First Expandable Liner Hanger Installation in United Arab Emirates in HP/HT Well

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the planning and deployment of an expandable liner hanger (ELH) system in an offshore high pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) well for the first time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). New technologies and methods were used to quickly and reliably drill and complete the HP/HT well. The technological advances of ELH systems have increased well life and improved safety during liner installations globally compared to traditional systems. Sealing capabilities with expandable systems have evolved beyond conventional tools and the smooth radial flow paths, allowing for greater ease of installation. A series of redundant sealing elements provide a gas tight liner top seal, which helps prevent possible gas migration. Also, with the ELH system, rotation and reciprocation while cementing are possible. The result shows consistent material cost savings, reduced installation time, improved reliability, and increased versatility compared to the conventional liner hanger system or a casing to surface design. During well design, the service company proposed use of an ELH to the operator for large casing sizes (16 in. inside 20 in. and 11 3/4 in. inside 13 3/8 in.) to help reduce rig time and material costs for the HP/HT offshore well. This was critical to the project time and material costs. Design and preparation were challenging for this well, particularly during the assembly and make up of this large sized liner hanger in the UAE. The system was assembled, inspected, and tested using the service company's workshop and an approved third-party shop, when needed. Selecting and securing drillpipe for liner running operations was challenging because of the heavy weight of the 16-in. liner. The service company and the operator worked together closely and located the necessary heavy weight drillpipe from a third-party supplier in the UAE. The running operation was also challenging because of the liner hanging up at numerous points during installation. However, because of the robust capabilities of the ELH system to rotate, reciprocate, and support a high rate of circulation, the liner cleared all hang-up points. This paper elaborates on common operational problems encountered while running liner hangers offshore and how the ELH technology overcame said issues. This paper also describes issues faced in terms of liner deployment in HP/HT wells in UAE waters and a reliable solution that saved time and material costs.