The main challenge with these specific coal bed methane (CBM) wells is the ability to flush out the residual coal fines from the sump bottom up to surface post Drilling operation, and prior to running PCP Production Equipment into the well. Attempting with the conventional methods by high flow rate circulation at the bottom of the well wasn’t successful, as the drop in up-hole circulation velocity when the flushing fluid passes the 16” under-reamed section, causing the heavier fines/cuttings to divert and gravitate downwards, eventually accumulated back at the sump bottom due this large 16” cavity on the way upward.
The use of air to flush the sump to overcome the velocity issue has resulted in a sudden unloading of the well which has caused an inrush of fines and damage to the formation in the lateral section, increasing the fines fragments, rather than evacuating
To overcome the associated issues during the flushing process, the Idea of using two annular conduits where the packer is installed on a string of HWT casing, inflate below the 16” under-reamed section to effectively isolated the under-reamed section, then deployed a Clean Out BHA on HQ Drill Pipe into the HWT casing and the packer ID, then reamed from below the packer to the bottom of the well while evacuating all cuttings and fines back to surface via the reduced annular section between the HWT casing and HQ Drill pipe, this confined annular volume has enabled for enough circulation velocity for the fines to circulate up to surface. A Slim and Slick 5.75” Packer System with an external inflation system has been designed to operate within such a tight well clearances and limitation (running the packer system through 7” 23ppf casing, whilst having a bore ID wide enough to enable Clean Out BHA on HQ pipes to be run into HWT and the packer bore ID).
IPI’s solution generated the operator substantial savings by allowing the customer to effectively clean out the well bottom sump from the accumulated coal fragments, its now the operator tool solution of choice for coal clean out. The Progressive Cavity Pump installed successfully at the target depth after well clean out run.
“This method has been used twice now with 100% success to clean all the cuttings/fines from the sump, the Packer came out of the well without any damage and will be redressed and run on our next CBM well” – Project Manager.
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Stuart recently joined IPI as the Director of Oil and Gas, bringing with him 15 years of diverse experience in the industry, with a strong focus on inflatable packers. His extensive background encompasses a variety of roles, including field engineering, operations management, sales, and business development. This breadth of expertise, coupled with his international experience in markets across North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, positions Stuart to effectively lead and expand IPI’s oil and gas operations on a global scale. Stuart holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen and a Master’s degree in Finance from City University of London. His robust technical foundation and financial acumen uniquely empower him to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth within the company.
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