Innovative deepwater intervention restores well production

Overview

A Brazilian operator planned to redevelop mature assets in an offshore field to efficiently restore well production in a cost-effective manner. The operator sought Halliburton’s assistance to provide a custom-built solution to intervene in deep, deviated wells to replace the failed electric submersible pump (ESP), when required, on a tension-leg wellhead platform (TLWP).

Challenge

The operator required a customized solution for its deepwater platform. Due to a lack of suitable assets and trained personnel, Halliburton’s expertise in configuring a hydraulic intervention unit for the unique offshore location was chosen. The complex and restrictive environment required a lightweight, modular, and cost-effective unit capable of managing the retrieval and installation of complex completions with non-standard components.

Solution

After a thorough diagnosis, Halliburton proposed replacing a tender-assisted rig with a hydraulic workover (HWO) unit to achieve high operational efficiency and ROI.

Results

The deepwater TLWP intervention with a customized, modular, and lightweight HWO unit reestablished well production of 2,000 BOPD. Safety and intervention efficiency were maintained throughout operations, and the operator achieved a cost reduction of 75% compared to a conventional rig.

The ESP changeout was successful with a pull boost system to unseat the hanger above the unit’s capacity. The BOP stack was stabilized through bad weather, and auxiliary decks accommodated all required intervention equipment e.g. substructures, tanks, pipe racks, pumps, power packs, and spoolers.

This unique operation was the first successful deepwater intervention using an HWO unit on a TLWP in the region. The project exceeded all operator requirements for well intervention and mobilization, maintaining compliance with local and global regulations. It overcame the operational complexity of highly deviated wells, heavy completions with constant diameter changes, and an unconventional 10 3/4-in. OD ESP capsule while operating on a floating production platform with limited resources.