Unlocking Oman's Tight Gas Potential using State-of-the-Art Underbalanced Coiled Tubing Drilling Technologies

Abstract

Abstract With the large amount of tight gas reserves remaining in Oman, new innovative techniques and methods to unlock these reserves have become imperative for the future economic success and stability of the country. Among the various technologies considered, the concept of underbalanced coiled tubing drilling (UBCTD) was introduced. In order to address the harsh downhole challenges such as high temperatures, deep burial depths, under pressured reservoirs, abrasive and hard sands and logistical constraints; a fully integrated well delivery solution was developed jointly by the operator and energy service company. In accordance with this strategy, best in class downhole drilling tools, a state-of-the-art fully automated coiled tubing drilling unit together with technical and project management experts were deployed. Application specific solutions to the challenging subsurface conditions included utilization of underbalanced drilling (UBD) techniques, deployment of high temperature drilling assemblies, fit-for-purpose bit drive mechanism and a robust integrated management system. All of the above was achieved whilst ensuring the safety of all personnel during the project and reducing carbon emissions through a flare minimization strategy and diesel consumption reduction initiatives. Over the course of the pilot campaign, reservoir exposure per well was doubled, average penetration rate compared to conventional rotary drilling was more than tripled and incremental production improvements of up to 230% were observed. This paper discusses the challenges faced and the solutions implemented during this three well pilot campaign.