Coiled tubing logging head
AnTech Ltd has developed a new coiled tubing logging head (CTLH). This device has a remotely operated emergency electrical disconnect that makes it possible to carry out a controlled release from the coiled tubing.
Running electric logging tools inside the coiled tubing improves the effectiveness of many coiled tubing operations. Antech says that the CTLH provides a safe and secure means of connecting the logging tools to the coiled tubing and the electric line.
The electric release disconnect (ERD) version makes the CTLH better by eliminating the possibility of shock or pressure spikes activating the release. Without one, you run a major risk of losing your well when the tool string gets stuck. When this happens, the weakest point on your string is the coiled tubing at the top of the well. If you pull too hard, you’ll break the coiled tubing at the surface, and be forced to remove a stuck tool string with hundreds of feet of coiled tubing sitting on top of it.
The disconnect repositions the weak point to a location just below the coiled tubing, so that when the coiled tubing is pulled on, the weak point activates and the coiled tubing can be retrieved.
A good disconnect will also incorporate a fishing neck at the point of separation but should not disconnect unintentionally due to shocks and pressure spikes. This is particularly important because mechanical and hydraulic disconnects can be susceptible to a sudden jolt or increase in pressure.
The ERD works by applying an electric current to the CTLH. A sustained flow of current activates the release with in two minutes, leaving a fishing neck exposed at the top of the remaining tool. It will not inadvertently activate due to pressure or shock because it is not a weak point until the electric current is activated.
In addition, it cannot be activated by operating other electrical tools in the string because there is a protective circuit built into the ERD that requires a sustained reverse current to activate the release.
The ERD version allows fluid circulation and pressure deployment. The CTLH has a built-in circulation section with dual flapper valves, and a swivel lower adaptor to allow deployment under pressure of long strings, such as perforating guns.
Removing wellbore scale build-up
Aker Kvaerner Well Service engineering effort helped solve industry’s search for an answer to removing wellbore scale build-up. The result was the development and commercialization of the Cone Crusher scale mill tool.
The tool, run in conjunction with the PowerTrac Advance (PTA) wireline tractor, is set up with a special rotation adapter, mill gear, and shock absorber for weight-on-bit control. The PTA tractor wheel section can be utilized as an anchoring device in vertical sections and an anchoring and forward thrust device in horizontal sections of the well.
The Cone Crusher technology is based on a main body with four rotating cutting cones.
The Cone Crusher technology is based on a design where a main body with four cutting cones is rotating. Each cutting cone is free-rotating in its own axis independently of the main body RPM. Each cone has a unique cutting pattern, which crushes the scale, allowing the flow of oil or gas to resume.
By running this tool, industry has an additional method for scale removal, especially in extended-reach and horizontal wells. The tool is an intervention method to restore well productivity and can be a cost-effective alternative to coiled tubing services.
Clean N Cor technology
The Nalco Company has developed a cleaning and corrosion inhibitor treatment program, Clean N Cor technology, designed to protect and maximize production from oilfields with oil sludge deposition challenges.
The deposition of sludge, often referred to as schmoo, on the inside of pipelines can cause serious injection restraints in produced water injection systems, increased incidence of localized corrosion and higher operating costs. This technology provides a comprehensive treatment solution that removes schmoo sludge deposits from inner pipe walls, filters equipment, and then prevents aggressive corrosion from taking place.
In one operator’s water injection system, this level of schmoo removal translated to 75% more water being injected, resulting in increased oil production and an 800% return on investment.
Once the schmoo had been removed, the treatment program prevented it from re-adsorbing. This technology then protected the pipe surface by providing a strong and persistent film that acted as a barrier to corrosive fluids. The required dosage to maintain an acceptably low corrosion rate was nearly 20% lower than the dosage required for conventional corrosion inhibitors.
Petrel technology
Norsk Hydro has chosen Schlumberger’s Petrel software as its workflow tool for subsurface reservoir characterization.
Hydro exploration and production asset teams worldwide will use the Petrel software to develop and refine workflows across multiple technical disciplines in a deal worth US $13 million.
This ability to share knowledge and instantly update models with new data will optimize exploration and development plans based on analysis of numerous scenarios. The model centric workflow allows exploration and production asset teams to benefit from greater collaboration.
According to Schlumberger, the tool is a complete seismic-to-simulation software solution, enabling static to dynamic workflows that extend into drilling and economics. All work processes lead to one unified earth model, enabling better decisions in tight timeframes with reduced uncertainty.
OverDrive system
Weatherford’s OverDrive system was developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of top-drive casing running and drilling operations.
The system is made up of several components, primarily the TorkDrive heavy duty and modular tools, which are mounted directly to the rig’s top drive for making up and breaking out casing. These tools combine the functions of conventional power tongs, bails, elevators, thread compensators, and fill-up circulation tools.
The system will make up and break out faster with accurate thread compensation, the ability to switch between fill-up and circulating functions without repositioning the tool, high-volume circulation and fluid recovery, independent torque measurement, and reduced risk of operator errors with multiple safety interlocks.
The system can rotate and push down the casing while running to help prevent differential sticking, achieve high-speed string rotation with the top drive when drilling/reaming-with-casing and removing even more personnel from hazardous rig floor operations to remove risk.
