This paper introduces a novel application of intelligent completions using remotely operated intelligent plugs that can eliminate multiple wireline runs. This case study outlines completion of two wells in offshore Vung Tau, Vietnam using intelligent plugs. The plugs were used to test tubing, set the packer, and later act as deep-set barriers for christmas tree installation. The wells were completed with two intelligent plugs preinstalled and run-in-hole (RIH) open. One was installed above the production packer and the other below. Use of such intelligent plugs allowed opening and closing the plugs remotely; this feature is attributed to the plugs' onboard decision-making electronics to monitor well conditions programmed to either open or close whenever a specified condition (known as a trigger) is detected. This allowed the operator to communicate to the tool remotely from the surface using applied-pressure commands. The upper plug was closed initially to test the tubing string. It was later opened and the lower plug was closed to set the packer. The lower plug was then opened to test the packer. Both plugs were later closed to act as barriers when the blowout preventer (BOP) was removed and the christmas tree was installed. Both plugs were then opened and pulled out of hole (POOH) on wireline. The use of remotely operated intelligent plugs helped the operator successfully eliminate eight wireline runs, saving approximately 15 hours of rig time. Considerable monetary savings were gained by removing intervention runs. Additionally, health, safety, and environment (HSE) risks associated with rigging up and running wireline were also eliminated in this case. The industry is striving to perform completion and intervention activities in a safer and more economic manner. This case study of remotely operated intelligent plugs can be a timely addition to existing intelligent completion solutions.

Application of openhole sand control technology is becoming mandatory in the field, particularly with the given uncertainty in geomechanics, challenges to wellbore integrity while drilling, and sand production during the life of the well. The completion equipment readiness and success of the installation can be challenging in the event of extending the horizontal section to accommodate geological heterogeneity and maximizing well productivity. This paper discusses operational excellence recorded in Well A, in the Thang Long Field, offshore Vietnam, from well design perspectives ensuring maximum reservoir contact to outcome of well completion. The well was targeted in the Oligocene reservoir, a thin oil rim with large gas cap overlay, and required drilling and completion for 1126 m horizontal length of 8 1/2-in. open hole. The completion design included multiple swellable packers for isolation of unwanted zones, 6 5/8-in. basepipe sand screens for the production zones, and a fluid loss control device to help prevent undesirable losses. Several torque and drag simulations were performed to help predict potential threats that could be encountered during completion string deployment or during space out of the inner wash pipe string. One apparent challenge of this completion design was to deploy the lower completion string to total depth (TD) per stringent reservoir requirements, resulting in an approximate 1126 m length of the string in the horizontal section. Another task was to facilitate manipulating 1130 m of wash pipe inside the completion string to locate the seal assemblies accurately at the corresponding seal bore extension positions for effective acidizing treatment. Although these were long sections of completion string and wash pipe, the quality of acidizing stimulation to effectively remove mud cake should not be compromised to ensure positive production rates. During operations, the completion string was run to target depth without any issue, and the wash pipe was spaced out and manipulated correctly. These operations subsequently led to a successful acidizing treatment and the proper closure of the flapper type fluid loss device. The completion design and operation were concluded successfully, significantly contributing to field production performance to date. The novelty of the completion design and installation is the ability to deploy an 1126-m lower completion in long, highly deviated and horizontal openhole section coupled with acid stimulation in reasonable time and as per plan.