Well Completions Optimization Using Interventionless Packer Setting Device for HPHT Wells

Abstract The current oil and gas sector offers several situations where the operator’s innovation is crucial. The challenges posed by High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) conditions require a different approach to completion design and practices to avoid well-control incidents, operational problems, and achieve full well integrity during its production lifecycle. For this specific project, the operator has also been searching for an alternative solution for their HPHT well that can optimize their rig time by eliminating the slickline plug run. This is due to difficulty experienced setting a slickline plug during previous completion operations. Although there are various technologies for packer setting devices for common wells, there are limited HPHT application products available in the market. This paper will focus on an Interventionless packer setting device that eliminates intervention while carrying out well completion activities. This setting device is predominantly used for remotely setting a packer and/or enabling tubing pressure tests to be performed during completion deployment which does not require any offshore personnel. The full bore internal diameter (ID) access after opening the valve benefits the operator should they require any post-completion intervention run without limitation to the access in the string. The valve has reduced the rig non-productive time and risks associated with slick line deployments. The valve consists of a multi-cycle feature where a counter module is utilized allowing multiple pressure cycles to be applied without opening the ball. Also, note that the ball pivots to allow the completion string to self-fill while running in hole. The Interventionless packer setting device comes with an equalization feature. The patented design ensures pressure is fully equalized before opening the ball ensuring maximum reliability. The valve is also highly debris tolerant to provide maximum performance in the harshest of environments. Case history data will be presented to illustrate the success of the remotely opened packer setting device in North Malay Basin (NMB). This was the first time a HPHT Interventionless Ball Valve had been utilized for this well environment. However, the Interventionless Ball Valve has been used for over 20 wells to date for standard applications at a lower pressure and temperature. The operator has successfully saved 26 hours of rig time by using this valve for the HPHT application which equates to 5% or 26 hours of reduction in completion time and help with cost reduction by 3%.