Wireline logging in a complex well profile, such as extended reach drilling (ERD) wells, presents many challenges for conveyance and data quality. Traditional pipe conveyed logging (PCL) or coiled tubing (CT) are prohibitive in terms of rig time, operational complexity and cost. Alternatively, tractor conveyance is limited by the available force in long laterals. Tools and accessories create higher friction and might jeopardize tool position in the horizontal section. Consequently, both data quality and reaching total depth are compromised. This paper details an innovative deployment technique using oriented wheels to address these challenges. The new centralizing system, comprised of bespoke wheeled carriages, takes a holistic approach to tool conveyance, reducing drag while ensuring optimum sensor orientation. Tool position is achieved through management of tool center of gravity, relative to the wheel axes. The idea of "centralizing by decentralizing" uses the wheeled carriages instead of bow spring centralizers. An eccentered counterweight is included to ensure the proper orientation of the logging sensors. In addition to improving data quality with proper centralization, the wheels minimize friction and the required force to push the toolstring when combined with a tractor. This enables the toolstring to safely and efficiently reach the well bottom and avoid multiple attempts and associated downhole failures. In the planning phase, calibrated software simulation parameters for this technique help to predict free-fall depth and required tractoring force. The wheeled carriages were deployed in an ERD well for cement evaluation across a 9-5/8" casing and could reach a world record of 85° by gravity. The reduced friction and optimized tool position resulted in higher tractor force margins; and so a net gain in the overall tractoring distance. Also, the low drag and surface tension enabled a sufficient pull capacity with a minimum drive combination. For data acquisition, this deployment enabled a minimum eccentricity, resulting in better cement evaluation data quality and reduced uncertainty related to interpretation. In addition to these benefits, a tangible and direct savings of rig time has improved safety, operational efficiency and well delivery KPIs. Oriented wheels with tractors were deployed in other challenging environments and showed consistent and reliable results. This innovative technique can be deployed in both open-hole and cased-hole with fitted design depending on the borehole size, well profile and complexity of the toolstring configuration.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.