A Vibratory Tool Study on Extended Reach Horizontals During Coiled Tubing Drillout in the Eagle Ford Shale

Abstract

Abstract As the Oil and Gas Industry continues to evolve, operators are pushing the limit to lengthen their reach in the reservoir to contact more payzone. Correspondingly, challenges for traditional downhole operations are steadily increasing. One of the more significant challenges is coiled tubing's ability to reach target depth. This has flooded the industry with a number of vibratory tools which would enable the traditional practices of coiled tubing to continue. A study of vibratory tools was conducted on five wells in the Eagle Ford field. The purpose of the vibratory tool study was to gain a better understanding of top competing tools and how they compared. A total of five different wells were drilled out. Four of the five wells were drilled out using different vibratory tools while one of the wells was drilled out without any vibratory tool. While the wellbore geometries varied slightly, general characteristics remained consistent. The four tools chosen for the trial were identified as top competing tools in the industry for the Eagle Ford area. Three of the tools used exerted an axial force on the coiled tubing while the fourth tool exerted a radial / lateral force. The trial well with no tool used friction reducer in place of the vibratory tool. Coiled tubing was only successful at reaching bottom on three out of the five trial wells. While results are inconclusive as to what "the best" tool is; they certainly can provide contrast between each tool. Certain variables such as the wellbore geometry, inconsistencies in chemical usage and fluid condition differed from well to well and may have played a role in a tool's performance. Despite these differences, the tool that performed considerably well has a fluidic design and operates with no moving parts.