abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions Introduction to Hydrocarbon Exploitation 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Problem Well Analysis Pratap Thimaiah Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Problem Well Analysis Surveillance Getting Started What is a problem well? Inflow restrictions Outflow restrictions Reservoir Problems Artificial Lift Mechanical Failures Sand Control Re-completions Plug and Abandonment Workover Economics Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Surveillance Monitoring of the asset to optimally recover the oil and gas reserves in a timely fashion through safe and profitable operations Critical for the future profitability of the field Entire Business Unit Analysis Identification of well problems or field problems Problem Definition Production and operating cost problems Problem Analysis - Continue to produce well's) with no change, - Collect additional data, - Workover and/or stimulation, - Equipment change, - Operations procedures changes), - Re-completion, - Pressure maintenance, - Enhanced recovery operation, or - Shut-in and abandonment Solutions Generation Reservoir A Reservoir B Reservoir C Reservoir D Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Getting Started Essential data must be in hand like: Well test plots Daily production plots Wellbore diagram Base open-hole log Production plot, oil, gas, water, and GOR. Exponential decline. Log-log plot of two well tests shows wellbore storage reduction with downhole shut-in Plot of the bottom-hole flow rate and pressure recorded during a drawdown test Schlumberger Schlumberger Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Getting Started Wellbore diagram Must include both the measured and true vertical depths of tubulars, perforations, packers, and all subsurface equipment. Outer diameter and internal diameters of each item. Tight spots Junk in hole Potential problem areas Reference elevation Type connection in the wellhead for production logging described Schlumberger Typical deepwater well completion Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Getting Started Base Openhole Log Open perforations must be shown for each well. Cased hole gamma ray and porosity log could be of help. Casing collar depths and any radioactive marker depths should always be shown at the proper depths on the base log. GOC and WOC should be shown when available. GRC 0 150 SPC MV -160 40 ACAL 6 16 ILDC 0.2 200 SNC 0.2 200 MLLCF 0.2 200 RHOC 1.95 2.95 CNLLC 0.45 -0.15 DT us/f 150 50 001) BONANZA 1 10700 10800 10900 Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Problem Well Defined What is a problem well? Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Problem Well Defined What is a problem well? Low oil or gas production High GOR High water cut Mechanical problems Should be differentiated from a reservoir problem Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Inflow Restrictions Wellbore plugging Perforation restrictions Formation Damage Scale deposit in Tubing Potentially damaging fines Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Inflow Restrictions Such damage may be indicated by: Production well tests Pressure build-up and drawdown tests Comparison with offset wells Analysis of production history Effect of wellbore damage on productivity Difference between pressure drawdown in undamaged and damaged reservoirs. 50% of p occurs in last 15 ft. pressure Damage zone Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Inflow Restrictions Procedure in surveillance for problem wells: If the monthly production test rate has decreased more than 10 percent from normal decline retest the well immediately. Review adjacent wells for abnormal decline. If a number of wells in an area have significant declines, the problem may be reservoir related. Check the well for mechanical problems; especially if on artificial lift. Check for wellbore fill-up. Check for changes in backpressure or operating procedures. Consider the need for production logs or pressure surveys to confirm damage. If damage is confirmed, take corrective action. Use caution on stimulation if near gas-oil or water-oil contacts Recommend bold action for low rate wells Use some restrain on high rate wells, however they may offer the highest potential again. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Wellbore Plugging Flow restrictions in the wellbore is often formation fill or scale. For flowing or gas lifted wells, provided the tubing is open- ended, where there is fill across the formation, a coiled tubing unit are commonly used for cleanout. For pumping wells it may be necessary to pull the tubing before clean-out. Inorganic scale in the wellbore and perforation is a common problem that can easily reduce production. Sodium chloride salt Calcium carbonate Gypsum Barium and strontium chloride Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Perforation Restrictions Cause by perforation plugging or inadequate perforations Considerable effort should be made on completion to ensure that the perforations are open and undamaged Avoid loss of dirty water of dirty water into the formation which may plug both the perforations and the formation pores. Solutions range from re-perforation, wash the perforations, surge the formation, or to even fracture the formation. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Formation Damage Impairment of well productivity or injectivity due to Plugging within the perforations Formation pores adjacent to the wellbore Fractures communicating with the wellbore The procedure to follow: Determine the degree of well damage (skin) Causes of damage Approach to alleviate the damage Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Formation Damage Paraffin or Asphaltene Plugging Emulsion Blocks Water blocking Fine Particles Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Outflow Restrictions Increase the backpressure Limit drawdown Reduce production Some cases: Tubing smaller than optimum will cause extra friction losses Larger than optimum will increase slippage and may cause the well to load up and die. On a pumping well, to small a tubing may restrict the lift equipment or cause friction, which will increase lift energy requirements. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Outflow Restrictions Inflow and outflow performance curves can help determine if a tubing size change is justified. Well system analysis. Node selected at perforation outlet Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Outflow Restrictions The production well test should report the wellhead pressure. If it is relatively high, and outflow analysis should be undertaken. If the pressure has recently increased, then possible plugging in the outflow system should be checked. If the pressure is normally high, the investigate why it is high. Are there any gas sales pressure limitations? Are there compressors that require a fixed suction pressure? Can it be economically lowered? What is the pressure drop between the wellhead and the separator? Is there a surface choke on the well and what is its size? On pumping wells, is the annulus vented into the flowline? Are there any downhole restrictions? Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Reservoir Problems Low reservoir permeability Low reservoir pressure Water production problems Gas problems in gas wells High Viscosity Oil Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Low reservoir permeability May be an overall reservoir characteristic or limited to a specific area. Should be considered along with other causes of low productivity. Usually well productivity declines rapidly as fluids near the wellbore are produced. Production tests may aid in differentiating between low permeability and formation damage. Matrix acidizing of low permeability undamaged reservoirs can only provide a small productivity increase. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Low reservoir permeability Effect of matrix acidizing an undamaged well. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Low reservoir pressure Should be documented by periodic subsurface measurements. Dominant reservoir drives in a particular reservoir should be considered and how these drive mechanisms are associated with the real or apparent well problem being investigated. Prior to considering workover of wells in a low or partially pressure-depleted oil reservoir, an effective artificial lift should be planned. Pressure maintenance or an enhanced recovery programme is usually the best long range approach to increase production rate and oil or gas recovery from partially pressure-depleted reservoirs. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Low Reservoir Pressure Typical pressure-production history for various reservoir-drive mechanisms. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Water production problems May result from: Natural water drive or Waterflood, aggravated by fingering or conning. Extraneous sources including casing leaks or cementing failures. Fracturing or acidizing into adjacent water zones or to below the water-oil contact. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Water production problems Water encroachment is normal in a water drive reservoir. Three water-oil contacts may usually be defined in oil wells: Lower water-oil contact Producing water-oil contact Completion water-oil contact Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Water production problems Fingering Water conning Water channelling Conning of Water Irregular water encroachment in heterogeneous reservoir can result in early water breakthrough. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Cements Resins and hard set chemicals Gel treatments Swelling chemicals & particulates Relative permeability modifiers Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Quick reference guide-Treatment options for excess water Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Cement solutions Casing & tubing leaks Channels behind casing If primary cement job fails Squeeze cementing Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Resins and other hard set chemicals Low viscosity chemical mixtures that set up as solid or hard inert plastic. Resins are phenolic or epoxy base types. Used in casing patches Plug off cement channels and perforations Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gel treatments Low viscosity chemical mixtures that stiffen at varying degrees of temperatures. Reduce or totally block a channel or high- permeability rock matrix zone through which excess water is flowing into wellbore. Carried out by mechanically isolating only the zone, fractures or perforations that are the source Heavy metal cross linkers such as Chrome or aluminium based Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Water Production- Chemical Control Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Placement Techniques Bullheading Mechanical packer placement Chemical packer placement Dual injection Iso-flow placement Transient placement Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Bullheading Injection of chemicals through existing Tubulars. Used only when it is determined that aqueous injection fluids will only enter those water producing zones that are shut-in Placement Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Mechanical/Inflatable Packer Selective zones are isolated using packers. In complex situations, it maybe necessary to isolate perforations that are producing oil from both above and below the zone- Inflatable Dual Packer System Chemical Packers In gravel packed or open hole completions where mechanical packers cannot be used. Placement Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Dual Injection Placement Compatible fluids are injected down the tubing and also annulus. Packers, bridge plugs, chemical plugs and other mechanical isolation means can be used. Efficient placement To protects critical perforations in hydrocarbon zones-Non-sealing fluid compatible with formation is used. Placement Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Isoflow Placement Alternative to dual injection system. Chemicals are directed into selected intervals while protecting hydrocarbon producing or bearing zones by simultaneous injection of non-sealing formation compatible fluid. Gamma ray logging tools are used to locate and track fluid interface. Suited for both wells with negative surface pressures and static fluids when shut in. Placement Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Inner Liners Patches Packers Sliding sleeves Plugs Water Production- Mechanical Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Casing cladding Thermally set composite materials used to form patches to fix damage Tubulars. Using inflatable systems to carry composite materials into the well. Materials are usually thermally setting resins and carbon fibres built into a sleeve wrapped around the device. Once device is opposite the area to be treated, device is inflated to push composite sleeve into place moving upwards. After inflation, the sleeve is heated to harden and conform to casing. Electric resistors provide heating. Water Production- Mechanical Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Packer straddle Its a combination of packers, sliding sleeves and other tools to isolate excess water production zones or areas of damaged pipe. Water Production- Mechanical Techniques Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Bridge Plugs Run and set to plug off water entering the bottom of well or perforations. Essentially plugs- off remainder of well or tubing from the point of setting all the way to bottom of the well. Water Production- Mechanical Techniques Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gas problems in Oil wells The primary sources of gas in oil wells are: Gas dissolved in the oil Primary or secondary gas caps which may expand, and Gas flow from zones or reservoirs above or below the oil zone Normal GOR behaviour corresponding to the drive mechanism for any particular reservoir must be considered in problem well analysis. Characteristic gas-oil performance for various reservoir-drive mechanisms Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gas problems in oil wells Gas flow from zones above or below the oil zone may be due to: Casing leaks Poor cement job Natural or induced fractures communicating with gas zone Gas flow due to channel behind the casing Reservoir with a gas cap Problem due to gas conning Problem due to gas cap expansion Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved High Viscosity Oil High viscosity is sometimes defined as oil with less than 16 API gravity. Viscosities grater than 200 cp often cause serious flowing and pumping problems. Thermal stimulation may be applicable, however economics should be carefully reviewed. It the well tubing, casing, cement job, and packer installation has not been designed to withstand high temperature steam, thermal stimulation may cause severe mechanical damage to the well. Alternative to Thermal Stimulation of the Reservoir can be considered. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Artificial Lift Most wells will probably require some sort of artificial lift before abandonment to increase drawdown and thus production. Selection Revenue due to oil and gas production Operating costs, and Initial capital costs Factors contributing to economics of artificial lift systems Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Sucker Rod Pumping Walking Beam Pitman Arm Saddle Bearing Horsehead Bridle Hanger Ladder Wrist Pin Crank Arm Counterweight Prime Mover Brake Lever Base Samson Post Equalizer Bearing Brake Cable Polished Rod Stuffing Box Seal Flow Line Flow Tee Rod String Downhole Pump Production Tubing Production Casing Drawings Courtesy of Lufkin Industries, Inc. Lufkin, Texas Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Sucker Rod Pumping Analysis: Check the well test production rates. Is the rate limited by the pump displacement. If the well cannot be pumped off, or pumped down to a low intake pressure with the existing equipment on the well, determine if a larger unit is justified. If the well is pumped off, use time cycle to alter displacement to match formation inflow. If test rates suddenly decline on a well, check for mechanical problems. If decline in test rate is not a mechanical problem, then formation damage, fill in annulus or perforation plugging may be the problem. Gas interferences is a common problem on many pumping wells. Where feasible vent the gas up the annulus and pump the oil and water up the tubing. Corrosion and scale are often major problems in pumping wells. Paraffin deposition is another common problem. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gas Lift Continuous Flow Intermittent lift Gas Lift Systems Injected gas Injected gas Continuous gas lift Intermittent gas lift Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gas Lift Liquid Gas entry Tubing Casing Production Gas in Liquid Tubing Casing Gas in Production Annular gas injection Tubing gas injection Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gas Lift Surveillance and Operating Problems Good well tests are essential to gas lift operation. Periodic flowing pressure bottom-hole pressure surveys are recommended. Temperature surveys are often beneficial for both design purposes and troubleshooting. Sonic devices can be used to shoot fluid levels in the annulus of gas lifted wells. To produce at maximum rates, the injection gas depths should be at maximum depths. If there is a decrease in production test rate, the data should be carefully reviewed. In intermittent gas lift there are additional producing problems to consider. Check the flowing wellhead test pressures. High back pressure is normally very detrimental to gas lift operations. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Electrical Submersible Pumping Perfs. Seal Pump intake Pump Tubing Check valve (optional) Drain valve (optional) Casing Motor Pothead Motor flat splice Motor flat cable Primary cable Production Wellhead Junction box Motor controller Transformers Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved ESP Motor Problems Major causes of motor overheating Overloading Well pumped off Gas locked Stuck pump Lack of cooling tubing or casing leak, scale, motor laying against the casing Bearing Motor thrust bearing components & complete Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Problems with ESP's Cable failure (generally due to fluids penetrating the covering) Protector leakage (fluids may contact motor) Too much free gas Burnt motor can be caused by: Contact with fluids due to protector leakage Poor fluid circulation around motor for cooling Corrosion of motor housing Pump failure can be caused by Solids Pumping at rates/pressures outside of designed range Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Identifying problems with ESPs May notice gradual increase in power usage and gradual decrease in flow rate as indicators of pump problems Power spikes and frequent automatic shut-downs may indicate electrical leakages or other problems Check for solids in fluid Tubing, cable, and pump must be pulled to find exact cause of a problem. Spool required to handle cable Pump, seal, motor, and cable must be sent to manufacturer for testing in order to locate the exact problem Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Electrical Submersible Pumping Requires a rather precise design Good operating practices Careful equipment selection and repair Reliable field electrical system Stable operating conditions, and only moderately high temperatures for successful operation over well life Selection of the electrical cable should provide five years or longer trouble-free operating life. ESP are adversely affected by free-gas, sand, scale, and corrosion. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved ESP Surveillance and Analysis Well production test are the basic surveillance method A pump size should be chosen that will not pump the well off. Minimum pump intake pressures of 250 psig may be feasible, but 500 psig is a more realistic design. Electrical problems are common and must receive prompt attention. Good lighting protectors are essential in many areas. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Hydraulic Pump and Jet System Power fluid Pump tubing Casing Nozzle Production inlet chamber Throat Diffuser Combined fluid return Well production Jet pump Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Hydraulic Pump and Jet System Engine Pump Power fluid injection Power fluid return Production (A) Closed power fluid system Engine Pump Production and return Power fluid injection (B) Open power fluid system Production and return Pump Engine Power fluid injection (C) Open power fluid system (free pump) Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Hydraulic Pump and Jet Systems The user has several options in the design and installation of hydraulic reciprocating pumps: Individual well units, or a central system Standard fixed pumps, or free pumps Open, or closed power oil systems, and Vented, or non-vented gas systems Clean power fluid, normally oil, is essential to good pump runs. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Hydraulic Pumping Surveillance Well production tests are the primary means of surveillance. The test data includes the oil, water and, gas rates plus the injection power fluid rate and pressure and the wellhead pressure. A significant decline in production rate my result from formation damage (skin) or be from inadequate pump displacement, pump wear, pump gas interference problems, or leaks. Leaks are more likely in hydraulic systems since pressures are higher and there is more exposure due to the use of power oil lines and power fluid tubing. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Mechanical Failure in Wells Different types of mechanical failures can cause loss of production and/or increase costs in well operation. More common problems are: Primary cement channelling Casing, tubing, and packer leaks, Artificial lift equipment, and Well equipment, like wellheads, subsurface valves, sliding sleeves, etc. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Sand Control Wells that sand-up or produce more than 0.1 percent sand are often good candidates for sand control. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Unconsolidated Consolidated Zero strength Very very weak Very weak Consolidated Dry sand Damp sand Weakly-cemented Stronger cement Sand Control Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved In weak but consolidated formations: Stage 1 Failure Stage 1 Failure Stage 2 Transportation Stage 2 Transportation Failure of reservoir rock due to shear stresses (failure of bonds between grains) Transportation of failed material due to flow Sand Control Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Overburden Friction Differential Stresses Cementing Material Degree of Consolidation Fluid Viscosity Production Velocity Water Production Factors Affecting Sand Production Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Failure may occur due to: Non uniform lateral loading as rock is produced. High axial compressive load due to slumping of the overlying casing-bearing formation.
Sand Problems-Casing / Liner Collapse
Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Sand production can cause erosion in both surface and downhole equipment such as : Downhole Blast Joints Chokes Gas lift Equipment Elbows / Tees Standing Valves Pumps Valves Metering Devices Circulating sleeves Flanges Nipples Wellhead Tubular Sand Problems- Erosion Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Bridges may form in casing or tubing and obstruct well flow. They must be removed by bailing or washing with concentric strings. If bridging is severe sand control will be required. Sand Problems- Erosion Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Sand Control Methods Restrictive Production Rate In Situ Consolidation Resin Coated Gravel Gravel Pack Screens - Natural Sand Packing (OH) Expandable Sand Screens Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Restrictive Production Rate Some weak formations have enough strength to produce sand-free at low rates. Selective perforations placed in the strongest formation (based on logs) Rock properties may change during the production (i.e., water production). In Situ Consolidation Resin material is pumped into the formation. Furan Resin glues formation grain- grain into a consolidated structure Compressive strength >1,000 psi with 60-75% retained permeability. Sand Control Methods Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Resin Coated Gravel Proppant ( Gravel ) is pre- coated with resin material. Particles are mixed with viscous gel and pumped into the formation. Particles are contacted grain-to-grain. Temperature + H2O fuses the particles together into a consolidated permeable, drillable network. Resin Formation (Unconsolidated) Gravel Sand Control Methods Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Natural Sand Packing (Screens) Installation of a screen system (no particles) in cased or open hole. Main horizontal completion option. Screen system can be : slotted liner pre-pack screen wire wrapped Annular is eventually filled with formation sand. Sand Control Methods Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Slotted liners One of the older methods of sand control. They are tubing sections with a series of slots cut through the tubing wall in an axial orientation. The slot width is designed to initiate inter-particle bridging across the slot. It was originally considered that it should be twice the diameter of the 10 percentile sand grains . There are two types of slot available, keystone and straight Sand Control Methods Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Wire Wrapped There are three main types of wire- wrap screen; rod-based screens, pipe- based slip-on and pipe-based direct build screens. Normally made from triangular shaped wrap wire The gap between the edges of the wrap wire is sufficient to allow quite large sand grains to pass through. Sand Control Methods Gap Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Pre-packed screens Similar configuration to the wire wrap but use a different filtering media. A layer of resin-coated gravel is placed around the internal screen assembly and is supported by a shroud or external screen. The thickness of the filtering medium layer, and hence the outside diameter of the screen depends on the specific well requirements. Limitations in mechanical strength Sand Control Methods Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Premium screens typically an all-metal design, with a metal mesh filtration media and a protective outer metal shroud. The metal mesh can be either a metal weave or metal fibres or powder particles embedded within a square metal mesh. The apertures (called pore throats) generally very from 60 micron to 300 micron. The concept is that the mesh will prevent the larger sand particles from travelling through and allow the formation fines to pass. Premium screens are typically run in long horizontals, often behind gravel packs and have similar sand control properties to pre-pack screens. Sand Control Methods Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Gravel pack The annulus between the wellbore and a sand control screen (wire wrapped, or premium) is filled with gravel that is sized to prevent sand from the formation passing through the pack. Gravel packing in open-hole (EGP External Gravel Pack) is useful for preventing annular flow and controlling sand in heterogeneous formations. Gravel packing in cased-holes (IGP Internal Gravel Pack) is useful for protecting the sand screens from erosion flow. After the liner is run and perforated, the sand face completion is run. The perforations may then be washed and the GP packer set. Sand Control Methods Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Frac pack Improve the productivity of a well by creating a short, wide fracture close to the wellbore. A proppant is placed inside the fracture that will both hold open the fracture and control sand production. Frac packs are also termed high permeability fractures (HPF) In Frac packing the fractures tend to be shorter but much wider. Typical frac pack crack widths can be 1 inch or potentially larger. The lengths vary depending on the design and are usually in the region of 20 to 50 feet. Fracture filled with gravel /proppant wellbore packed with screen in wellbore Wellbore free of equipment Fracture filled with resin coated gravel /proppant Sand Control Methods Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved ESS (Expandable Sand Screens) Sand Control Methods Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Re-completion Can be avoided by careful planning and anticipation of problems on the initial well completion. The usual workover procedure for changing zones or reservoirs in perforated casing completion is merely to squeeze cement and re-perforate in the new zone in the reservoir. In open hole, it may be necessary to deepen or plug back, or to cement a liner and selectively perforate a specific zone in the reservoir. Changing the producing interval in both single and multiple completions are relatively simple operations if the operation can be carried out through-tubing. Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Plug and Abandonment Most zones or reservoirs must be eventually plugged and abandoned. Most governmental regulating bodies have specific guidelines that must be followed. Careful considerations should be given to all options before plugging a well. If a well is no longer economical to produce, has no use as a service well, or has no use as a service well, or has serious mechanical conditions, then immediate steps should be taken to plug and abandon the zone. Development Phase September October 2005 abalt solutions limited - 2005 INTRODUCTION TO HYDROCARBON EXPLOITATION Abalt Solutions P r o b l e m W e l l A n a l y s i s 2005 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved Workover Economics The team concept is a significant factor in optimizing creative skill and imagination in: Fact finding Analysis Experimentation Job execution, and Evaluation of results Considering workover on programme basis Profitability analysis