Published: 05/26/2011
Published: 05/26/2011
An Operator was looking for a more consistent and cost effective solution for managing flow during Frac Plug Drill Out operations. Typical Frac Plug Drill Out operations using a fixed position or manual choke require continuous adjustments of the choke orifice by the choke operator to maintain a constant flow rate. When the well produces large quantities of sand, the choke will start to plug causing the flow rate and pressure to fluctuate greatly. The choke operator must react quickly to avoid plugging or damaging the well. The high sand content and high flow rates commonly seen in Frac Plug Drill Out operations will damage the internal choke parts and sometimes cut through the choke body. The excessive cost and down-time needed to replace these internal components can be cost prohibitive.
The 15K AutoChoke was deployed to effectively and accurately control near constant bottom-hole pressure while reducing plugging, choke cutout, and non-productive time. A field trial was arranged in Carthage, TX that would involve the drill-out of 14 plugs.
The responsiveness of the 15K AutoChoke throughout the field trial was fast and predictable. The 15K AutoChoke required minimal manual adjustments during the operation. Crew members commented that it made their job easier as the flow rate stayed more consistent than with a fixed position choke. The unique 15K AutoChoke shuttle design automatically adjusts the orifice to pass varying sized sand slugs without choke operator intervention. After the job finished, inspection revealed minimal wear to the internal components and the 15K AutoChoke was reassembled with the same internal parts for the Operator’s next Frac Plug Drill-Out.
Challenge: An Operator was looking for a more consistent and cost effective solution for managing flow during Frac Plug Drill Out operations. Typical Frac Plug Drill Out operations using a fixed position or manual choke require continuous adjustments of the choke orifice by the choke operator to maintain a constant flow rate. When the well produces large quantities of sand, the choke will start to plug causing the flow rate and pressure to fluctuate greatly. The choke operator must react quickly to avoid plugging or damaging the well. The high sand content and high flow rates commonly seen in Frac Plug Drill Out operations will damage the internal choke parts and sometimes cut through the choke body. The excessive cost and down-time needed to replace these internal components can be cost prohibitive.
Solution: The 15K AutoChoke was deployed to effectively and accurately control near constant bottom-hole pressure while reducing plugging, choke cutout, and non-productive time. A field trial was arranged in Carthage, TX that would involve the drill-out of 14 plugs.
Results: The responsiveness of the 15K AutoChoke throughout the field trial was fast and predictable. The 15K AutoChoke required minimal manual adjustments during the operation. Crew members commented that it made their job easier as the flow rate stayed more consistent than with a fixed position choke. The unique 15K AutoChoke shuttle design automatically adjusts the orifice to pass varying sized sand slugs without choke operator intervention. After the job finished, inspection revealed minimal wear to the internal components and the 15K AutoChoke was reassembled with the same internal parts for the Operator’s next Frac Plug Drill-Out.
