Nexen – Advancement in tubing cutter methodology drives greater efficiency

Submitted by Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited

Impact

Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited has increased efficiency due to new developments in tubing cutter methodology.

Before, electric line tubing cutters were employed but technological advancements have resulted in tubing string now able to be cut in compression ie without the need to create tension.

The result is that low cost preparation work can be done offline and in advance as part of a wireline intervention, with no requirement for a drilling rig to make the cut.

This efficiency has saved Nexen approximately 7 to 10 days of drilling rig time.

Description of Best Practice

When a well is sidetracked from an existing well bore the completion has to be removed first, which requires the tubing to be cut and released from the packer.  This cut used to be done from a drilling rig, due to the need to create tension in the tubing string in order for the cut to take place.

Electric Line Tubing Cutters have been in existence for a number of years, however a recent development has meant that the tubing string can be cut in compression – i.e. without the need to create tension.  This means that there is not a requirement for a drilling rig and the operation can be performed on a wireline deck.

The use of this technology means that a well can be fully prepared offline as part of a low cost wireline intervention before a drilling rig arrives.  This saves approximately 7 to 10 days critical path rig time.