Customer Challenges
- A major operator identified multiple challenges whilst planning to run a casing string in the 12-1/4” open hole of an ERD Well with a step-out ratio of 2.23 (6,378 ft step-out over just 2,858 ft TVD)
- Computer modelling predicted that excessive drag in the horizontal section would prevent the casing being run conventionally beyond 5,000 ft measured
- In order to run the casing to the intended measured depth of 8,400ft, the casing would have to be floated in hole using the ‘mud over air’ casing floatation method
- Objectives
- Hands-free casing running o Mitigate risks of ‘Slip-Slap’
- Vent air whilst filling the casing after the floatation collar is burst
- Rig-Up the cement hose with no personnel in the Red Zone and no working at height
- Launch two darts with no personnel in the Red Zone and no working at height
- Catch and contain the darts downhole during the cement job, recover to surface post job
- Remove personnel from the Red Zone throughout the entire job
Expro Excellence
- Expro provided specialist equipment and services that enabled all objectives to be achieved
- Seven technologies with proven track record were used to maximize safety and efficiency:
- FA-1® Top Drive Casing Running Tool (CRT)
- Single Joint Horseshoe Elevator (SJHSE)
- 14 3/8 Power Tong
- Radio Remote Control Tong Control System
- Tong Pusher Arm (TPA)
- Blackhawk® Top Drive Cement Head
- Skyhook® Wireless Cement Line Make-Up Device
- MULTICATCH™ Dart Catcher System
- One new assembly was designed and manufactured to vent & fill the Casing
- 11 3/4 Vent Sub Assembly
- One conventional tool was modified to mitigate risk of equipment damage during ‘Slip-Slap’
- Rotary Adaptor Ring
- A subtle change to the Power Tong rig-up would ensure safe operations during ‘Slip-Slap’
Value to Client
- All operations were completed with no incidents and zero NPT
- Meticulous planning, preparation and execution helped lower risks ALARP
- Risks specific to casing floatation were identified, well managed and successfully mitigated
- The string was run to the planned TD (8,227ft), enabling production potential to be maximized
- The floatation collar was ruptured per plan with no unexpected outcomes
- Venting the trapped air whilst simultaneously filling with mud minimized rig time
- The string was cemented with no losses, and successfully pressure tested to 4,100psi
- Expro technologies reduced and eliminated risks to personal, equipment and operations
- Expro’s high quality of service helped the client complete a safe and very successful job
Contact
For further information, please contact wellconstruction@expro.com.
