Drilling & Well Completion

Re-Entry

Re-Entry in Oil & Gas: Unlocking Dormant Potential

In the world of oil and gas, wells often undergo a process known as plugging and abandonment, where they are sealed off and deemed no longer productive. However, technology and market conditions can shift, leading to the need to access these previously isolated wells. This is where the concept of re-entry comes into play.

Re-entry refers to the actions taken to enter a well after it has been plugged or otherwise isolated. This complex process involves a series of steps, each requiring careful planning and execution:

1. Well Identification and Assessment:

  • The first step is to accurately identify the well and gather all available historical data, including well logs, production records, and plugging records.
  • Thorough analysis of this information helps determine the feasibility and potential challenges of re-entry.

2. Re-entry Planning:

  • A detailed re-entry plan is developed outlining the procedures, equipment, and safety measures required.
  • This plan must address potential risks, such as wellbore integrity issues, pressure build-up, and environmental concerns.

3. Surface Operations:

  • Re-entry involves the removal of existing surface equipment and the installation of new equipment required for the intended well operation.
  • This often includes installing new wellheads, flow lines, and other components.

4. Wellbore Reactivation:

  • The wellbore is cleaned and inspected to assess its condition and remove any obstructions.
  • This may involve milling, drilling, or other techniques to reactivate the wellbore and ensure it is ready for production.

5. Production Operations:

  • Once the wellbore is reactivated, production operations can be initiated, including the installation of downhole equipment, such as pumps or packers.
  • This phase requires careful monitoring and adjustments to optimize production and ensure well integrity.

Reasons for Re-Entry:

  • Re-development: Re-entering a well can allow for further exploration and production from a previously abandoned formation.
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Re-entry can facilitate the use of EOR techniques to enhance production from existing reservoirs.
  • Wellbore Integrity Issues: Re-entry might be required to address wellbore integrity issues, such as corrosion or cement failure.
  • Resource Development: Re-entry can unlock access to previously untapped reserves in mature fields.

Challenges of Re-entry:

  • Technical Complexity: Re-entry operations can be technically challenging, particularly for wells with significant plugging depth or complex wellbore geometry.
  • Cost Considerations: Re-entry projects can be expensive, requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
  • Environmental Concerns: Re-entry operations require careful environmental management to prevent potential pollution or other risks.

Conclusion:

Re-entry in the oil and gas industry represents a significant opportunity to unlock dormant potential and maximize resource utilization. It requires careful planning, specialized expertise, and commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. By overcoming the technical and logistical challenges, re-entry can contribute to sustainable and efficient resource development in mature oil and gas fields.


Test Your Knowledge

Re-Entry in Oil & Gas Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary goal of re-entry in the oil and gas industry? a) To permanently abandon wells that are no longer productive. b) To access and utilize previously plugged or isolated wells. c) To reduce the environmental impact of oil and gas production. d) To explore new oil and gas reserves in unexplored areas.

Answer

b) To access and utilize previously plugged or isolated wells.

2. Which of the following is NOT a reason for re-entry in the oil and gas industry? a) Re-development of existing formations. b) Implementation of Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques. c) Addressing wellbore integrity issues. d) Exploration of entirely new oil and gas fields.

Answer

d) Exploration of entirely new oil and gas fields.

3. Which step in the re-entry process involves removing existing surface equipment and installing new equipment? a) Well Identification and Assessment b) Re-entry Planning c) Surface Operations d) Wellbore Reactivation

Answer

c) Surface Operations

4. What is a major challenge associated with re-entry operations? a) The need for specialized equipment and expertise. b) The risk of encountering high pressure zones. c) The potential for environmental contamination. d) All of the above.

Answer

d) All of the above.

5. Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of re-entry in the oil and gas industry? a) Increased production from existing reservoirs. b) Reduced reliance on new exploration and drilling. c) Increased environmental impact due to well reactivation. d) Utilization of existing infrastructure for new production.

Answer

c) Increased environmental impact due to well reactivation.

Re-Entry in Oil & Gas Exercise

Scenario: An oil company is considering re-entering a well that was plugged and abandoned 20 years ago. The well is located in a mature field where production has declined significantly. The company wants to assess the feasibility of re-entry and determine the potential risks and benefits.

Task: Develop a brief outline for a feasibility study to evaluate the potential for re-entry in this scenario. Include the following points:

  • Data Gathering: What information should the company collect to assess the feasibility of re-entry?
  • Technical Considerations: What technical aspects should be considered in the feasibility study?
  • Risk Assessment: What potential risks should the company identify and assess?
  • Economic Evaluation: What factors should be considered in an economic evaluation of the re-entry project?

Exercise Correction

**Feasibility Study Outline:** **1. Data Gathering:** * **Well History:** Production records, plugging records, well logs, wellbore construction details, and previous completion data. * **Reservoir Data:** Reservoir pressure and fluid properties, remaining reserves, production history of surrounding wells. * **Regulatory Compliance:** Current regulations related to re-entry operations and environmental requirements. * **Market Conditions:** Current oil and gas prices and future price projections, demand outlook. **2. Technical Considerations:** * **Wellbore Integrity:** Assessment of wellbore condition, potential for corrosion, cement integrity, and risks of wellbore collapse. * **Plugging Depth & Method:** Understanding the type of plugging method used and the depth of the plug to plan for removal or bypass. * **Re-entry Technology:** Identifying suitable equipment and techniques for re-entry operations, considering wellbore geometry and potential challenges. * **Production Facilities:** Evaluating the feasibility of using existing surface facilities or needing new infrastructure. **3. Risk Assessment:** * **Wellbore Integrity Risks:** Potential for wellbore collapse, unexpected pressure zones, or fluid migration. * **Environmental Risks:** Potential for pollution, leaks, or spills during re-entry operations. * **Safety Risks:** Hazards associated with re-entry procedures and potential accidents. * **Technical Risks:** Challenges associated with plugging removal, wellbore reactivation, and potential for equipment failure. **4. Economic Evaluation:** * **Re-entry Costs:** Estimating costs for equipment, labor, and materials for re-entry operations, including plugging removal, wellbore reactivation, and well completion. * **Potential Production:** Projecting potential oil and gas production from the re-entered well based on reservoir data and technical evaluations. * **Operating Costs:** Estimating ongoing costs for production, maintenance, and environmental monitoring. * **Project Profitability:** Evaluating the financial viability of the re-entry project, considering the potential for profit and payback period. **Conclusion:** The feasibility study should provide a comprehensive assessment of the risks and potential benefits of re-entering the well. The study should guide the company in making an informed decision about whether to proceed with the project and outline a detailed plan for implementation.


Books

  • Petroleum Engineering: Principles and Practices by Adams and Narasimhan: This comprehensive textbook covers various aspects of oil and gas engineering, including re-entry techniques and challenges.
  • Well Completion Design and Operations by T.P. Holt: This book provides detailed information on well completion designs, including re-entry strategies and equipment.
  • Oil Well Stimulation by J.P. Holditch: This book delves into well stimulation techniques, some of which are relevant to re-entry operations, particularly for enhanced oil recovery.

Articles


Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): This professional organization offers a wealth of information on oil and gas engineering, including re-entry techniques, case studies, and industry standards.
  • Oil & Gas Journal: This industry publication covers various aspects of oil and gas exploration, production, and technology, including regular articles and reports on re-entry projects.
  • World Oil: Another industry publication that provides news, technical information, and analysis on oil and gas operations, including re-entry technologies.
  • Schlumberger: This oilfield services company has a dedicated website with information on various aspects of re-entry, including their services and technologies.
  • Baker Hughes: Another major oilfield service provider with a website containing detailed information on re-entry equipment, services, and case studies.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: "Oil & Gas Re-entry," "Well Re-entry," "Plugged and Abandoned Well Re-entry," "Re-entry Techniques," "Re-entry Challenges," "Re-entry Economics," "Re-entry Environmental Impact."
  • Combine keywords with specific locations: "Re-entry North Sea," "Re-entry Gulf of Mexico," "Re-entry Permian Basin" to find relevant local studies or projects.
  • Use advanced search operators:
    • " " (quotation marks): Search for exact phrases, like "re-entry operations".
    • AND: Combine multiple keywords, like "re-entry AND environmental impact".
    • OR: Find results containing either of two keywords, like "re-entry OR well stimulation".
    • NOT: Exclude specific terms, like "re-entry NOT shale gas".

Techniques

Re-Entry in Oil & Gas: Unlocking Dormant Potential

Chapter 1: Techniques

Re-entry techniques are highly dependent on the specific well conditions, the type of plugging material used, and the well's geological context. Several key techniques are employed:

  • Mechanical Milling: This involves using specialized milling tools to grind and remove cement plugs or other obstructions in the wellbore. Different milling tools exist, chosen based on the hardness and type of material to be removed. This technique is effective for relatively shallow and less complex plugs.

  • Jetting: High-pressure jets of fluid are used to erode and remove plugging materials. This is particularly useful for softer materials and can be more efficient than milling in certain scenarios. However, it can be less precise.

  • Drilling: In cases of severe plugging or complex wellbore geometries, drilling may be necessary to penetrate the plug and regain access to the productive zone. This may involve deploying specialized drilling tools and techniques adapted to the specific well conditions.

  • Percussion Drilling: This involves repeated impacts to break up the plug material, often used in conjunction with other techniques. It's particularly effective for hard, cemented plugs.

  • Wireline Operations: Various wireline tools are used during re-entry, including logging tools for wellbore evaluation, perforating guns to create new pathways in the reservoir, and tools for retrieving samples. These operations are crucial for assessing wellbore condition and optimizing the re-entry process.

The selection of the most appropriate technique often involves a combination of methods, depending on the complexity of the plug and the well’s overall condition. Careful pre-planning and risk assessment are crucial to ensure efficient and safe execution. Geological information, such as the type and strength of the cement, the presence of unstable formations, and the depth of the plug, directly influences the choice of re-entry technique.

Chapter 2: Models

Predictive modeling plays a critical role in successful re-entry operations. These models help assess the feasibility, optimize the process, and mitigate risks. Key modeling aspects include:

  • Wellbore Integrity Modeling: This assesses the condition of the wellbore, predicting potential risks like casing collapse, formation instability, and fluid leakage. Finite element analysis (FEA) is often used to simulate stress and strain on the wellbore under various conditions.

  • Plug Characterization Models: These models predict the composition and strength of the cement plug, helping to select the appropriate re-entry technique and equipment. Data from well logs, historical records, and laboratory analysis are used to inform these models.

  • Fluid Flow Modeling: Simulations predict fluid flow behavior within the wellbore during and after re-entry. This helps to anticipate pressure build-up, optimize wellbore cleaning, and ensure safe well control.

  • Reservoir Simulation Models: These models help estimate the remaining recoverable reserves, predict production rates after re-entry, and assess the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques. This information is vital for economic evaluation and project planning.

Effective re-entry planning relies heavily on the integration of various models, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the well's condition and expected performance after reactivation. The accuracy of these models hinges on the quality and completeness of available data.

Chapter 3: Software

Several software packages are employed in various stages of re-entry operations, supporting data analysis, modeling, and planning:

  • Wellbore Simulation Software: Packages like Schlumberger’s WellPlan and Landmark’s OpenWorks simulate wellbore conditions, including pressure, temperature, and stress, aiding in the selection of appropriate equipment and techniques. They also enable visualization of the wellbore geometry and potential challenges.

  • Reservoir Simulation Software: ECLIPSE, CMG WinProp, and other reservoir simulators are used to predict reservoir performance after re-entry, factoring in fluid properties, reservoir characteristics, and production strategies.

  • Data Management Software: Specialized databases manage well historical data, integrating information from well logs, production records, and other sources. This ensures consistent and reliable data input for modeling and planning.

  • Geomechanical Modeling Software: ABAQUS, ANSYS, and similar software perform finite element analyses to predict wellbore stability and risks related to formation failure.

  • Specialized Re-entry Planning Software: Some software is dedicated to re-entry planning, streamlining the process and providing a centralized platform for project management, risk assessment, and cost estimation.

The efficient integration of these software packages is key to a successful and cost-effective re-entry project. The choice of software depends on the specific needs of the project and the expertise of the engineering team.

Chapter 4: Best Practices

Successful re-entry requires adherence to strict best practices focusing on safety, efficiency, and environmental protection:

  • Thorough Pre-Job Planning: Detailed planning includes comprehensive well data analysis, risk assessment, selection of appropriate techniques and equipment, contingency planning, and clear communication protocols.

  • Rigorous Safety Procedures: Safety protocols must be implemented throughout all phases of the operation, including emergency response plans, proper well control procedures, and strict adherence to relevant regulations and industry standards.

  • Environmental Protection: Measures to minimize environmental impact are crucial, including waste management, spill prevention, and compliance with relevant environmental regulations.

  • Experienced Personnel: The project team should consist of highly experienced professionals familiar with re-entry techniques, wellbore integrity assessment, and risk management.

  • Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Continuous monitoring and reporting of key parameters throughout the operation are crucial for timely identification and mitigation of potential problems.

  • Post-Operation Analysis: A comprehensive post-operation review analyzes the efficiency, safety performance, and environmental impact of the project, identifying areas for improvement in future re-entry operations. Lessons learned are documented and shared to enhance future projects.

Chapter 5: Case Studies

(This chapter would contain specific examples of successful and unsuccessful re-entry projects. Each case study would describe the well's characteristics, the techniques used, challenges encountered, the outcome, and lessons learned. Due to the confidential nature of oil and gas projects, providing specific details without permission is not possible. However, a hypothetical example could be included, such as: )

Hypothetical Case Study: A mature oil field experienced declining production. Analysis identified several plugged wells with potential for redevelopment. One well, with a complex plug due to multiple cementing stages, was chosen for a re-entry pilot project. A combination of mechanical milling and jetting was used to remove the plug. Challenges included unexpected wellbore instability requiring the deployment of specialized stabilizing tools. The project successfully reactivated the well, leading to a significant increase in production, validating the viability of re-entry for similar wells in the field. This case study demonstrated the importance of integrated wellbore and reservoir modeling to predict challenges and optimize the re-entry process. The project also highlighted the critical role of experience and adaptability in managing unforeseen complications during complex operations.

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