New method to shift high-volume full-bore frac sleeves in a single run

When wells are fractured using Coiled Tubing (CT) and frac sleeves are subsequently left closed, this typically means redeployment of CT for sleeve opening 48 hours later. While this process reduces the need for post-frac clean-out, there is a risk of the CT mechanical locator unintentionally manipulating the sleeve a second time on the redeployment, i.e. leaving the sleeves closed.

Such occurrences are difficult to identify, as the only method for observation of sleeve position is a weight indicator – verifying the position of the frac sleeve by pumping fluid.

During just such a case in Canada, Welltec® proposed a new solution to shift sleeves open via wireline, combining a Well Tractor®, Well Stroker® and Well Key®, it would be possible to eliminate the need for CT and fluids post-frac. Intrigued, the operator gave Welltec the opportunity to prove the concept.

Ultimately, the goal for the operator was to utilize the Well Stroker and Well Key along with a fiber optic survey to shift the same type of sleeves on injection wells and better manage their water flood program.

The toolstring also included a Casing Collar Locator (CCL) to coordinate depth.
The Well Tractor provided conveyance, and the Well Stroker and Well Key combined to manipulate the sleeves open.

The frac sleeves fitted in the well did not include shifting profiles, so the Well Key was configured with high-friction pads. Initially, the Well Tractor conveyed the toolstring past the sleeve to record all assembly signatures, and the toolstring depth was then corrected to position the Well Key high-friction pads at the center of the frac sleeve.

After confirming the toolstring’s position, the Well Stroker first actuated to open the key pads, then again to shift each sleeve into the open position. This pattern was repeated throughout the lateral to shift open a total of 20 frac sleeves in a single run. Surface Readout (SRO) data confirmed successful shifting based on the force applied and the length of the Well Stroker.

This operation demonstrates Welltec’s ability to configure tools in different ways and provide new solutions for complex operations—in this case, using the Well Stroker and Well Key to shift open multicycle, full-bore frac sleeves.

With the CCL providing accurate depth control and identifying the frac sleeve position, Welltec was able to verify successful shifting of the sleeves to an open position, opening 20 frac sleeves in less than 24 hours.

As more SRO data was collected throughout the operation, it became more efficient, reducing time between each sleeve opening. With no tool failures or issues throughout, Welltec’s solution represents a simplified, single-run solution to optimize injection wells for the water flood program.