Minimize rig time in complex offshore environment

An operator wanted to conduct a test on an ultradeepwater reservoir offshore South America. The test environment posed a number of inherent challenges; the vertical well is in a water depth that exceeded 7,000 ft [2,134 m], has a total depth of 17,165 ft [5,232 m], and has a 10 3/4-lbm/ft casing to just over 16, 000 ft [4,877 m] followed by 7-in liner to a total depth of more than 17,000 ft [5,182 m]. Further, the zone of interest, the interval between 16,545–16,762 ft [5,043–5,109 m], was previously perforated using wireline, which must be taken into consideration when choosing a downhole reservoir testing configuration.

Test with advanced downhole test configuration

Schlumberger suggested running the Quartet system, a comprehensive, efficient downhole test system that combines four advanced technologies in one system.

The operator ran an open-perforation adapter, positioned below the CERTIS system, to allow setting the packer by pressurizing the annulus to 1,900 psi [13 MPa]. The adapter enabled the fluid to pass from below, and holds the pressure from above while inside the liner. After the CERTIS isolation system was set, 240 bbl of 15% HCl was used in an acid job to clean out the perforations and induce underbalance to flow the well.

Save rig time with simplified, robust isolation

The Quartet system remained in the hole for 20 days, and its integrity remained unaffected for the entire downhole test duration. The operator met all its test objectives and saved substantial rig time. The customer estimates that during rig-up and rig-down 10 hours of rig time was saved, an amount equal to USD 170,000 in associated costs.