Innovative Water Conformance Solution Led to Enhanced Well Performance

Abstract

Abstract Over the years, the oil and gas industry has mastered and perfected a range of techniques to shut-off undesirable water production or to minimize it. Mechanical and chemical water-shut-off techniques produced the desired results and are still in use. Chemical water-shutoff has evolved over time with many novel chemicals/products entering market. Advanced water conformance solutions have recently come into existence in the form of sophisticated downhole completions like inflow control devices (ICDs) – both passive and active, water adaptive/responsive ICD screens, surface controlled smart completions, and so on. All these completions have their own limitations and challenges. The paper explains a novel water conformance process for wells equipped with shiftable ICDs with open hole packers for compartmentalizing the reservoir section based on open hole log interpretation and formation characteristics. To maximize the chance of job success, careful evaluation of completion and production is a must before deploying a coiled tubing (CT) conveyed shifting tool to shift open/close various ICDs. To accurately perform and record ICD shifting events, a stroker is deployed as part of the bottom hole assembly (BHA). Before deciding on the final ICDs to be shifted, a suite of production logging tools (PLTs) and noise logging are run. Based on the outcome of the logging job, the final dispositions of ICDs are decided. Stroker's current signature confirms the ICD shifting process at surface. Noise logging is used to confirm the integrity of open hole packers. The method resulted in sustaining well performance and concomitant decrease in water production. This paper describes detailed job planning, field data interpretation process, decision making and some key insights for enhancing the whole work process.