Challenges
Well had potential
communication issues with
other wells in the area
Solution
Utilize KLX HC Composite
Bridge Plug to isolate each
stage to ensure proper zone
targeting and reduce
communication with other
completed zones.
Results
All 26 plugs set properly and
drilled up with an average time of 3.5 minutes.
Composite bridge plugs present a simple solution to the issues associated with problematic casing, zonal isolation or for instance to kill a wellbore. This case study dives into an instance when a composite bridge plug was utilized to isolate the pay zones of each stage after a previous well nearby seemed to be communicating with the other wells nearby. KLX Energy Services offers a composite bridge plug in a variety of sizes and weight classes for any of your completion-based needs.
On March 3rd, 2023 KLX Energy Services was requested to provide fifty-two composite bridge plugs for deployment on this pad. Twenty-six of these plugs were utilized for this wellbore discussed in this case study. This pad had two wells where the operator was concerned with potential communication between stages. Due to this instance our sales representative and the customer felt it necessary that the KLX HC Composite Bridge Plug would be the best avenue to isolate the pay zones, ensure that each stage was properly stimulated, and that each stage can reduce communication with nearby wells during stimulation. There are a few challenges associated with composite frac plugs that the bridge plug does not have, for example, a nearby wellbore that is being stimulated can communicate with the completed stages of the current wellbore and push the ball out of place on a composite frac plug whereas this cannot be done on a bridge plug. Communication between wellbores creates pressure issues, leak off and lower production performance.
On this well, wireline utilized a shorty setting tool string with a standard slow burn charge to set all 26 plugs. The first plug was set at 17,097 ft. Wireline achieved a max and an average line speed during pumpdown of 340 and 305 feet per minute respectively. Pumpdown averaged 14 barrels per minute with a maximum pumpdown of 14 barrels per minute. The final plug was set at 12,395 ft and the final stage was stimulated. Average treating pressure was reported at 7,990 psi, max pressure reaching 8,000 psi.
KLX Energy Services was called to drillout and cleanout out this well after stimulation was complete. This provided us with the opportunity to analyze the data of these plugs more thoroughly. KLX Energy utilized a coil tubing BHA with a 4 5/8” varel bit. Average fluid rate was 4.36 barrels per minute with a max rate of 4.7 BPM. The coil tubing team was able to achieve an average drillout time for 26 plugs at just under 3.5 minutes. All cuttings that returned to surface were granule and blended with sand returns. All 26 plugs were tagged approximately 4 feet shallower than they were marked as set, indicating that I was likely a difference in calibration on the tools. KLX Energy Services noted this as a difference in logging tools and calibration.
