Sperry-Sun in world first for re-entry system Sperry-Sun Drilling Services, a division of Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., working in conjunction with Saudi Aramco, has installed the world's first multiple through-tubing re-entry system, which incorporated ''self-locating and lateral selective'' capabilities.
This system, otherwise known as LRS-SL (Self-Locating Lateral Re-Entry System), provides the operator with the ability to enter an existing well and perform necessary remedial operations in a time and cost-effective manner.
Two short-radius lateral sections were drilled off the mainbore, less than 40 feet apart and within the target zone of the well, in the Ghawar field in eastern Saudi Arabia.
The installation of the LRS-SL system across each lateral allows for through-tubing access to the mainbore and to both laterals at any time during the life of the well. The system also ensures isolation of the mainbore and of the lateral borehole.
Designed to access unswept oil in the near wellbore area, the system allows the operator to carry out the stimulation and monitoring operations through tubing to ensure that the maximum potential of the well and the reservoir is attained.
''Sperry-Sun's achievement, in cooperation with Saudi Aramco, demonstrates that operators can successfully re-enter existing wells - to apply multiple short-radius laterals, which can later be re-entered through tubing,'' said Jody Powers, president, Halliburton Energy Services.
''This technology enables flow control and workover capability without rig intervention for purposes of controlling production from both the mainbore and the laterals,'' he said.
''This LRS-SL system represents Halliburton Energy Services' ability to meet its clients' requirements and demonstrates Halliburton's commitment to providing the industry with the most advanced technology.''
Specifically designed for use in multi-branch wells with conventionally milled windows, the LRS-SL system is fully compatible with accessories designed for standard LRS window systems and provides life-of-the-well access to the laterals.
The need to pull the completion is eliminated should access be required to the lateral for stimulation, zonal isolation, or data acquisition, without rig operations for all routine production operations.
Utilising a window system that is an integral part of the production string, the system is equipped with landing profiles and seal bores to enable setting of through-tubing whipstocks (deployed either by wireline or by coiled tubing) for lateral access or for isolation sleeves for lateral flow control.
The LRS-SL window assembly is the most advanced through-tubing lateral access system available for multilateral wells with conventionally milled casing windows.
Founded in 1930, Sperry-Sun Drilling Services is the world leader in multilateral technology with more than 250 installations worldwide, and continues to lead the market in drilling, technology and reservoir deliverability.
Halliburton Energy Services provides products, services, and integrated solutions for oil and gas exploration, development, and production.
Capabilities range from initial evaluation of producing formations to drilling, completion, production enhancement, and well maintenance - for a single well or an entire field. With more than 300 service centers in more than 90 countries, Halliburton possesses the global perspective that is increasingly important for energy exploration and production.
