Multi-Lateral Jetting Technology Results in a 150% Uplift in Production During a Second Offshore Application in Abu Dhabi Offshore Field

Abstract

Demonstrate technology effectiveness following improvements to system to increase robustness and refine operations following the initial Pilot Well deployed January 2016. The first Abu Dhabi Offshore well was deemed to be a success (reference SPE-183465-MS) despite deployment challenges during the lower completion phase. There was an opportunity to address these challenges for the second well, in the deployment of well -1 which from an operational perspective was textbook. In the search for an improvement to the Productivity index (PI), multi-lateral acid jetting technology was adopted as a more effective approach to typical drainage methods. With conventional stimulation techniques being limited in effectiveness and often leaving significant volumes of recoverable reserves out of reach, an alternative approach was required to create new connections within the reservoir. This technology effectively creates connections to layers previously separated by very tight, low permeability barriers to dramatically increase recovery factors across carbonate reservoirs. In a single multi-rate pumping sequence, needles were extended to create channels into the reservoir layers, using acid jetting technology to achieve vertical connectivity and improve production rates. Currently, up to 60 subs can be deployed in a signle well bore. With each sub capable of deploying 4 needles at 90 degrees perpendicular to the wellbore and up to 40 feet in length, multiple micro-laterals are created throughout the reservoir. During this case study, 10 sub-assemblies of the multi-lateral acid jetting technology system were installed, creating 40 micro-laterals, which significantly improved access to reserves. These laterals remain in the well, essentially leaving a permanently installed lower liner with full bore access to TD. Following successful adoption of this technology, the well has been producing for a year with positive results. Multi Rate test/PLT/Memory Gauge data all confirms a productivity index increase of 120%. This paper describes the process of candidate selection, completion design, operational challenges, deployment, post job analysis, system improvement and lessons learnt. Multilateral acid jetting technology has evolved and improved over recent years and the primary differentiators highlighted in this paper are as follows: The continuous enhancement of multi-lateral acid jetting technology is playing a key role in driving increased efficiency in field development planning. By reducing the total well requirement for the reservoir, whilst simultaneously increasing recoverable reserves, the technology is at the forefront of facilitating the future state of field development.