Abstract

 

#113670	Through-tubing inflatable technology deployed on a downhole tractor system provides real time cost savings
Authors:	Graeme M. Kelbie, Baker Oil Tools, SPE, John D. MacKay, Welltec Inc. SPE
Source:	SPE ICoTA, Coiled Tubing and Well Intervention Conference and Exhibition, 1-2 April 2008, The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Copyright 2008	Society of Petroleum Engineers

 

Finding new ways to reduce the costs and production of unwanted water are of paramount importance to the upstream oil and gas industry. The continued discovery of marginal developments, the depletion of reserves from the more mature fields, and a worldwide increase in extended reach and horizontal drilling all provide new challenges on a daily basis. An economical and reliable method of performing zonal isolations and shutting off the unwanted water in these wells can be accomplished with through-tubing inflatable high-expansion devices. However, in the more extended reach and horizontal wells previously requiring coiled tubing or snubbing, there is a new alternative. To meet the reliability, time, and cost efficiency demands of the industries’ current fast pace environment, the downhole tractor system offers an effective new avenue for deployment of these isolation devices. 

 
In this paper we will focus on a case history showing how the use of through-tubing inflatable technology run in conjunction with a downhole tractor system provides zonal isolation, and savings in time and cost in traditional rig and coiled tubing markets. The other added benefit that is so important is the reduced HSE risk from lighter lifts, reduced personnel and the fluid handling issues surrounded by the use of kill fluids is not needed because the operation is conducted without the need to kill the well.