New technology enables operator to achieve a new level of efficiency

Overview

A major operator in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea planned a single-trip to complete an inflow test and displacement / wellbore cleanup on a high profile well. As the well utilized small diameter liners, it was determined that a circulation boost / bypass valve was necessary to provide sufficient annular velocities to hydraulically lift debris up and out of the wellbore. By choosing to complete all planned operations in a single trip, the operator required a string design that would give them the flexibility to perform a negative test and then allow for a clean-up with flow rates up to 30 BPM and displacement to seawater utilizing both reverse and conventional circulation.

Challenge

A major industry challenge that operators face is being able to reliably operate two compression-set tools in the string at the same time. Since most wellbore cleanout-compatible (rotatable) packers are compression-set, operators typically must compromise with a ball-drop bypass tool or risk an unintentional functioning of one of the compressionset tools, which could lead to a failed run. 

Industry run history has shown that the long-term reliability of running two compression-set tools in the string at the same time is poor, and typically offsets any efficiency gains that the run is intended to achieve. Many compression-set bypass tools available must stay in compression to remain open, which limits string movement and reduces the efficiency of the cleanout run. 

Solution

The Turbo Tech II valve and Inflow Tech High-Performance packer with Setting Control Module (SCM) were designed to address this specific challenge with three major design features. First, both tools do not rely on single shearing functions, such as pins, and both can be reset to their original compression resistance each time they are returned to tension.

Second, the Turbo Tech II valve was designed to maintain annulus and tubing pressure integrity in the compressed/ intermediate position. This avoids creating a leak path and allows the negative test operation to continue in the event the Turbo Tech II valve unintentionally functions during the setting and operation of the Inflow Tech packer SCM. Finally, since the Turbo Tech II valve stays open when returned to tension and does not need to be held in the open position with compression, the string can be reciprocated to assist in the cleanout of the 5 ½-in. liner.