Robust packers enable operator to eliminate stimulation and injection limitations in multizone completions

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Colombia, South America, Onshore

Using BluePack Max RH™ high-pressure retrievable hydraulic-set production packers in a cut-to-release configuration enabled an operator in Colombia to overcome well stimulation and injection limitations in multizone completions and reach previously inaccessible formations. Multizone completions are now performed 1–2 days faster at depths up to 11,000 ft and pressures up to 4,500 psi.

Operators in Colombia had been experiencing challenges with their completion packers, including unexpected packer releases. The poorly performing packers had limited stimulation operations to a depth of 7,000 ft and a maximum treatment pressure of 3,500 psi, well below one operator's technical requirements for an upcoming completion campaign. To facilitate enhanced oil recovery by means of waterflooding, this operator also needed to increase the injection rates above the limitations of the packers.

Using customer-provided data, SLB developed a technical proposal to meet the required objectives and recommended the installation of BluePack Max RH packers. A single-trip method enables the operator to expedite completions with up to five zones, while preassembled bottomhole assembly components reduce rig time. The use of disconnection equipment, such as on-off tools, provides the ability to change the injection string, if required, for future interventions without pulling the entire well completion. In addition, because of their configurable, modular design, BluePack Max RH packers can be quickly modified to suit a variety of well designs, facilitating inventory management, while the ability to customize the elastomer and O-rings enables the operator to perform acid stimulation, which was not previously possible.

Using BluePack Max RH packers, the operator has expanded operational parameters, and injection and stimulation can be performed at depths up to 11,000 ft and pressures up to 4,500 psi. The operator can also perform multizone injection at the required 2,000 bbl/d as well as acid stimulation jobs. Using the single-trip method, multizone completions with up to five zones are being performed 1–2 days faster. More than 50 of these packers have been installed for the Colombia project, providing the operator with exceptional reliability.

Schematic of 5-zone completion with BluePack Max RH packers used for zonal isolation.
BluePack Max RH packers reduced rig flat time for multizone completion installation by 1–2 days, with multiple packers set simultaneously.
Products Used