Innovative Data-Driven Approach for Productivity Improvement in Oil and Gas Wells
Abstract
A new, data-driven process has been developed to sustainably improve the productivity of sub-par producing oil and gas wells. This approach leverages historical experience and analytical methods to evaluate candidate selection, wellbore cleanout methods, chemical treatment selection, and retreatment methods to provide the best economic returns. The optimum treatment is designed to restore production and operationally deployed via a downhole, hydraulically activated system that matches wellbore condition and design requirements. Real-time pressure and temperature data is used to monitor and optimize the process.
The process has been successfully applied in several field case studies, with notable results achieved compared to traditional solutions based on bull heading chemical treatments from surface. One case study involved a horizontal well in the Midland Basin, where production dropped by 50% in just 75 days after the initial completion. HCL acid was initially bullheaded down the backside of the production string, but a month after the production fell below the original levels, indicating an unsuccessful treatment. The new process was then used to conduct flow assurance evaluation, design optimization, and treatment execution. The analysis identified sulfide scaling as the cause of the restricted well flow, and an optimized chemical program was designed. A wellbore cleanout was performed, followed by individually retreating each stage with the downhole hydraulically activated system. The entire retreatment on all 68 stages was performed on a single trip, successfully eliminating all the skin damage and attaining a 100% sustained production recovery.
The novelty of this approach lies in the ability to deliver a focused treatment with the optimum chemical solution in an existing wellbore on a single trip. This significantly increases operational reliability and reduces downtime, while maximizing the budget spend and decision-making efficiency.
Bio
Eivind Moen is an accomplished leader and the co-founder of Comitt Well Solutions. He has over seventeen years of oil and gas experience spanning multiple roles in completion and intervention operations, engineering, product development, and technology commercialization. He also previously co-founded i-Tec (now part of NOV Completions). Eivind has a passion for using his knowledge and expertise to help companies improve their operational efficiency and profitability. He has a proven track record of developing and commercializing innovative technologies that have helped companies to stay competitive in a constantly evolving industry.
Eivind earned a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Stavanger, and an MBA from Rice University. In his free time, he is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys skiing, running, and participating in various other sport activities. His passion for sports has instilled a drive for excellence and a willingness to push boundaries, qualities that have translated well into his work at Comitt Well Solutions as the Chief Operations Officer.