Through-tubing water shutoff solution improves well productivity

Overview

The Halliburton RELAY™ digital slickline (DSL) system is an intelligent conveyance for well intervention operations. This advanced technology combines the versatility and efficiency of traditional slickline with the real-time data streaming capability of electric line. On a recent project in Algeria, the capabilities of the RELAY DSL were ideal for isolating a water-producing zone in a hostile environment, increasing oil production, and reducing water cut by 21%. 

Challenges

An operator needed a way to isolate a lower water-producing zone using a robust permanent way to withstand the severe high-salinity well environment. The water zone is in a 4½-in. perforated liner, and the tubing is 4½ in. with a minimum restriction of 3.455 in. Between January and March 2019, 38 coiled-tubing interventions were performed. 

Solution

Through close collaboration with the client, Halliburton proposed a fully integrated RELAY DSL package with memory downhole power unit (DPU®) technology to set an Elite Magna Range bridge plug (EMRBP) and dump 3 meters of cement on top of the bridge plug to isolate the lower water-producing zone.

Results

RELAY DSL saved the operator the time and risk associated with an E-line operation and allowed a surface readout correlation to set the plug between the two zones. Additionally, the slickline DPU technology saved the cost and logistics of explosive running tools used with a conventional E-line operation. An EMRBP, along with a cement kit, gave the required differential pressure between the two zones, and the used cement was tested against the salinity percentage in the well. As a result of deploying the RELAY DSL solution, oil production increased, and water cut was reduced from 21.6% to .68%. Post-isolation, no coiled-tubing interventions have been necessary.