TCO TDP-PO (Pump-Open) Plug Eliminating Slick LineOperations in Highly Deviated Wells

In September 2017, TCO installed three TDP-PO's ina trial campaign for a client in UAE. The overall goal ofusing the remotely operated TDP-PO was to eliminateslick line operations to set and retrieve conventionallyused wireline nipple plugs. The performance of theplug was measured on debris tolerance, accuracy ofthe shear out value, the size of the debris generatedby the shattered glass, full bore ID after opening aswell as the performance of the barrier.

Product: TCO Completion Barrier Plug, TDP-PumpOpen (TDP-PO)

Location: UAE, Middle East

Due to highly deviated wells, a client in the UAE hasbeen using remotely operated plugs to avoid the useof slickline for packer setting and tubing testingpurposes. Eliminating wireline operations to set bridgeplugs/nipple plugs with remotely operated technologysaves the client valuable rig time, rental costs of plugs,running tools and wireline unit while minimizing wellexposure and associated risk. Excellent performanceof the plug is critical to gain the value added byremotely operated technology. Tests and field trialswere therefore performed to confirm:

Challenge

• Reliability in debris filled environments• Full ID after remote opening• Accepteble debris size post actuation• Accurate shear out values• Reliable barrier functionality

The TDP-PO does not require pressurecommunication all the way down to the actual barriermechanism to remote open. The plug is opened at apredetermined differential pressure over the barrierdevice. Having debris settled on top of the plug willnot affect the opening as long as the force generatedby the applied pressure reaches the breakingmechanism. A test was conducted to prove the debristolerance by settling 8 feet of debris on top of the plugprior to opening. The debris had no effect on theopening pressure.

Solution

A full-scale test was conducted to prove full IDthrough the plug post opening in addition to verifyingthe particle size post actuation. The plug drifted to thedesigned ID and the homogenous particle sizedistribution were well within the client's requirements.The plugs are tested and qualified to ISO 14998/ISO14310 V0 and may be used as a gas tight barrieragainst the resrevoir, but for this application the plugwas installed for the purpose of setting the packer andtesting the tubing.

The three plugs were installed in three different wells,but with similar pressure and temperature conditions.

One TDP-PO was installed below the productionpacker in a mono bore completion and two plugswere used in the horizontal section of dual stringcompletions. All three plugs opened at the pre-definedsurface pressure after sucessfully setting the packerand testing the tubing. The client saved costly righours by eliminating the need for wireline operations atthe same time as both risk and well exposure wasreduced to a minimum.

Result

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