An operator in northeastern Colombia’s Corazon West Field was experiencing continuous pump failures due to excess sand production. Multiple attempts to resolve the issue using conventional cement squeeze techniques proved unsuccessful and posed a risk of damaging the casing. Consequently, the operator decided to isolate the problematic zone using a casing patch.
Setting the casing patch required maintaining the fluid level. However, the lower zone of the well was absorbing fluid, complicating the process. The team needed a retrievable plug to isolate the lower zone and maintain the fluid level. In addition, the plug had to be retrieved through the reduced ID left by the casing patch.
In collaboration with the operator, SLB selected the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug for its 80% expansion ratio, high anchoring force, and unique through-tubing capabilities. The plug could expand to fit the 7-in, 23-lbm/ft casing and retract to just 3.5-in OD for retrieval through the casing patch. Additionally, its 5,000-psi differential pressure rating was sufficient to hold the fluid level necessary for setting and testing the patch. To optimize the operation, SLB set and retrieved the Hi-Ex retrievable bridge plug using digital slickline. This technology facilitated precise and efficient handling of the plug—supporting all necessary operations to expand and test the patch. Due to the significant amount of debris and fine sand that was deposited on top of the plug, SLB performed a cleanout run, which helped enable successful recovery of the plug.
