Integrated Team Approach to the Development of a High Expansion, Hydraulic Set, Open Hole Packer

Abstract

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference. Description of the Proposed Paper This paper describes how an integrated team approach was applied to the planning and development of a high expansion, hydraulic set, open hole packer. The packer was specifically developed to aid in the effective use of inflow control devices (ICDs) as well as for water shut-off and hole abandonment. A technical description of the packer is provided as well as the installation procedures and benefits derived from such a packer. In 2008, a large Middle East operator requested that the service company investigate the possibility of designing, testing and deploying a high expansion, hydraulic set, open hole packer to aid in the deployment of certain ICD systems. The operator had previously installed several systems with varying degrees of success. Application of ICD technology was seen to be of major importance to the continued development of some of the largest oil fields in the world. The successful development of this high expansion packer was a major milestone and opened the door to investigate other ideas to maximize return on investment. The success of this project can be attributed to several factors; however, one element stands out as the key—a truly integrated team approach to all phases of the project. From the beginning, representatives of the reservoir engineering department joined with the drilling department, production department and equipment supplier to work together on the planning and implementation of the project. Ultimately, all parties actively participated in all aspects of the design, planning and testing of the system. This resulted in all parties being satisfied with the final design and no aspect of the tool requirements being overlooked This paper details both the philosophy and the practical process by which this high expansion packer was brought to market. It includes a description of the packer, a review of how the integrated team approached the various phases of the project and an outline of how the entire operation was managed. The paper then discusses the issue of whether this type of high expansion packer will lead to improved recovery efforts with maximum cost/benefit incentives. Some test performance figures are included to demonstrate successful results. Applications Possible applications of the information provided in this paper fall into two categories: applications of the tool, and applications of the methodology with which the tool was designed. Regarding the former, the high expansion, hydraulic set, open hole packer was designed for the following applications: 1) Water shut off by straddling a fracture or water zone, 2) Plug and abandon kits, 3) Off bottom cementing, and 4) ICD compartmentalization. Regarding the latter, the methodology described in the paper could be used in any application where there is a specific problem which would benefit from close cooperation between the operator and the service company. Results and Conclusions Results and conclusions regarding the tool design and development are that it met or exceeded all of the requirements as set out by the various operator departments involved in the design process. Test performance data will be included as shown in the graph below. The main result and conclusion regarding the methodology is that because all departments of the operator company (e.g. production, drilling, reservoir engineering) were included in the design process, all parties were satisfied with the final design and no aspects of the tool requirements were overlooked. The success of this project has lead to discussions with the operator for a second generation version of the packer that will further push the envelope. Technical Contributions The technical contribution of this paper to the petroleum industry is in the development of a packer that is capable of holding high pressure levels at high temperatures with a large expansion envelope. Topics 1. Awakening Old Resources Technologies for improvements in well productivity and recovery factor as well as drilling cost reduction. 2. Well Drilling Construction and Completion The increasing length of drilling reach (ERD) and completed reservoir sections (MRC) is breaching the limits of conventional well design, construction and completion. This topic covers applications of new or recent technologies and new ways to exploit existing technologies and operations to capture additional reserves and enhance recovery.