Down-hole Autonomous Robotic Intervention

Systems

John Keith

Welltec UK 02-Oct-2014

Content

Slide 2

• Introduction

• Overview

• Project Objectives & Scope

• Development Phases

• Yard & Field trials

• Challenges

• Summary & Conclusions

Introduction

Directly controlled robotic systems have been in place for decades and

continue to advance in their technical capabilities.

Autonomous solutions are now witnessing progression and development

at unparalleled rates.

Development of autonomous well intervention systems have failed to

match automated progression seen in other sectors within the oil

industry.

In 2008 BP & Welltec® ,working in collaboration launched a project to

further develop the capability of the Well Tractor ® into an autonomous

unit, with the ultimate goal to be able to deploy and recover down-hole

tools without any attachment to wireline.

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Project Objectives and scope

Slide 4

The project was a phased development which would allow for technological

advances expected during the life of the project to be incorporated.

A small team from Welltec’s D&E facility in Denmark were assigned to the project

and were responsible for the mapping of the development phases and the technical

capabilities of each version.

Version V 1 – Build design

• Based on modified 218 Well Tractor run on slickline

• Pressure activated timer control system

• Battery pack replacing conventional power source at surface

• Preprogrammed downhole sequence

• One directional tractoring.

Slide 5

Version V 1 – Yard Trials

• Testing performed at Welltec, DK and also at Rig Train, Aberdeen.

• All tests performed in 5 ½” tubing.

• Successful testing of motor controller start/stop function

• Established baseline for battery life in horizontal section.

• Average tractor speed of 35-40m/min

• Distance of 1050ft of tractoring in 35 minutes with 160lb payload.

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Version V1 – Field trial

• Deployed in ‘live’ well through standard

PCE.

• Pressure Switch and multi function timer

successfully activated

• 7 x Start / Stop modes completed.

• 2 x passes of 1630ft completed with 250lb

payload.

• Batteries recharged onsite.

• Memory P/T survey successfully completed

identifying remedial opportunity.

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Version V2 – Build Design

Concept based on V1 with enhanced features and capabilities:

• Reverse function capability.

• Release mechanism featuring recovery latch profile.

• Improved battery power.

Slide 8

• Reduced overall length

• WHS/CCL device to verify

downhole autonomous operation.

• Enhanced control hardware /

software logic.

Version V2 - Yard trials

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Objectives for yard trials:

• Calibrate the WHS.

• Deploy Tractor to depth and release.

• Tractor to target depth and return.

• Recover Tractor from departure point.

• Deploy Tractor to depth, release,

perform multiple passes and recover

from departure point.

Version V2 - Yard trials

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• Successfully calibrated the WHS to the memory CCL log.

• Successfully deployed Tractor at second attempt.

• Successfully performed Tractor passes.

• Failed to recover the Tractor with Slickline.

• Successfully recovered Tractor using e-line.

Version V2 – Field trials

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• Successfully calibrated the WHS to the memory

CCL log on drift run.

• Prematurely deployed Tractor during pressure test

due to software issue.

• Unable to deploy downhole due to insulation failure.

• Successfully deployed and released in Pressure /

Temp. vessel.

The Challenges Remaining

• Battery life expectancy

• Power regeneration without flow capability

• ID changes whilst traversing vertical section

• Communication requirements – downhole to surface

• Tool weight vs buoyancy limits

• Development of a surface deployment system

Slide 12

Conclusion

This project has demonstrated that the autonomous conveyance method

for well interventions, regardless of depth, is viable. Indications are that

there are no insurmountable issues in commercialising this technology

and advancing capabilities.

Wireless Tractor Version 1 – Available for deployment globally, first field

trial completed

Wireless Tractor Version 2 – Available for field trial

Wireless Tractor Version 3 – Development continuing

Slide 13

Acknowledgements

Paper # • Paper Title • Presenter Name

Thanks to Steve Bedford, Callum Munro & Andrew Patterson of BP

Thanks to Jesper O Larsen, Welltec

Slide 18