Technical Paper: Deployment of a Formation Dynamics Tester with Coiled Tubing

Society: SPE
Paper Number: 100168
Presentation Date: 2006
 

Abstract

In their effort to continuously improve operations through the development of new and innovative technology, East Mexico operators have focused on optimizing operating times and reducing costs during the completion process by conducting in-situ characterization of gas fields. The challenges encountered when attempting to perform such tests are generally associated with the characteristics of the well completion, the length of open hole (OH) section below the shoe, the type of mud used and the high deviation profile.

These issues have prompted the design of an alternative coiled tubing (CT) conveyed technique. This paper presents the experience of the first deployment of a modular formation dynamics tester (MDT) on CT. This was used to perform several "point pressure tests" and achieve formation characterization of a gas well in the Lizamba Field, State of Veracruz, Mexico. With this new application, the operator was able to significantly reduce time and costs by performing the characterization survey following a conventional CT logging (CTL) operation.

The success of this technique has led to the enhancement of general OH CTL operations by the use of well control equipment at surface to provide formation characterization at slightly over-balance conditions. The greatest challenge is to have effective risk-mitigation procedures to avoid pipe sticking from differential pressure or problems with the small annular clearance between the tool and the wellbore. It has also been extremely important to have an effective contingency plan prepared to recover the toolstring if the stuck-pipe situation does arise.

This paper provides a discussion and analysis of these issues with reference to recent experience with CT-conveyed wireline tools in open hole.

Related products and services

	Tools & Bottomhole Assembly
	Coiled Tubing