VersaFlex® XSL ELH boosts performance in openhole wells

Overview

Halliburton collaborated with CC Energy Development in Oman to address operational challenges identified in 8.5‑in. openhole wells and supported performance improvement through deployment of the VersaFlex® XSL expandable liner hanger (ELH) system. The operator sought an alternative to conventional liner hanger systems to support more consistent performance that affected reliability and created inefficiencies, particularly during run‑in‑hole (RIH) and circulation operations. These issues became common enough within the operator’s well portfolio that an alternative technology was required to help support more consistent performance. When Halliburton introduced the VersaFlex XSL ELH system, it provided the operator with a viable and more robust option for its openhole environment. 

The deployment represented a notable milestone for the operator and marked the operator’s first use of this ELH technology. The system’s performance was noted as strong in this application and established the foundation for broader adoption in similar wells in the region.

Challenge

The operator traditionally relied on conventional liner hanger systems for its 8.5‑in. openhole wells, but the wells consistently presented difficult conditions that limited the effectiveness of those systems. RIH restrictions created uncertainty during deployment, and reduced circulation rates hindered the operator’s capability to maintain hole cleaning and manage pressure conditions effectively. Narrow or complex wellbore geometries further complicated the ability to rotate the string in critical intervals, which often constrained operational flexibility. Collectively, these limitations impacted efficiency, increased operational risk, and reduced the overall reliability of the conventional deployment method. 

The operator required a dependable alternative that could operate effectively within the mechanical and environmental constraints of its wells. The objective was not only to help reduce past difficulties but also to introduce a solution with enough capability and flexibility to support future well plans with greater confidence.

Solution

To overcome the previous operational challenges in this application, Halliburton proposed a pilot of the VersaFlex® XSL ELH system, which was selected for its capability to improve RIH performance and maintain circulation in tight and complex openhole environments. The system supported circulation pressures up to 3,500 psi, which allowed higher rates to be applied through problematic zones—an improvement compared to conventional liner hanger systems previously deployed in the field. Its design provided added design features intended to support reliability and helped provide the operator with greater operational confidence during this application when moving through challenging intervals. 

After evaluating the anticipated benefits, the operator selected an 8.5‑in. well as the first application of the new ELH system. This marked the beginning of a shift from traditional liner hanger technology and allowed both the operator and Halliburton to validate performance in a live environment with representative downhole challenges.

Result

The VersaFlex XSL ELH system delivered smooth, generally uninterrupted RIH performance and improved circulation in previously problematic sections of the well. The deployment helped address previously observed limitations associated with the conventional liner hanger systems and helped the operator meet its technical and operational objectives in this application. 

With the pilot well’s success, the operator gained confidence in the system’s capability to perform reliably in complex openhole environments and began to deploy this technology in additional wells. The results provided a reference case for ELH performance in similar applications as well as a proven path to improve reliability in similar wells in the operator’s portfolio.