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Specific Challenge

Perform a shale barrier evaluation on a section for an ongoing P&G operation

REGION - UK REGION - UK

North Sea, United Kingdom Sector

Challenge

  • Perform shale barrier evaluation across a highly deviated (72°) section of 9 5∕8-inch casing to determine P&A requirements 
  • Assess and identify suitable shale barrier zones with an Isolation test

Solution

  • Use ClearTrac tractor system to deploy the CAST-M™/CBL-M/MIT tool string 
  • Provide full-time onshore support during the operation for fast-turnaround analysis of logging data 
  • Deploy perforating/RTTS® test packer tool string for shale barrier evaluation

Result

  • Successfully deployed CAST-M/ CBL-M/MIT tool string, using ClearTrac tractor system 
  • Provided fast-turnaround information for shale barrier assessment 
  • Confirmed zonal isolation via deployment of perforating/RTTS test packer tool string 
  • Proved the Technique to save around 34 hours of rig time in future operations

Overview 

During ongoing plug and abandonment (P&A) operations, a UK North Sea operator needed to confirm if a particular shale formation behind the 9 5∕8-inch casing would provide an effective P&A barrier. Halliburton recommended a solution to obtain and analyze the necessary data, and to provide a means of testing any suitable zones highlighted from the data analysis. 

Challenges 

The well section in question was a highly deviated section (72°), meaning that any deployment by gravity alone would be unachievable. Additionally, a restrictive deck footprint meant that any option would need to fit in with a busy rig that had ongoing subsea P&A operations. Good-quality data would be required for immediate specialist analysis and identification of suitable shale barrier zones behind the 9 5∕8-inch casing to enable a real-time isolation barrier solution that could be implemented and verified. 

Solution 

Deployment modeling confirmed that challenges could be encountered that would prevent a standard tool string from reaching the required depth. It was determined that tool deployment with the Halliburton ClearTrac tractor system would be the most efficient method, should deployment assistance be required in the well. 

Halliburton CAST-M™ and CBL-M tools, along with its multi-finger imaging tool (MIT), were selected to gain all the necessary data in a single pass in order to effectively identify and evaluate any shale barrier zones behind the 9 5∕8-inch casing. Deployment on mono-conductor e-line ensured a minimum footprint on the rig. 

The Halliburton Formation and Reservoir Solutions team recommended utilizing its advanced cement evaluation, barrier assessment analysis, and casing inspection services to provide fast-turnaround information so that immediate decisions could be made regarding this well barrier solution. 

Halliburton tubing-conveyed perforating (TCP) and completions teams proposed a combined tool string for an efficient isolation barrier pressure test.

4hrs

To diagnose areas

8,400

Feet deployment

34

Hours future rig time savings per well

Results 

The shale barrier evaluation tool string was successfully deployed without any downhole tool issues. The ClearTrac tractor system was required for deployment to depths from 6,500 feet to 8,400 feet (1981 meters. to 2560 meters). The logging data was transmitted onshore to the Halliburton Formation and Reservoir Solutions team for immediate analysis. 

Areas of shale contact with the pipe wall across the uncemented zone were diagnosed in under 4 hours by integrating the casing inspection and cement evaluation. A zone was also selected to perform a communication test. 

To verify the shale contact zone, the TCP offshore team prepared a combined perforating/RTTS® test packer tool string. The TCP string consisted of two fully loaded guns, featuring a 4 5∕8-inch outside diameter (OD) and 22-foot (6.7-meter) length, at the top and the bottom of the gun string, spaced out 100 feet (30.5 meters) apart by using spacer guns, and a drop-ball firing head as means of gun activation. The TCP guns were then placed on the correct perforating depth by pipe tally. A steel ball was then deployed from surface into the string to land in the firing head. Then, with the application of surface pressure in the drillstring, the guns were initiated. The RTTS packer above the guns was lowered and set in position between the perforated zones. Subsequent pressure testing confirmed an effective shale barrier behind the 9 5∕8-inch casing that would enable the final cement plug to be set inside the casing. 

This Halliburton solution enables the operator to save 34 hours of rig time on future operations.

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