A Case Study: Deployment of RFID-Enabled Remote Operated Circulating Toe Sleeve in ERD Wells

Abstract

In the quest to increase production, extended-reach drilling (ERD) has become a popular approach. However, it is recognized that there are challenges associated with ERD wells. Longer and more complicated well profiles incur substantial operational risks during well construction and completion phases. In most cases, conventional completion systems which require well intervention during installation are not suitable for ERD wells. A new generation of completion system is required to address the challenges. While some categories of interventionless equipment, such as intelligent completion systems, have been made available decades ago, these devices carry limitations which often restricted their application in ERD wells. Most of the intelligent completion systems require control lines to operate. The requirement of control lines not only incurs extra cost to operators but also poses difficulties to run these systems into long horizontal wellbores.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has emerged as a promising solution in recent years. The RFID technology uses electro-magnetic waves to establish communications with downhole tools, realizing wireless or "control-line-less" operations. The RFID technique adopted by the oil and gas industry utilizes passive tags which can be made in small sizes and at low cost, suitable for downhole applications. A recent field development campaign which adopted RFID-enabled downhole tools has showed the benefits that RFID technology can bring to the industry. In this campaign, the operator required a remote operated liner toe isolation device. The device would need to be run open to allow circulation during deployment of the lower completion and would be remotely closed to create a barrier at the toe after lower completion installation and well fluid displacement. An RFID-enabled remote operated circulating toe sleeve was developed, delivered and deployed.