Paradigm Shift in Well Intervention: Novel Approach Utilizing Instrumented Coiled Tubing to Convey the Longest Expandable Straddle Packer for Selective Cleanout and Water Shut-Off in Horizontal Inflow Control Devices Completion - A Story of Success in West Kuwait

Abstract This study describes the remarkable milestone that has been achieved in West Kuwait with a first-of-its kind job worldwide, where an innovative approach to selective cleanout and water shut-off (WSO) intervention was executed. This involved the use of expandable straddle packers and instrumented coiled tubing (CT) downhole measurement system in a well completed with 5 ½-in horizontal passive inflow control devices (ICDs) in a long sandstone reservoir section. The subject well encompassed a total of 48 passive ICDs, spread out across 16 ICD compartments, each of the compartment intercepts one, three or four ICDs isolated by swellable packer on the openhole side. Based on the recent production logging tool (PLT) interpretation, the middle reservoir section of 6 compartment is deemed to produce water whereas the bottom part of the reservoir has got a good oil contribution adding hence some complexity on the water-shut off design. To address this intricacy, the straddle packer assembly, which conveyed via instrumented CT, has a remarkable space out of 110 ft between the sealing elements, making it the longest straddle packer conveyed with CT used in the world. The expandable, re-settable, and configurable packer’s elements allowed precise injection of cleanout and WSO treatment in one run and worked on pump rates and accurate placement to operate under different configurations. This innovative approach eliminated the need for multiple plugs to isolate different wellbore sections, while reducing the time of operation execution. Real-time downhole measurement capabilities played a significant role in the success of the intervention. CT internal pressure, annulus pressure, annulus temperature, and axial force were used to ensure a more accurate fluid placement across the desired ICD compartments. The combination of expandable straddle packers and real-time downhole measurement system enabled rapid response and adjustments to the actual downhole conditions throughout the intervention, resulting in a significant drop in produced water from 90% to an average of 60%, while oil production remained steady. This pioneering case study is a testament to how the integration of CT, downhole live telemetry, and mechanical wellbore multi-set isolation tools can push the boundaries of well intervention to enhance production in wells with challenging configurations. The innovative approach, which reduced the time of operation execution and ensured the treatment chemical fluids were used in a cost-effective manner, demonstrates the potential for improving productivity of other wells with passive ICD configuration.