Efficiency of Coiled Tubing Well Interventions Increased by Hybrid Electro-Optical Technology

Instrumented bottomhole assemblies and fiber-optic data transmission have significantly improved the efficiency and functionality of CT interventions in recent years. They enable real-time decision making based on the actual downhole response of tools and wellbore during operations.

Optical fiber is the most efficient way to reliably deliver downhole data—with the additional benefit of enabling distributed sensing—but it cannot deliver power to downhole tools. Batteries have been a compromise solution, requiring periodic changes to maintain power delivery and adding complexity and time to interventions. Batteries also have restrictive logistical and disposal considerations and a strict temperature range, which limits their use in some locations or conditions.

The ACTive Power CT real-time powered downhole measurements system delivers continuous fiber-optic data and power from surface through a hybrid electro-optical cable installed in the tubing, eliminating the need for batteries to power downhole tools.

The result is virtually unlimited downhole intervention operation time for powered tools—including logging tools—with real-time downhole and distributed sensing data through fiber optics. Freed from downhole battery limitations, operators can reduce intervention operating time, environmental impacts, and costs—or develop completely new tools and workflows to exploit the extended capabilities.

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