Publications

Drilling infill wells in mature fields is challenging. The challenge is not only to get definition for the best reservoir quality, but also to take into account pressure depletion and the current position of the water contact. Due to its depleted pressure, drilling experienced total lost-circulation while entering the targeted formation. These losses blocked flow in the near-wellbore. In addition, the water contact was encountered shallower than anticipated. Initial production from the well was 100% water. To identifying flow inside the screen and in the annular space between the screen and open hole, the team ran a water flow log. The log indicated that the water flow came through a leaking jet-down shoe at the bottom of the completion, and that the screen throughout the oil zone was plugged. This information led to the decision to run a plug into the jet-down shoe to isolate water production, and to perforate the screen over the oil zone. The intervention was successful to turn the well into an oil producer at 1200 bopd.