In the dynamic world of oil and gas exploration, wells are not static entities. Over time, production rates can decline, equipment can malfunction, or the well itself may encounter unforeseen problems. This is where workover comes into play.
What is a Workover?
Simply put, a workover is a procedure designed to repair, maintain, or enhance the production of an existing well. It involves various operations aimed at restoring or improving the well's performance.
Why is a Workover Necessary?
Typical Workover Operations:
Types of Workovers:
Rig Types:
While workovers are often performed on conventional drilling rigs, other platforms are used depending on the complexity of the operation.
Conclusion:
Workovers are an essential part of maximizing the economic life of oil and gas wells. By addressing operational issues and improving production, workovers play a vital role in sustaining profitability and optimizing resource recovery in the industry.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
1. What is the primary purpose of a workover?
a) To explore for new oil and gas reserves. b) To drill a new well. c) To repair, maintain, or enhance the production of an existing well. d) To transport oil and gas to refineries.
c) To repair, maintain, or enhance the production of an existing well.
2. Which of these is NOT a common reason for performing a workover?
a) Production decline. b) Equipment failure. c) Wellbore issues. d) Discovering new oil and gas deposits.
d) Discovering new oil and gas deposits.
3. Which of the following is a common workover operation?
a) Building a new pipeline. b) Well killing. c) Designing a new drilling rig. d) Obtaining permits for exploration.
b) Well killing.
4. What type of workover focuses primarily on increasing production using techniques like acidizing or fracturing?
a) Minor workover. b) Stimulation workover. c) Recompletion workover. d) Major workover.
b) Stimulation workover.
5. What is a coiled tubing unit used for?
a) Transporting oil and gas to refineries. b) Drilling new wells. c) Performing workover operations with a flexible tubing string. d) Storing drilling fluids.
c) Performing workover operations with a flexible tubing string.
Scenario: A well has experienced a significant drop in production due to a buildup of paraffin wax in the wellbore.
Task: Propose a workover plan to address this issue and restore production. Consider the following:
**Workover Plan:** **Operations:** * **Well Killing:** To safely remove pressure from the well before working on it. * **Tubing String Operations:** The tubing string may need to be pulled out to access the paraffin buildup. * **Paraffin Removal:** This can be done through various methods, including: * **Mechanical Removal:** Using tools like scrapers or brushes to physically remove the paraffin. * **Chemical Treatment:** Injecting solvents or chemicals to dissolve the paraffin. * **Heating:** Using hot oil or steam to melt the paraffin and allow it to flow. * **Well Testing:** To evaluate the well's performance after the paraffin removal. **Equipment:** * Workover rig or coiled tubing unit. * Tubing string handling equipment. * Paraffin removal tools (scrapers, brushes, etc.) or chemical injection equipment. * Heating equipment (if necessary). **Safety Considerations:** * Ensure proper safety procedures for well killing and working on pressurized systems. * Use personal protective equipment (PPE) during operations. * Ensure proper ventilation during chemical treatment or heating processes. **Potential Challenges:** * Difficulty accessing the paraffin buildup. * Paraffin may be very stubborn and difficult to remove. * Chemical treatments may cause damage to the wellbore. * Heating may cause thermal damage to the wellbore or surrounding formations. **Note:** The specific workover plan will depend on the severity of the paraffin buildup, the well's configuration, and other factors. A thorough evaluation of the situation is essential before implementing any workover plan.
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