Recomplete

Recompleting the Well: Shifting Focus in Oil & Gas Production

In the dynamic world of oil and gas exploration and production, well completions are often not one-time events. As reservoirs change or new geological insights emerge, operators may choose to recomplete a well, shifting production from one zone to another. This involves reworking the well to access a different reservoir or a different portion of the existing reservoir.

Recompletion: A Key Tool for Enhanced Production

Recompletion offers several advantages for operators:

• Targeting New Zones: If initial production from a zone declines, recompleting the well to access a new zone can extend the well's lifespan and unlock untapped reserves.
• Optimizing Production: Recompletion can be used to shift production to zones with higher flow rates or better reservoir characteristics.
• Enhanced Reservoir Management: By strategically targeting specific zones, recompletion allows operators to optimize production from the entire reservoir, maximizing recovery and minimizing water or gas production.

Common Recompletion Techniques:

Recompletion typically involves one or more of the following techniques:

• Reperforating: Existing casing perforations are enlarged or new perforations are created to access a different zone.
• Running New Tubulars: New tubing, casing, or liner is run to isolate the targeted zone and create a separate production path.
• Setting a New Packer: A packer is installed at a different depth to isolate the new zone and prevent fluid communication between zones.

Example: Shifting Focus from Oil to Gas Production

Imagine a well initially completed for oil production. After a period of decline, an operator discovers a gas-bearing zone below the oil zone. By recompleting the well, they can:

1. Reperforate: Create new perforations in the gas-bearing zone.
2. Run New Tubing: Install a new tubing string to isolate the gas zone.
3. Set a New Packer: Position a packer above the gas zone to prevent communication with the oil zone.

This recompletion allows the operator to switch from oil production to gas production, extending the well's productive life and accessing a new resource.

Recompletion - A Strategic Decision

Recompletion decisions are driven by economic considerations and reservoir understanding. Operators carefully evaluate the potential benefits of recompleting against the costs of the intervention. Factors considered include:

• Reservoir characteristics: Well performance, fluid properties, and reservoir pressure.
• Production history: Past performance and decline trends.
• Economic viability: Costs of recompletion versus potential revenue.

Conclusion

Recompletion is an important technique in the oil and gas industry for maximizing well performance and reservoir recovery. By strategically shifting the production focus, operators can unlock additional reserves, extend well life, and optimize their overall production strategy.