Operator saves two days and achieves zonal isolation

Overview

In plug and abandonment (P&A) operations, especially those that involve setting cement kick-off plugs, well integrity and cost control require reliable cement plug placement. Operators often face challenges when placing long cement plugs, especially in mature fields with variable well geometries. Conventional methods, such as balanced plug techniques, frequently result in poor isolation, multiple interventions, and increased non-productive time.

In Argentina, an operator sought a more efficient solution to place an 804-m cement plug and reduce rig time. By improving placement certainty and minimizing operational steps, the operator aimed to reduce execution risk and achieve more consistent well outcomes in a mature asset environment.

Challenge

The operator needed to achieve zonal isolation throughout an 804-m openhole interval without extended rig time or compromise to well integrity. Previous attempts with conventional balanced plug methods led to inconsistent results, which required repeated operations and increased total cost of ownership (TCO). The lack of adaptability in traditional approaches made them unsuitable for the well’s geometry and pressure conditions, which resulted in plug integrity issues and operational inefficiencies. The operator also required a solution that could deliver predictable performance in a single run and eliminate uncertainty around cement placement depth

Solution

Halliburton deployed the BHKA Disconnect™ plug setting tool with the MCXV operating dart from a Commander™ cement head. This tool’s design and reliable collet mechanism executed the tail pipe release via dart latch indication, which allowed efficient plug placement in a single trip. The operation used 802 m of 2.875-in. fiberglass-reinforced epoxy tubing, which supported long sacrificial pipe runs and minimized cement contamination. The workstring ran smoothly to depth, and the tool performed without complications. This integrated approach provided the operator with clear surface indication and improved confidence in execution, while reducing reliance on corrective actions or secondary runs.

Result

The BHKA Disconnect tool with fiberglass-reinforced sacrificial tubing helped the operator place the entire 804 m plug in a single run, which eliminated the requirement for multiple stacked balanced plugs.

The operator confirmed cement contact at 590 m measured depth (MD), which allowed immediate deviation and kick-off without delay and supported a seamless transition to the next phase of the well plan. Through the elimination of repeated interventions, this solution saved two full days of rig time and reduced costs by an estimated USD $200,000.

This outcome demonstrates a dependable and repeatable approach for mature field P&A operations, where operators require efficiency, control, and consistent results to meet both operational and cost objectives.