Wellbore Design
Get it Right the First Time
Fibre Optic Systems Technology
If this is your first fibre completion, or your 10th – the design aspect is critical to ensuring you have a successful operation.
FCS offers a range of services, with the primary being the appropriate fibre selection, and associated clamps. We offer TITAN® frac fibre for all operations, in conventional and slimhole flatpack designs, including distributed acoustic sensing and distributed temperature sensing systems. For further information, be sure to review our Fibre page for more information.
FCS believes in adding blast protectors where any perforating occurs, allowing for enhanced protection to the fibre during perforating and fracing.
Cross-coupling clamps are designed and installed specific to the cable selected, ensuring the appropriate clearance is given for cementing, and minimizing the hole size to be drilled.
Fibre optic installation services are managed by both FCS and third party fibre optic installation contractors. We confirm the wellbore is acceptable for installation prior to moving the cable to the wellsite. We always recommend having an adviser on site, to oversee all clamp and fibre connection, including routine fibre communication testing while tripping into the wellbore.
Cementing Advisement
An engineered solution for cementing is critical for fibre longevity. Many operators overlook the importance of this operation – and are left with poor bond, and exposed fibre during the frac operation.
Risks associated with poor cement:
– Exposed fibre above/below the stimulated interval
– Poor frac fluid containment
– Low cluster efficiency
– Questionable DAS data
FCS always recommends running a cement bond to better understand the cement integrity and coverage across the lateral. FCS will evaluate risk areas and advise on the need to alter the fracture treatment, in order to protect the fibre from damage.
A benefit to running distributed temperature sensing technology is cement cure time. When planned ahead of the operation, operators can better understand when the cement is competant, reviewing temperature changes along the length of the wellbore.
What you can expect from FCS:
– Cement program consulting for optimal casing coverage
– Detailed cement bond review
– Stimulation revisions where required, to ensure the cable is not at risk for failure
– Diverter strategies to lower risk of communication behind pipe
– 24 hour on-site monitoring of every frac, in conjunction with the selected fibre monitoring company
COMPLETION DESIGN
An optimized completion strategy doesn’t mean adding more holes and clusters to a stage. A fibre completion will shed light on what works downhole – evaluating cluster efficiency and fluid distribution from distributed acoustic sensing data. FCS will work with you on a test hole design, which will allow you to determine how to best stimulate your reservoir on future wells.
Cluster Design
One size does not fit all. Targeting optimal cluster efficiency starts with pressure differentials across the perforations. Without this, cluster efficiency will be poor.
Variables to consider:
1. Limited entry / extreme limited entry.
2. Number of clusters.
3. Cement bond.
4. Acid placement prior to perforating, including the volume pumped.
5. Diverter strategy.
6. Erosional effects.
FCS can assist with the perforation and cluster design, ensuring a more uniform sand distribution across the stage. From experience across a number of operations, we’ve seen what’s efficient, and what isn’t. Distributed acoustic sensing infomration will assist with a better understanding for cluster optimization, improving access to the reservoir, and maximizing capital efficiencies.
Orientated Perforating
Gun type falls into three general categories for method of orientation, all of which orientate the charge regardless of the position of the carrier in the casing:
1. External weight bar systems – this type of carrier and build vary by provider, and usually orientates multiple carriers by either one or two weight bars attached above and below the BHA.
External bars are not all equal, and must be evaluated closely if this type of build is selected.
2. Internal orientating systems – each carrier will have it’s own dedicated orientation module included internally. This allows for selective orientation within the same BHA where multiple guns may be run.
3. External hybrid systems – An enclosed external weight bar, located inside of a blank carrier, installed above the BHA. This is not the same as an internal orientation system. The enclosed weight bar is used to pivot the entire BHA.
Perforating around the fibre is a high risk operation, selecting the right type of gun is critical.
We have experience with both systems – and would be happy to discuss what’s appropriate for your fibre completion.
Fibre Mapping
Prior to perforating, the cable location must be identified through orientation logging. From heel to toe, the cable will never be at the same angle, logging is required to ensure the fibre is not perforated.
The most common method of locating the fibre is utilizing a logging suite which detects metal mass – which would be the clamps installed to secure the fibre string to the casing.
Once the increased metal mass has been detected and orientation determined, accurate perforating angles can be determined for the completion.
Services offered for mapping:
1. Tool selection and bench testing
2. Mapping program
3. Detailed joint by joint report of fibre location, including tally
4. Stage orientation recommendation for perforating
We're Here To Help!
Office
Calgary, AB T2R 0C5
Hours
S-S: Closed