knife rotating after each jar action, which allows this force to be applied on different positions of scale accumulation adding more efficiency.
The tool was first deployed in Egypt in one of the challenging oil wells offshore gulf of suez, which has a historical scale deposition issues "mainly hard deposition of zinc & lead sulfides". several trials were performed to clean out the well historically using coiled tubing operations using barge assist, it took 2 months of operation to achieve partial success & the well was worked over later.
The Torque Action debris breaker was tried against the same scale type and found successful. allowing the well to be drifted with 2.7" compared with 2.25" before the job. The operation cost is by no means comparable to the previous cost of coiled tubing operations.
Following this wells three other wells were intervened using the same tool and showed much better progress of scale clean out in comparison with other slick-line tools & historical coiled tubing performance in these wells.
The implementation of this technology has generally optimized operating cost compared to lengthy and costly CT/WO operation minimizing footprint, equipment, manpower, job duration, and provide a more environmentally friendly solution.