Unlocking Unreachable Wells: WWT EEG Tractor Extended Reach Logging

WWT International specializes in tackling challenges in extended-reach drilling, completion, and interventions. Among their cutting-edge technologies is the WWT 350 Extreme Expansion Gripper (EEG) Tractor. Tractors are used to convey coiled tubing (CT) to target depths in extended-reach horizontal wells. The Extreme Expansion Gripper was designed to navigate through narrow restrictions in the well's upper completion and then expand to securely grip the wellbore of larger-diameter open-hole wells.

Objective:

A customer in Qatar had an extremely challenging well. The well had MD:TVD ratio of over 5:1 and low Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) Formation.?

A suspected problem zone deep in the horizontal section required production logging results to determine the best remediation. Previous attempts proved that the well’s challenging trajectory and soft formation was too much for wireline tractors to handle.?

Solution:

A specialized design project was initiated by the WWT engineer team to create a gripper capable of meeting the well's challenging conditions. To simulate the soft formation, a specialty low compressive strength concrete was cast the same ID as the well’s Open Hole. The EEG tractor was tested extensively to confirm the tractors could exert a full tractor pulling force of 9,000 lbs without damaging the formation or getting stuck. Subsequent testing involved integrating the tractor with electric-line-enabled coiled tubing (e-line CT) and the necessary Production Logging Tools (PLT).

Results:

The custom-designed EEG Tractor with a coil tubing Logging Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) was deployed offshore. As predicted, CT locked-up early in the horizontal section of the well. The EEG tractor was activated and walked the Production Logging Tools (PLT) tools over 3,000 ft past the point of lockup to target the problem zone. PLT data results were successfully recorded and sent for further analysis.

?Value:

The specialty BHA was able to provide valuable production logging results in a well that was previously inaccessible to other technologies. This valuable data enabled production engineers to make informed decisions on interventions, ultimately saving the well.?

The success of the WWT EEG Tractor boosts confidence in the oil and gas industry that WWT’s innovative solutions can be developed to solve even the most complex challenges.

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