Slimhole Sidetracks Simplified: One Trip, Minimal Rathole, 60 Rig Hours Saved Via Smart RFID Reaming Solution

Enlarge a 6 1/2-in. pilot hole to 8 in. to deploy completions screens.
- Background: In the mature Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, sidetrack operations are becoming increasingly common. The standard approach required separate underreaming (UR) and wellbore cleanup (WBCO) runs to enlarge the 6 5/8-in. pilot hole to 8 in. for screen deployment—adding significant rig time and cost.
Combine the underreaming and wellbore cleanout operations into a single run.

Knowing that conventional ball activated reamers cannot be placed near the bit as the ball does not travel through the MWD/LWD tools, Weatherford experts suggested a smarter way forward.
The Weatherford RipTide^® RFID-activated rathole killer reamer uses small tags and pressure command as backup options to activate and deactivate the reamer. These features enable the operator to place the reamer just above the bit and eliminate the rathole with the drilling bottomhole assembly (BHA).
This innovation enabled simultaneous drilling and reaming in a single trip, eliminating the rathole and streamlining operations.

This approach delivered immediate results, saving 60 hours of rig time by eliminating the dedicated UR run.
The success of this approach reduced operational complexity, lowered overall cost per well, and established a repeatable model for future slimhole producers in the ACG.
The lessons learned on this well are now being scaled across similar brownfield wells in the region.

Details

Location

Azerbaijan, Caspian Sea

Well Type

Producer

Formation

Sand

Hole Size

6-5/8 x 8 in.

Temperature

116°F (47°C)

Depth Enlarged

13,950 to 574 ft (4,252 to 175 m)

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