Install isolation valves where barriers were needed
The Schlumberger FIV Formation Isolation Valve was installed below the
gravel-pack packer. When the gravel packing was finished, the FIV valve was
closed, allowing the gravel-pack tools to be safely retrieved and the formation
to be isolated for installation of the upper completion. An underbalanced
pressure differential was then created above the FIV tool. The valve was
reopened using the Trip-Saver one-time opening tool, and the well was placed on
production.
The TIVF isolation valve with flapper was then used to allow testing of
the tubing during installation of the upper completion. The valve was run in
the closed position, allowing the tubing to autofill. When the TIVF valve was
in place, the tubing pressure was cycled to enable the production packer to be
set. After the packer was set, the TIVF valve could be further cycled to
actuate the Trip Saver mechanism and open the valve. The use of this valve
eliminated approximately 6 h of intervention per well.