AGR was engaged as Well Operator to handle all stages of a difficult well re-entry project during the Orlando field development drilling.
The assignment required AGR to provide end-to-end Well Project Management through sidetrack drilling, running complex completion, well testing, suspension, commissioning responsibilities and well integrity management in the production phase.
The Challenge
A large re-entry project with many complicating factors.
- AGR Aberdeen-based Well Management team were tasked with running a complex sand screen lower completion, dualpodded electric submersible pump (ESP), deep chemical injection and tubing retrievable safety valve in the high angle re-entry well. The operations included running of the completions, installation of a horizontal production tree, flow testing and suspension of the well
- The horizontal section was to be drilled tracking the top boundary of the reservoir
- Sand screens with inner wash pipe and centralisers meant for a stiff assembly to be run in the high angle well AGR runs complex completion and performs test of re-entry well with zero delays Orlando Location
- Due to the ESP tangent section in the well trajectory, if the sand screens could not be run to depth, there would be a limited depth range for the hanger to be set in
- Operations were planned for the Spring months, including running a subsea tree at a specific orientation (required for tie back purposes)
- The large equipment spread for completion, well test, tree running and suspension phase was on a relatively small semi-submersible drilling unit (Ocean Guardian)
- Low track record of Completion Barrier Valve (CBV) opening successfully in angled hole
Client benefits
Expert well design critical to the outcome, backed by rigorous contingency planning.
Flexible well trajectory
Our engineering team designed a well trajectory that included additional tangent section length without incurring high build rates. This provided contingency that would allow the Upper Completion ESPs to sit within the tangent even if lower completion could not be run to depth.
Rigorous risk assessment
AGR Well Management performed a thorough risk assessment during the planning phase to identify all possible issues. This review included detailed contingency planning, which was put in place to minimise project risk.
Equipment readiness
Key vendors visited the rig prior to operations in order to develop the most efficient plan for equipment mobilisations. The plans put in place ensured that all equipment was present when required and off-hire in the most efficient manner.
Hydraulic opening module
A CBV with contingency hydraulic opening module was selected, allowing the valve to be opened without the shifting tool.
The Result
A smoothly delivered, integrated re-entry operation with zero delays.
- The well trajectory met drilling objectives, while providing a suitable conduit for running the complex completion string
- The contingency plan for mobilising several wellhead profile cleaning options proved worthwhile, as build up of marine growth was found on the original wellhead profile
- The cleaning and drilling practices and drilling fluid system design led to an excellent conditioned wellbore for completion running and well testing
- The well clean up was achieved faster than forecast, as a result of the hole cleaning practices employed and the non-invasive mud system used in the reservoir
- Excellent deployment of lower completion, run to depth without issue and with the hanger set on depth
- The additional run performed to confirm functionality of CBV prior to running ESP completion, prevented significant delays
- The ESP completion run was achieved without issue; it was installed and electrical tested successfully first time
- The Flow Test achieved a stable rate and all wellsite chemistry analysis and sampling met objectives
- The efficiency of suspension for tree installation increased by 18-24 hours through the use of CBV as a well barrier, removing the requirement for an additional bridge plug run
- The horizontal tree run and landed efficiently at the required orientation without weather delay
- Despite the time of year, minimal WOW delays incurred (just 2.9% of operational time). This was achieved by ensuring essential equipment was accessible on board ahead of any forecasted periods of inclement weather
HSEQ Achievements
- The project was completed with zero LTI or MTC in 134,520 Manhours
- <2% of waste generated went to landfill
