Development and Trial of Technology for Open Hole Wells Performance Enhancement in GoM

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Peixoto ◽  
Wilfred Nathaniel Provost ◽  
Jesse Thomas Gerber

Abstract Open hole (OH) completions are not very common in the GoM, but the area has seen an uptick in OH wells in recent years, and a few big projects have elected to use the same completion archetype. There are several different ways to complete an OH well, and one of these completion techniques involves running screens across the OH in Drill-In fluid (DIF), displacing the DIF out of the OH with brine, and then setting the packer, before pumping a filter cake breaker, designed to remove the filter cake and restore the reservoir permeability to near pre-drilling levels. A review of past open hole (OH) well completions in GoM revealed that there was an inconsistent action of the breaker on the filter-cake: sometimes the breaker would react quickly, and sometimes there was no noticeable effect. This study led to the development of a new technology to allow better displacements of the OH, with the ultimate objective of reducing initial well skin induced by the drill-in fluid (DIF) and filter cake. It was theorized that the low displacement rates would lead to poor removal of the mud from the OH, in turn leading to a poor breaker action on the DIF filter cake and a long-term impact on well injectivity and increased OPEX, as these wells tend to need an initial stimulation within a short timeframe after initial completion. The approach used was to develop a new tool to allow faster displacement rates, and test it on a trial well, to verify the results and validate this theory. To solve this problem, a new tool was proposed, developed and fully tested in a tight deadline of 6 months. The new module allows up to 9 bpm rates and up to 3,500 psi differential pressure before setting the packer, versus the previous ∼800 psi differential pressure limit, present in all tools in the market, for that casing size (7 5/8"). During the first well trial, the tool allowed a displacement of the OH at double the pump rates obtained in previous wells in the same basin, with similar OH lengths, leading to the smallest volume of contaminated fluid interface seen to date, indicating a much better displacement. Once the well was put online, it achieved an injection rate above expectations, even when the drilled OH interval penetrated significantly less net sands than originally planned. The results on this single well trial seem to corroborate the theory posed, however it is recognized that more data is required to be certain of its results, and that will only come with time, as well performance is measured and compared with other wells that did not use the same technology. The novelty of this new technology is the ability to obtain a better displacement of the OH, leading to a better breaker action and well cleanup in OH completions. Although the trial well was an injector well, the technology is equally applicable to producer wells. The paper will cover the problem description, installation procedures, development and testing of the technology, design aspects of using the technology and the successful implementation in the trial well.

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 993-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gitte Keidser ◽  
Nicole Matthews ◽  
Elizabeth Convery

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine how hearing aid candidates perceive user-driven and app-controlled hearing aids and the effect these concepts have on traditional hearing health care delivery. Method Eleven adults (3 women, 8 men), recruited among 60 participants who had completed a research study evaluating an app-controlled, self-fitting hearing aid for 12 weeks, participated in a semistructured interview. Participants were over 55 years of age and had varied experience with hearing aids and smartphones. A template analysis was applied to data. Results Five themes emerged from the interviews: (a) prerequisites to the successful implementation of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (b) benefits and advantages of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (c) barriers to the acceptance and use of user-driven and app-controlled technologies, (d) beliefs that age is a significant factor in how well people will adopt new technology, and (e) consequences that flow from the adoption of user-driven and app-controlled technologies. Specifically, suggested benefits of the technology included fostering empowerment and providing cheaper and more discrete options, while challenges included lack of technological self-efficacy among older adults. Training and support were emphasized as necessary for successful adaptation and were suggested to be a focus of audiologic services in the future. Conclusion User perceptions of user-driven and app-controlled hearing technologies challenge the audiologic profession to provide adequate support and training for use of the technology and manufacturers to make the technology more accessible to older people.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e042547
Author(s):  
Atif Riaz ◽  
Olga Cambaco ◽  
Laura Elizabeth Ellington ◽  
Jennifer L Lenahan ◽  
Khatia Munguambe ◽  
...  

ObjectivesPaediatric pneumonia burden and mortality are highest in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC). Paediatric lung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool for pneumonia in LMIC. Despite a growing evidence base for LUS use in paediatric pneumonia diagnosis, little is known about its potential for successful implementation in LMIC. Our objectives were to evaluate the feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS in the diagnosis of paediatric pneumonia.DesignProspective qualitative study using semistructured interviewsSettingTwo referral hospitals in Mozambique and PakistanParticipantsA total of 21 healthcare providers (HCPs) and 20 caregivers were enrolled.ResultsHCPs highlighted themes of limited resource availability for the feasibility of LUS implementation, including perceived high cost of equipment, maintenance demands, time constraints and limited trained staff. HCPs emphasised the importance of policymaker support and caregiver acceptance for long-term success. HCP perspectives of usability highlighted ease of use and integration into existing workflow. HCPs and caregivers had positive attitudes towards LUS with few exceptions. Both HCPs and caregivers emphasised the potential for rapid, improved diagnosis of paediatric respiratory conditions using LUS.ConclusionsThis was the first study to evaluate HCP and caregiver perspectives of paediatric LUS through qualitative analysis. Critical components impacting feasibility, usability and acceptability of LUS for paediatric pneumonia diagnosis in LMIC were identified for initial deployment. Future research should explore LUS sustainability, with a particular focus on quality control, device maintenance and functionality and adoption of the new technology within the health system. This study highlights the need to engage both users and recipients of new technology early in order to adapt future interventions to the local context for successful implementation.Trial registration numberNCT03187067.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Najmi Farhan binti Zulkipli

Abstract Addressing wellbore integrity through cement evaluation has been an evergreen topic which frequently catches major operators by surprise due to premature water or gas breakthrough causing low production attainability from the wells. Managing idle well strings arising from integrity issues is also a challenge throughout the production period. The remedial solutions to these issues do not come conveniently and require high cost during late life well intervention which often erodes the well economic limit. A critical element of wellbore barrier which is cement integrity evaluation is proposed to be uplifted and given a new perspective to define success criteria for producer wells to achieve certain reserves addition and production recovery. This paper will highlight integrated factors affecting cement bond quality, impact to well production, potential remedies for poor cement bond observed leveraging on the enhanced workflow and new technology and way forward to proactively prevent the unwanted circumstances in the first opportunity taken. A set of recommendations and prioritization criteria for future cement improvement will be also highlighted. Several case specific wells logged with variable cement bond evaluation tools are re-assessed and deep-dived to trace the root causes for unsatisfactory cement bond quality observed which include reservoir characteristics, understanding anomalies during drilling and cementing operation, identifying cement recipe used, log processing parameters applied and observing best practices during cementing operation to improve the quality. New and emerging cement evaluation technology inclusive of radioactive-based logging to meet specific well objectives will be also briefly discussed in terms of differences and technical deliverables. Looking at each spectrum, results show that there are several interdependent factors contributing to poor cement bond quality observed. Accurate understanding of formation behavior, designing fit-for-purpose cement recipe and adequate planning for cementing operation on well-by-well basis are among the top- notch approaches to be applied for an acceptable cement bond quality and placement. Statistics show that 27% to 64% of production attainability is achieved by wells with good cement quality within the first 3 months of production and this increases to 85% to 98% up until 7 months of production period, while only 12% production attainability achieved for those wells with adverse cement quality issue. In another well, water cut as high as 47% since the first day of production is observed which keeps increasing up to 40% thereafter. In a nutshell, cement evaluation exercise shall not be treated as vacuum, instead it requires an integrated foundation and close collaboration to materialize the desired outcomes. Arresting the issue with the right approach in the first place will be the enabler for optimum well performance and productivity to exceed the recovery target.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 895
Author(s):  
Evanthia Kostidi ◽  
Nikitas Nikitakos ◽  
Iosif Progoulakis

3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM) (in the industrial context) is an innovative, as opposed to subtractive, technology, bringing new opportunities and benefits to the spare part supply chain (SPSC). The aim of this work is to capture the views of the stakeholders at the end of the chain, extruding factors that will benefit the end-user and the factors that are likely to be an obstacle, by employing the questionnaire method. Company objectives regarding spares (cost reductions, improvement of services, space reduction) have been prioritized differently by the stakeholders. The most important barriers according to the participants are the quality assurance of the spare parts made by the new technology followed by the know-how and skills of staff. Other views such as suitable parts are suggested. The practical value of this work, in addition to assessing the readiness of the industry, is that it provides guidance for the successful implementation of AM in the maritime industry.


2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Adewumi ◽  
M Thaddeus Ityokumbul ◽  
Robert W Watson ◽  
Mario Farias ◽  
Glenn Heckman ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis Frederic Antoine Champain ◽  
Syed Zahoor Ullah ◽  
Alexey Ruzhnikov

Abstract Drilling and completion of the surface and intermediate sections in some fields is extremely challenging due to wellbore instability, especially accomplished with complete losses. Such circumstances lead to several time-consuming stuck pipe events, when existing standard ways of drilling did not lead to a permanent resolution of the problems. After exhausting the available conventional techniques without sustainable success, unorthodox solutions were required to justify the well delivery time and cost. Here comes the Casing While Drilling (CwD), being the most time and cost-effective solution to wellbore instability. CwD is introduced at full throttle aiming at the well cost reduction and well quality improvement. The implementation plan was divided in three phases. The first phase was a remedial solution to surface and intermediate sections drilling and casing off to prevent stuck pipe events and provide smooth well delivery performances. After successful implementation of CwD first phase, CwD was taken to the next level by shifting it from a mitigation to an optimization measure. Each step of CwD shoe-to-shoe operations was analysed to improve its performances: drill-out (D/O) of 18⅝-in shoe track with CwD, optimum drilling parameters per formation and CwD bit design. Implemented in 19 wells, CwD shoe-to-shoe performances have been brought up or even above standard rotary bottom hole assembly (BHA) benchmark. Planning for third phase is undergoing whereby CwD is aiming to optimize a well construction to reduce well delivery time, by combining surface and intermediate sections thus eliminating one casing string. Numerous challenges are being worked on including open hole (OH) isolation packer which conform to and seal with the borehole uneven surface. Special "for purpose built" expandable steel packer and stage tool have been manufactured and qualified for the specific application. A candidate well has been chosen and agreed for first trial. The key areas of improvement include, drilling and casing off the surface and intermediate sections while competing with standard rotary BHA performances and slimming down the well profile towards tremendous time and costs savings. This paper encompasses details of constructions of various wells with sufficient contingencies to combat any expected hole problems without compromising the well quality while keeping the well within budget and planned time. It also provides an analysis of the well trials that were executed during the implementation of first and second phases of CwD implementation and the captured lessons learnt which are being carried forward to the next phase. This paper provides the technique on how CwD can be used to help with three aspects of drilling, successfully mitigating holes problems by reducing OH exposure time and to eliminate drill string tripping and modifying conventional casing design to reduce well time and cost by eliminating one casing string.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasser M. Al-Hajri ◽  
Akram R. Barghouti ◽  
Sulaiman T. Ureiga

Abstract This paper will present an alternative calculation technique to predict wellbore crossflow rate in a water injection well resulting from a casing leak. The method provides a self-governing process for wellbore related calculations inspired by the fourth industrial revolution technologies. In an earlier work, calculations techniques were presented which do not require the conventional use of downhole flowmeter (spinner) to obtain the flow rate. Rather, continuous surface injection data prior to crossflow development and shut-in well are used to estimate the rate. In this alternative methodology, surface injection data post crossflow development are factored in to calculate the rate with the same accuracy. To illustrate the process an example water injector well is used. To quantify the casing leak crossflow rate, the following calculation methodology was applied:Generate a well performance model using pre-crossflow injection data. Normal modeling techniques are applied in this step to obtain an accurate model for the injection well as a baseline case.Generate an imaginary injection well model: An injection well mimicking the flow characteristics and properties of the water injector is envisioned to simulate crossflow at flowing (injecting) conditions. In this step, we simulate an injector that has total depth up to the crossflow location only and not the total depth of the example water well.Generate the performance model for the secondary formation using post crossflow data: The total injection rate measured at surface has two portions: one portion goes into the shallower secondary formation and another goes into the deeper (primary) formation. The modeling inputs from the first two steps will be used here to obtain the rate for the downhole formation at crossflow conditions.Generate an imaginary production well model: The normal model for the water injector will be inversed to obtain a production model instead. The inputs from previous steps will be incorporated in the inverse modeling.Obtaining the crossflow rate at shut-in conditions: Performance curves generated from step 3 & 4 will be plotted together to obtain an intersection that corresponds to the crossflow rate at shut-in conditions. This numerical methodology was analytically derived and the prediction results were verified on syntactic field data with very high accuracy. The application of this model will benefit oil operators by avoiding wireline logging costs and associated safety risks with mechanical intervention.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aktoty Kauzhanova ◽  
Lyudmila Te ◽  
John Reedy ◽  
Thaddeus Ivbade Ehighebolo ◽  
Mirko Bastiaan Heinerth ◽  
...  

Abstract Some wells in the Kashagan field did not perform as well as expected. Despite producing virtually no water, calcite deposition was found to be the root cause of the problem. A comprehensive well surveillance program, which was proven to be very efficient for an early scaling diagnosis, was developed by the operator, North Caspian Operating Company (hereafter NCOC). As a result, well scaling is currently well managed and prevented from reoccurring. The objective of this paper is to share an early experience with well scaling in the Kashagan field, as well as to describe the developed set of well surveillance techniques. The aim of the various well surveillance techniques discussed in this paper is to improve an Operator's ability to identify the very first signs of scale accumulation. This, in its turn, enables to introduce timely adjustments to the well operating envelope and to schedule a scale remediation / inhibition treatment with the intention to prevent any potential scaling initiation from further development. The approach is quite extensive and incorporates continuous BHP/BHT monitoring, routine well testing, PTA analysis, and fluid/water sampling. Developed approach experienced multiple revisions and modifications. Further optimization continues, however, the described well surveillance techniques represent the latest Operator's vision on the most efficient way for well scaling monitoring and identification. In the Kashagan field, BHP/BHT readings have proved to be the most direct and instantaneous indication of any early signs of potential deterioration in well performance (qualitative analysis) while well testing and PTAs are considered as the most essential techniques in confirming and quantifying scaling severity (quantitative analysis). It is important to mention that BHT increase is explained by Joule-Thomson heating effect being specific for the Kashagan fluid (happening during increased pressure drawdown). This, in turns, enables to predict future well performance, design well operating envelop accordingly and, most importantly, develop a yearly schedule for proactive well treatments with SI. In conclusion, it shall be highlighted that discussed complex of well surveillance techniques has been concluded to be very efficient and reliable tool in identifying any scaling tendencies at its initial stage. Due to successful implementation of this approach in the Kashagan field, scale development is now well-managed and kept under control. To mention, that utilization of well surveillance techniques and methods outlined in this paper may reduce the time required to identify and ultimately mitigate well scale accumulation in any active assets with similar operating environments.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Addagalla ◽  
Ishaq Lawal ◽  
Balraj Kosandar ◽  
Parvez Khan ◽  
Hedy Suherdiana
Keyword(s):  

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 769-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davinder Singh

Purpose In the present age of globalization, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are consistently causative to productivity growth and, consequently, competitiveness and aggregate economic growth by providing the training opportunities, basic services and are believed to be especially effective job creators and enjoy the reputation of being sources of income. But technological progressions have increased greatly, the competition impelled by the globalization of the world economies and even MSMEs are no more protected to the challenges that the globalization brings about. It is a remarkable, and in certain instances, a worrying situation because MSMEs play an important role in most economies, including in India, in that they comprise the largest business block and offer the bulk of employment. The purpose of this paper is to assess the status of problems faced by MSMEs and study the technology innovation implementation (TII) dimensions in the selected small firms in the Northern region in India. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used for this study is a combination of literature review, expert opinion, comparative case study and a flexible systems methodology, SWOT and situation-actor-process-learning-action-performance analysis. Longitudinal studies of technology innovation at the two small firms have been conducted, and the case analysis and synthesis have been developed based on important inputs and insights shared by key personnel in the select firms. Findings The study finds that two different firms have faced similar kind of challenges in this competitive environment. Also the findings suggest that an effective TII can contribute to enhance manufacturing performance in MSMEs in India. Originality/value The research presents a better understanding of the problems that are preventing the successful implementation of technology innovation in small firms. Further, the two cases provide valuable insights into TII dimensions in two firms and highlight the methodology to be adopted by the companies toward their manufacturing performance enhancement.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document