Perforation in oil and gas wells

Content
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction Purposes of Perforation Perforating guns The Perforating methods Problems with Perforation Conclusions

Introduction

Perforation helps create a hole in the casing through the cement and into the formation to form a channel for the oil and gas to flow from the producing formation into the wellbore.

Purposes of Perforation

Creating a channel between the pay zone and the wellbore. Cause oil and gas to flow to the wellbore easily. future stimulation. example: Hydraulic fracturing

Perforating Guns

A device used to perforate oil and gas wells in preparation for production. It has different shapes of explosive charges Different range of sizes and configurations. The diameter of the gun used is determined by the presence of wellbore restrictions or limitations imposed by the surface equipment.

Perforation geometry

Perforating Guns

Casing gun Expendable gun Retrievable gun High-shot density gun

Casing gun

Create holes in a casing string . Casing guns are typically 3- to 5-in. in diameter and carry up to four perforating charges per foot Allow perforation through production casing using larger diameter gun assembly.

Expendable gun

A perforating gun assembly that disintegrates upon firing, creating finer debris. It is used where wellbore restrictions allow only limited access, as in through-tubing applications. It is relatively light and simple in design with phased expendable guns.

Expendable gun

Retrievable gun

It is retrievable from the wellbore after firing. It generate minimal debris Minimum distortion of the gun body to help ensure easy retrieval.

High-shot density gun

A perforating gun have more than four shots per foot. Improves the phasing, or distribution of perforations, around the wellbore. Enables improved distribution of the perforations around the circumference of the casing or liner.

High-shot density gun

Perforation methods

Bullet Perforation Jet Perforation Hydraulic Sand-jet perforation Perforation using laser technology Horizontal oriented perforating system HOPS

Bullet Perforation

Bullets lose velocity when gun clearance >0.5 in. Often use in a unconsolidated formations Cheaper to use, rarely been used today Bullets plug the end of the flow channel

Jet Perforation

It uses a shaped charges contained in a perforating gun assembly. Gun assembly is placed in wireline, tubing or coiled tubing, depending on the application and the wellbore conditions. High-pressure jet will penetrates the casing or liner to shoot into the reservoir formation to form channels.

Jet Perforation

Jet Perforation

Jet Perforation

Hydraulic Sand-jet Perforation

It

uses high-pressure jetting of sand-laden fluid through an orifice Short penetration range

Perforating with Laser

Conventional explosive charge perforation method reduces the rock permeability Laser perforation increase the rock permeability, hence, increase the oil or gas production rate of a well.

Perforating with Laser

Perforating with Laser

Horizontal oriented perforating system HOPS

Performs oriented perforating Incorporating a series of swiveled gun connectors containing internal, explosive transfer devices and an internally contained gun weighting system. This system incorporates a series of short gun sections that rotate to the desired orientation, providing the optimum shot pattern and maximizing reservoir production.

Horizontal oriented perforating system HOPS

Problem with Perforation

The main problem is the plugging after Perforation, these caused by:
Charge liner residue slugs Mud solids & crushed/compacted rock particles

Solution to the problem: Cleanout of Plugged Perforations, these include:

Back surge perforations if consolidated formations Use wash tools if unconsolidated formations Breakdown with fluid or acid, and ball sealers

Conclusion

Different perforation guns have specific application. Example: casing gun, retrievable gun, high-shot density gun, & expandable gun. Method perforation, these include: Bullet, Jet, hydraulic, & laser. Problem using perforation method.

Thanks

John G Evans, Leo Health Mary North-Abbott Rajendra Kasinath

References

S. Batarseh, B.C. Gahan, R.M. Graves and R.A Parker, Well Perforation using High-Power lasers, SPE Paper No.84418 www.bakerhughes.com www.slb.com Gahan, B.C.,R.A. Parker, Laser Drilling: Effect on beam Application Methods on Improving Rock Removal, SPE Paper No.84353 Gahan, B.C., Laser Drilling: Understanding Laser/Rock Interaction Fundamentals, Gas Tips 8 (2002):4-8

THANK YOU

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