An operator’s efficiency is critical in any market conditions, but during periods of low commodity pricing, it’s even more so. In several new, shale wells drilled in Northeast British Columbia, a heavy coiled tubing unit with a large crew was being used for routine operations; running a bit and scraper BHA to the bottom of the well to ensure a clear wellbore then running again with perforating guns to perform the toe perf.

Later, subsequent e-line runs would be carried out in collaboration with the frac unit to pump the perforating guns and plugs into position to accomplish simultaneous well fracking operations.

Welltec®, working with the operator, developed an optimized wireline intervention solution to increase overall efficiencies within the well program to prepare for the frac jobs. Utilizing a conventional wireline unit along with a Well Tractor® and a Well Cleaner RCB, a pad of three wells can be prepped in as few as 60 hours by running 24 hr operations with two, smaller crews. Results of the operations are the same as above, but done significantly faster and with fewer personnel and equipment.

For the primary wellbore clean-out, the Well Tractor was run to provide conveyance, weight on bit and provide anti-rotation. The Well Miller® RCB, the BHA on this run, utilized a custom-sized bit to mill debris while creating a draw down force, mobilizing and collecting it within integral bailer sections of the tool. This run ensures a clear wellbore enabling slick deployment of the upcoming perforating services.

To date, using this technology, 98% of the wellbores have been cleared in one run to TD, all returning to surface with various volumes of cement stringer debris. Utilizing this e-line technology, no additional fluids are required. The well is cleaned-out without requiring pumps, storage, heating or other supplementary services onsite.

A second deployment in the well utilizes the Well Tractor to simultaneously convey 3–4 perforating guns and a plug. Running at speeds of 15–20 meters per minute and utilizing select fire technology, the perforating guns are deployed to their various, required depths before being selectively fired across the required intervals.

Since the first deployments for the same operator in early 2015, more than 60 wells have been prepared in this fashion, generating efficiencies in a number of ways; first, by speeding up the entire operation through the use of this e-line technology. But also, by enabling the operator to utilize their coiled tubing and workover rigs for other operations simultaneously. While some wells are being cleaned out and perforated, other wells are being completed enabling a reduced time to the first production.