John J. Goiffon

Real-Time Monitoring of Acid Stimulation Using a Fiber-Optic DTS System

This paper discusses a unique system that combines a fiberoptic distributed temperature system (DTS) to measure the distributed temperature across the entire wellbore and a molecular telemetry transmission system that provides a single-point determination of bottomhole pressure. The system has been used to perform real-time downhole monitoring of multi-stage acid-stimulation treatments performed on wells that contain multiple non-isolated pay intervals. The fiber-optic for the DTS is contained inside a length of capillary tubing, which is placed concentrically inside a larger size capillary tubing. The created annulus between these two strings of capillary comprises the molecular transmission system for determining the bottomhole pressure.

Low Cost Solutions for Well Interventions Through Advanced Slickline Services

In the past, slickline service has been considered as an option suited only to routine mechanical well workovers. This is no longer the case. New technology has expanded slickline capabilities to include services for well interventions that have traditionally been reserved for other, more-costly alternatives. This paper will discuss the innovative equipment that has been developed to support this technological expansion, all of which plays an integral part in the expanded slickline concept, specifically : . An electronic triggering device that provides a safe, efficient method for firing detonators . A battery-operated, electro-mechanical tool that is capable of setting wellbore devices with slickline and braided line without explosives. . An electronic measurement system that can automatically correct measurement inaccuracies - resulting from line stretch and environmental stress factors. . A collar locator that can provide verification of collar locations in a tubing or casing string. Data/job loggers or acquisition software systems that can be connected to the electronic measurement system to graphically record dynamic information that occurs during a wireline trip. A wireline inspection system that can determine integrity of both new and used mechanical wirelines during and before service. Case histories will be used to provide comparisons of cost, operational efficiency, and enhanced safety features of traditional service options and the new advanced slickline system. Methods for service strategies that support current economic trends and well solutions will also be discussed as well as methods to determine key needs for appropriate service alternatives. The combined use of these slickline tools provides a state-of-the-art service system that can provide efficient alternatives for the advanced service needs in the oilfield today.

A battery-operated, electro-mechanical setting tool for use with bridge plugs and similar wellbore tools

Traditionally, the method of choice for setting packers, bridge plugs, and similar wellbore tools has consisted of running an electrically activated explosive-charge setting tool to the required setting depth on electric line and activating the tool by an explosive charge. Although this method requires an electric line truck and an operator who is licensed to handle the explosives, it is more cost efficient and faster than other mechanical or hydraulic alternatives. Recently, however, new completion technologies with wellbore configurations in which the explosive-type setting method is not desirable have been introduced to the oilfield. This paper will discuss the design and operational advantages of a new slickline service tool, the downhole power unit (DPU), which has the capability to set wellbore devices without the use of explosives, and thus can comply with the needs of the new completion technologies. Its gradual setting motion allows the slips and sealing elements of packer and bridge plugs to expand and conform uniformly against the tubing/casting wall, thus decreasing the chance of a misrun. The gradual setting motion also eliminates the high-impact stresses that are imposed upon downhole devices when using an explosive-charge setting tool.

A Battery-Operated, Electro-Mechanical Setting Tool for Use with Bridge Plugs and Similar Wellbore Tools.

Traditionally, the method of choice for setting packers, bridge plugs, and similar wellbore tools has consisted of running an electrically-activated explosive-charge setting tool to the required setting depth on electric line and activating the tool by an explosive charge. Although this method requires an electric line truck and an operator who is licensed to handle the explosives, it is more cost efficient and faster than other mechanical or hydraulic alternatives. Recently, however, new completion technologies with wellbore configurations in which the explosive-type setting method is not desirable have been introduced to the oilfield. This paper will discuss the design and operational advantages of a new slickline service tool, the downhole power unit (DPU), which has the capability to set wellbore devices without the use of explosives, and thus, can comply with the needs of the new completion technologies. Its gradual setting motion allows the slips and sealing elements of packer and bridge plugs to expand and conform uniformly against the tubing/casing wall, thus decreasing chance of a misrun. The gradual setting motion also eliminates the high impact stresses that are imposed upon downhole devices when using an explosive-charge setting tool. The DPU utilizes an electric gear motor and linear drive mechanism to generate forces of up to 60,000 lbf, and the design is inherently safer than equipment requiring an explosive charge since the power to operate the tool is provided by standard alkaline batteries. Its specially-developed circuitry also increases assurance that the tool will be activated at the proper depth. The tool can be redressed quickly at the wellsite, and routine maintenance involves only lubrication and battery replacement. The combination of simple maintenance, safety-enhanced operation through elimination of explosives, deployment with slickline, and capability to reduce high impact stresses and misruns has provided the service industry with a cost-efficient, state-of-the-art setting tool that can be used in applications for which traditional methods have not been satisfactory.