Problem
Coretrax was approached by a major Saudi operator’s unconventionals team who required the isolation of nonproducing perforations over two upper formations whilst leaving the lower fracs live for production.
The operator required a solution that could be ran rigless to remain economical, so the decision was made to run 3 x 5/8” ReLine WL straddle on rigless deployment. There were additional restrictions as the maximum length of the perforation zones was 20ft, and had a nipple restriction of 3.688”, the Coretrax ReLine WL patch offered the perfect solution. As the well remained live during the operation there was a challenge involved to hold the high pressure of the live gas well and install the casing patches, the pressure at surface was 8,000 psi.
Solution & Achievement
Coretrax successfully installed 3 patches at; 13,531' - 13,565', 13,496' - 13,530', and 12,597' - 12,630'. The patches were confirmed through MIT log post. Due to the nipple restrictions this job had very tight tolerances in which our tools were installed successfully.
Our equipment external pressure ratings are capable of sustaining formation pressure loads and could hold the 8,000psi collapse pressure of the well, this solution provided an effective alternative to using mud to hold the pressure of the well. Mud has the potential to regress into the formation which could seal off the perforations.
The client was happy with the successful installation of the patches which isolated the unwanted perforations and allowed access to the lower live perforations for future completion equipment to be ran.
