xSight smart intervention optimization service improved fishing capabilities and efficiency

Results

• Reduced risks and optimized cleanout operation with 21/8-in. workover motor

• Increased efficiency with real-time downhole visibility

• Maximized jarring potential on deep, highly deviated well

• Eliminated time and cost needed to string up more rig lines

Challenges

• Recover packer and seals from a sanded-in, failed gravel-pack completion

• Screw the retrieval assembly into a small, Acme thread at 20,971 ft in an offshore well with a 45° deviation

BHGE solution

• xSight smart intervention optimization service provided real-time downhole insights to enhance multiple workover operations

• Live downhole weight transfer measurements improved performance and life in the 21/8-in. workover motor

• Downhole torque and weight measurements enabled the operator to screw into a small Acme thread and verify attachment to a 488-lb fish

• A clear understanding of downhole dynamics improved jar effectiveness and eliminated the need for additional rig lines

An operator in the Gulf of Mexico was attempting to decomplete a well due to a failed gravel-pack completion. The production tubing had sanded up, requiring the well to be shut in for a workover operation.

The xSight™ smart intervention optimization service was used in three separate runs to clean out the production sand, monitor torque while engaging and retrieving seals, and maximize jar efficiency.

The first xSight service application on this job was to monitor weight on bit (WOB), reactive torque, and differential pressure while running a 21/8-in. mud motor to clean out fill inside the gravel pack. Because of the extreme depth and deviation of this well and the sensitivity of the mud motor, this operation would not have been successful without the ability to precisely monitor downhole parameters. Maximum WOB for the mud motor was limited to 3,375 lbf (15,012 N). Surface readings were inaccurate for less than 50,000 lbf (222,400 N).

The xSight service was also used to successfully retrieve the seal assembly inside the gravel-pack packer. By using

the real-time WOB and torque data provided, the fishing supervisor was able to successfully screw a small Acme thread on the retrieving tool into the seal assembly at 20,971 ft (6,391 m) measured depth. After screwing into the seals, data collected by the xSight service assisted the process of jarring the seals free by monitoring overpull to reduce the risk of exceeding jar limitations. After jarring the seals free, the xSight service verified the light, 488-lb (221-kg) fish weight before pulling out of hole.

Real-time data was also used to successfully retrieve the gravel-pack packer assembly. This operation took advantage of the service’s WOB measurements while latching into the packer to observe shearing inside the retrieving tool that would be difficult to see with surface readings alone.

For this operation, the xSight WOB readings were of critical importance when jarring on the packer became necessary. Initial jarring attempts at 90,000 lbf (400,320 N) overpull on surface (60,000 lbf [266,880 N] xSight reading on bottom) proved to be unsuccessful. Maximum jarring was required,

LOCATION: GULF OF MEXICO

© 2017 Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC – All rights reserved.

Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC and its affiliates (“BHGE”) provides this information on an “as is” basis for general information purposes and believes it to be accurate as of the date of publication. BHGE does not make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and makes no warranties of any kind, specific, implied or oral, to the fullest extent permissible by law, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or use. BHGE hereby disclaims any and all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or special damages, claims for lost profits, or third party claims arising from the use of the information, whether a claim is asserted in contract, tort, or otherwise. The BHGE logo is a trademark of Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC. GE and the GE monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company used under trademark license. XSight is a trademark of Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC.

67591

bhge.com

but surface overpull was getting close to the rig’s maximum capability with its current line configuration. Stringing up the block to more lines would have wasted valuable time. The xSight service was able to verify that by pulling at the rig’s maximum with 145,000 lbf (644,690 N) overpull on surface, the jars were seeing their max of 100,000 lbf (444,800 N) overpull on bottom. The rig did not have to string up more lines, and the packer came free after only four additional hits.

Finally, the operator was able to verify the packer weight as a positive indication of retrieval before pulling out of hole.

The wide variety of downhole measurements offered by the xSight service makes it compatible with many different applications. These applications often require extensive surface monitoring, especially in deep and highly deviated wells. Using the standard equipment for surface monitoring is no longer an option due to the difficulty in trying to estimate or assume changes in gauge readings.

Downhole Weight on Bit WOBCR

Downhole Torque TORCR

Di�erential Pressure DIFPAR

klbf

ft.lb

psi

-100 100

2000

100

0

0

11:00:00 AM

12:00:00 PM

TM seconds 1:1800

Bill Depth

8773

20925

20957

Slack o� to top of packer

Pick up and put torque in drillstring

Screwing into seal assembly

Pull drillstring to unseat seal assembly

Run 2Retrieval and jarring of seal assembly

Jar on drillstring four times to free seal assembly

Assembly appears free - Max overpull from xSight- 91.21 k WOB, MAX torque = 1,613 ft-lbs