Successful Deployment of Electro-Mechanical Tractor to Maximize Wellbore Reach in Highly Deviated Wells

Abstract The advancement of drilling technology has made horizontal wells with maximum reservoir contact a possibility. These highly deviated horizontal wells pose huge challenges with respect to wellbore reach during well intervention jobs. The successful implementation of the advanced electro-mechanical tractor to maximize wellbore reach in highly deviated or horizontal wells is presented with the result of several trial test attempts. The utilization approach of electro-mechanical tractor is based on electro-mechanical drive over hydraulic conveyance approach. Moreover, this advanced fit-for-purpose technology incorporates real-time communication and control while tractoring, including casing collar locator, wheel speed, wheel torque, inclination and relative bearing. Faster operation made possible by the ability of the tractor to move 100 feet per minute. Electro-mechanical tractor was utilized to extend the wireline reach during several well intervention jobs in high inclinations of more than 60 degree. The several deployments of the advanced electro-mechanical tractor during well intervention jobs in high-angle and extended-reach horizontal wells effectively met the desired objectives and resulted in higher reach along with faster operation. Across several attempts, in which the angles higher than 85 degrees and debris/scale type of restrictions present, the tractor demonstrated an excellent reach result compared to gravity conveyance approach that are limited to 45 to 60 degrees. Moreover, this advanced fit-for-purpose technology surmounted the reach limitations and restrictions, thus unleashed the potential of logging the entirety of target interval to obtain the valuable data for better future decisions. This paper presents and details the successful deployment of advanced fit-for-purpose technology. Furthermore, electro-mechanical tractor demonstrated its ability to maximize reach in cased hole environment, and provided an economical conveyance solution for logging diagnostic, monitoring, perforating, and mechanical intervention in high- angle and extended-reach horizontal wells.