- LOCATION: Denver-Julesburg Basin (DJ)
- CASING SIZE: 5-1/2″ 20# (Casing ID 4.778″)
- BOTTOM HOLE TEMPERATURE: 189 degrees F
- FLUID TYPE: Reclaimed Produced Fluid
- # OF PLUGS INSTALLED: 83
- MAX PLUG SET DEPTH: 11,871 feet
- MAX LINE SPEED: 499 feet per minute
- MAX PUMDOWN RATE: 14 BBL/Min
- MAX TREATING PRESSURE: 8,775 PSI
- NUMBER OF PLUGS TO DRILL OUR: 0 plugs
Objective(s)
KLX Energy was invited to participate in a test for an operator in the DJ Basin on how effective dissolvable plugs are to save the cost of a clean out operation after fracturing a multi stage frac. The test consists of fracing the well, then performing a clean out only if production was not as expected. The test included comparing the performance of the different dissolvable plugs and service providers. A total of four vendors, included KLX Energy, were awarded one well per vendor on a pad. The key performance indicator was to be able to set the required number of plugs in the wellbore with less than two misruns. All dissolvable plug providers were on location at the same time providing service to supervise the installation of their plugs and make running recommendations as needed. As the test progressed the other three service providers and their dissolvable plugs were dismissed after having misruns, preset issues, or not holding pressure during the frac operations. KLX Energy Services ended up completing all wells on the pad with a total of 83 plugs installed successfully.
KLX Approach
The KLX Dissolvable Plug outperformed all other vendors with the plug’s unique design which was able to withstand treating pressure and show all ball seat signatures during the frac operations. The job had field service supervisors on location to train wireline operators and to document all data for case history purposes. The KLX technical support group performed multiple dissolution tests as required with frac fluid provided by the operator to give the operator an estimated dissolve time. KLX also performed an acid dissolution test of a full plug to ensure the operator the ability to mitigate the concern of presetting a plug and not having to get coil on location to clean out. All data was documented proving the successful deployment of all dissolvable plugs.
Value to Client & Field Results
The unique design of the KLX Dissolvable plug proved to be robust and reliable while handling pump down operations, treating pressure during frac operations, and effectively showed ball seat signature. The production levels are as expected per customer so there has not been any need for clean out. The operator was able to save the cost of drilling out plugs and get right to production. The KLX dissolvable plug was reliable and consistent in performance, Therefore the operator not incurring any NPT or any failures during frac operations.
