Rig time reduction and improved debris recovery in the Middle East with Coretrax’s ADS technology

With the importance of decarbonisation tactics across the energy industry, including traditional oil and gas, driving forward concern for increased productivity, the sector is turning more attention to the technologies that can unlock efficiencies. The development of innovations to support more effective production and, therefore, overall project optimisation is key in an industry that is also striving towards net zero goals on a worldwide level.

Optimising production is also a significant focus within the context of energy security, with the market set against the backdrop of a fluctuating political landscape. With this scene set on a global stage, effective solutions are an increasing consideration for operators looking to improve hydrocarbon outputs in the Middle East and beyond.

On a global scale, the demand for oil is forecasted to increase 2.2 mb/d year-on-year in 2023 to an average of 102 mb/d. This showcases the significance of ensuring as much oil and gas can be extracted with the least carbon emissions possible, in consideration of decarbonisation objectives. With the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also predicting demand to return to pre-pandemic levels and a strong interest in Middle East crudes, this is clearly an area of particular focus for the region. 

However, sustainability has become a key aspect in the Middle East, with countries in the region increasing investment in renewables. An example of this is Saudi Arabia, which has invested in 9.5GW of solar and wind power in 2023 and plans to produce 30% of its electricity generation through renewable sources by 2030. 

This focus on sustainability showcases the industry motivations to improve efficiencies, and therefore carbon outputs, across the oil and gas sector which remains a significant part of the wider energy mix.

Drilling projects enhanced through well cleanliness

Debris recovery is an essential step of any drilling campaign to ensure that the well cleanliness is optimised before moving to the next stage of operations, creating clean setting areas for packers and reducing the risk of damage to subsequent tools being run.

Coretrax, a global leader in well integrity and production optimisation, developed its Activated Drilling Scraper (ADS) to lie dormant in the drilling bottom-hole assembly (BHA) until drilling has been completed to deliver a more efficient and effective debris removal and casing cleaning method. When activated, a ball is dropped to activate the scraper and allow the technology’s blades to engage with the casing ID. Casing can then be cleaned and prepared for the installation of packers, including liner hangers whilst pulling out of hole with the drilling BHA.

Coretrax recently deployed its ADS technology for a client in the Middle East, which successfully eliminated the requirement for a dedicated scraper trip once drilling was complete, resulting in reduced rig time and efficient debris removal.

Effective removal of debris with a single trip system

During a recent drilling campaign in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the operator required a more efficient solution to debris recovery which would reduce rig time without compromising the effectiveness of residue removal or safety of personnel. Coretrax’s ADS was selected as the most appropriate tool as it remains dormant in the string until activated, allowing the operations and liner hanger preparation to be completed in a single trip.

The design features high torque premium connections making it suitable to be in heavy duty drilling BHAs even when drilling horizontal sections with significant torques and drags. Once hydraulically activated, by dropping a ball from surface, the ADS’s blades provide 360° coverage for effective removal of debris. Multiple activated drilling scrapers can be run in tandem to scrape multiple casing strings in a single trip, further optimising drilling operations and wiper trips.

While drilling, the ADS system was run in hole with a 6” drilling assembly with two drilling scrapers positioned in the 9-5/8” and 7” casing sections. The tagging depth of 15,378ft was reached and the hole was circulated clean. The 7” scraper was then hydraulically activated, by dropping a 1.69” ball from surface, followed by a 2.75” ball to activate the 9-5/8” system.

The 7” and 9-5/8” inner diameter (ID) casing sections were then effectively scraped clean simultaneously across the required intervals of 14,070ft - 13,890ft and 7,874ft - 7,694ft respectively. The tools were then pulled out of hole and liner hanger operations were able to continue immediately. Following retrieval, the tool was found to be in a good condition with all stages efficiently activated.

The application of the ADS eliminated the requirement for a dedicated scraper trip to prepare the ID casings prior to setting the liner hanger, effectively saving the operator 30 hours in valuable rig time and delivering a more efficient, sustainable solution. 

Driving net zero ambitions with advanced technology

With ESG practices across the energy industry spectrum growing in their significance, with decarbonisation activity being increasingly scrutinised, operators must continue to prioritize technologies that deliver efficiencies whilst simultaneously reducing carbon outputs. Global goals to reach net zero, coupled with continued energy security concerns, results in a market environment which requires effective technologies that secures hydrocarbon production at the best possible rate.

In the context of the Middle East, innovations like the Coretrax ADS system unlocks sustainable potential for oilfield activities, mirroring the region’s increasing focus on renewable activities. It is with these technologies that the oil and gas industry will be secured on a global scale, as the industry transitions to a more sustainable future that leads with carbon reduction in mind.