fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe

The requirement of tapping new hydrocarbon reserves has pushed the Middle East region to develop its unconventional resources. During the development, longer laterals are drilled to achieve more stages and increase well productivity. This generates more complex intervention activities, including the post-fracturing plug millout with coiled tubing (CT). This study outlines comprehensive evaluation of frac plug milling practices integrated with designing and execution of CT operations to improve overall milling efficiency for these unconventional horizontal wells. Milling optimization was obtained by tackling key enablers of higher efficiency. First, the CT string was precisely engineered to serve the well trajectory and completion size. The tapered wall thickness configuration was strategically planned to maximize stiffness at the highly deviated section while reducing weight on the long horizontal lateral. Plug selection and placement strategy were also meticulously planned to configure the best combination of composite and dissolvable plugs. Since different plug types behave differently during milling, the millout strategy was tailored specifically for each type and their actual downhole environment. The new engineered CT design, coupled with an extended reach tool (ERT), was proven effective in overcoming reach challenges across the long lateral while maintaining sufficient weight-on-bit (WOB) to mill the plugs. The ERT was also observed to enhance milling action due to the vibrations it generated. Those improvements led to faster and smoother operations, resulting in 70% reduction of operating time compared to the baseline established prior to the start of the project. The comprehensive plug placement strategy and better understanding of different plugs behavior in different environments further improved the milling efficiency, as the average milling time per plug was reduced by 80%. Additionally, the reduction in operating time improved the environmental sustainability of the project, as carbon emissions from the CT unit were reduced. The comprehensive engineering design and plug selection strategy delivers significant improvements in millout efficiency. Implementation of key enablers led to performance increase, better resource utilization, and further cost optimization. This achievement also aligns with initiatives to reduce the impact of oil and gas operations on the environment, thus contributing to the goal of achieving net-zero in carbon emission.

Success of the unconventional resources (UR) operations is improving the efficiency by minimizing cost without compromising production. Plug and perforation (PnP) method is widely applied practice for unconventional wells completion due to flexibility of stimulating targeted intervals. One of the key parameters for operations efficiency of stimulation activities is utilization of fit for purpose frac plug to run with wireline PnP, proper frac isolation, and increasing efficiency of coil tubing mill-out. This paper provides comprehensive evaluation and comparison of various frac plug selection, execution and evaluation as well as optimization considering improving efficiency at multi-stage frac operations. To improve contact area with targeted formations, longer laterals are drilled and during milling operations, it can generate additional challenges to the milling efficiency due to decreasing weight on bit and potential lockups due extended laterals. There are various types of plugs in the market depending on the technical requirements of the operation such as composite, semi-dissolvable and fully dissolvable fracturing plugs. Therefore, the search to obtain the most optimum fit for purpose frac plug selection is critical with the objective of being milled with minimal weight on bit and low to no debris produced from milling activities. The application of a rigorous system for choosing frac plugs to be tested and implemented considers various well completion, formation, operational and technical parameters, while cross-referencing case studies and historical usage at different fields worldwide. For the current study, more than twenty frac plugs were systematically evaluated based on technical requirements, and were implemented across more than 2,000 stages of UR stimulation applications and coil tubing (CT) millout operations. Additionally, the paper discusses about contingency plans with solutions during wireline pump down and coil tubing millout operations challenges and opportunities. Fracturing plug manufacturers are continuously improving their frac plug technologies to meet customers demands of ease of use, applicability and functionality. Hence, the introduction and development of semi or fully dissolvable plugs. This paper highlights a full cycle of process for qualifying fracturing plugs for fit-for-purpose applications.

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractEffective blowout preventer (BOP) requirements and well control policies are crucial in maintaining safe drilling and workover operations. These requirements/policies generally are tailored to the individual oil and gas operator's specific drilling environment. Changes in well profile, depth, temperature, pressure, hydrogen sulfide concentration, and safety margin may require changes in BOP equipment and well control. Saudi Aramco has recently revised their equipment requirements and well control policies in an effort to further optimize drilling safety and efficiency in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This paper discusses changes in BOP stack arrangements, kill/ choke line requirements, replacement part criteria, elastomer application limits, and use of variable bore rams and shear blind rams. Also included are requirements for number of isolation barriers, pressure testing/maintenance, and minimum overbalance. A new tripping policy and shut-in procedure are also discussed, with the introduction of a new trip sheet and kill sheets. Specific well control policies are provided.