Bapetco cuts 55 rig days with tailored frac string design

Overview

Uncertain formation pressures led Badr El Din Petroleum Company (BAPETCO) in Egypt to seek a safer, more efficient way to perforate target zones and reduce rig time. The operator initially used tubing-conveyed perforating (TCP) techniques to maintain control, but this method increased operational costs and duration. To improve efficiency, BAPETCO collaborated with Halliburton to implement through-tubing perforating (TTP). A tailored frac string design allowed the switch to TTP, which helped the operator cut perforating time by 25% and save 55 rig days.

Challenge

BAPETCO faced uncertain formation pressures in Egypt, which required a cautious approach to perforating. To maintain greater control and safety, the operator used tubing-conveyed perforating (TCP) equipment. While this method improved operational safety, it also increased the time and cost of the fracturing process.

To reduce rig time amid perforation operations and maintain safety standards, BAPETCO planned to switch to TTP. Although TTP produced smaller perforation hole diameters and depths, it met the minimum specifications required for the formation fracturing job. However, implementation proved difficult.

The existing bottomhole assembly (BHA) and slip joint restricted the use of TTP guns due to diameter limitations.

Solution

Halliburton redesigned the frac string to support TTP. The team replaced the slip joint with tubing that offered higher elasticity and deployed the CHAMP^® IV packer to increase the BHA internal diameter from 2.25-in. to 2.37-in. This adjustment facilitated the use of TTP guns through the frac string without compromising safety or performance.

Result

BAPETCO successfully implemented TTP guns with Halliburton’s tailored frac stream. The operator reduced perforation operation time by 25%, which saved approximately 55 rig days.