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".

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