Search for a command to run...
Abstract The predominant completion system employed in the oil sands industry comprises a base pipe, which is externally integrated with wire wrap screens (WWS) to facilitate sand control. This configuration is designed to prevent sand ingress while allowing the unimpeded flow of hydrocarbons. Traditionally, each horizontal section consists of around 60 pieces of screened casing, which are pre-perforated before being deployed in the well, as any considerable percussion shock would introduce unacceptable risks to WWS integrity. Modern heavy oil well design extends the productive lateral sections further, and this design evolution leads to an increase in the number of pipes incorporating WWS to a count of 100 or more. This strategy, in turn, adds a tangible multi-level challenge related to drag and friction forces when deploying the aforementioned long casing or liner strings that are pre-perforated. The utilization of a mechanical downhole intervention tool operated on electric wireline to mechanically punch flow paths through the base pipe while leaving the wire-wrapped screens intact enables the entire production liner assembly to be run in the lateral section floated and significantly reduces operational risks and limitations. Mechanical puncher was deployed on e-line and conveyed with downhole tractors or on e-coil pipe. Comprehensive real-time control (through e-line and surface acquisition systems) and monitoring of the puncher's sidewall drill bit ensure accurate sidewall bit penetration right in the 2.5-3 mm gap between the casing and WWS, tool delivers consistent and identical 12-mm orifices in the base pipe, which, along with precise XYZ positioning, simplifies the flow control design and planning as well as other directly related and collateral well engineering tasks and calculations. This paper refers to the recent completion of two ERD wells by the top oil and gas operator in Canada as part of the re-drill program and well(s) upgrade in one of the mature fields. Seven-inch liner tallies were 100 and 93, respectively, ran in the hole floated (completely unperforated) all the way to the desired depth at the toe of the well. The hole punch schedule prepared by the operator included 60 holes in each well across the entire lateral section; the program was completed with no deviations or issues. Mechanical puncher operations itself in each well took less than 24 hours. Both wells currently perform as per the expectations set by the operator's thermal completions and production team. Downhole mechanical puncher method can be instrumental to enable ERD well completions in conditions where pre-perforation and explosives perforation is impossible, diminish and prevent operational risks related to completions deployment, reduce time spent on downhole activities, and lower the complexity of flow planning and management.