Well Entry Simulation Toolkit (WEST)

WEST is an essential application for the safe planning and execution of wireline intervention in highly deviated and horizontal wells. WEST predicts the wireline and tractor forces before intervention and monitors surface and downhole forces in real-time during a job. WEST determines whether a job is viable.

Description

WEST is simple to setup and simple to use. Sophisticated 3-D algorithms compute the forces on the wireline and downhole tools given the well profile and essential parameters. WEST takes into account the drag due to the relative velocity between well fluids and downhole equipment. Algorithm accuracy is confirmed by comparing predicted results with the measured data in real-time.

"If tools became stuck at the end of a complex deviated well, could the wireline safely be retrieved?" WEST answers this question and provides hazard warnings where appropriate.

The WEST output is presented graphically allowing the user quickly to assess the feasibility of wireline intervention, to identify risks by comparing expected loads with equipment limits, and to optimise the selection of logging cables and weak points. WEST determines whether a tractor will be necessary in order to reach a target depth.

WEST automatically imports cable tension, depth and speed from the Warrior logging system. Customised interface modules are also available to import cable data from various other third party logging systems. For operations in which a wireline tractor is required, WEST automatically imports tractor loads, depth and speed from the Tractor software.

By comparing predicted curves with data measured in real-time, the simulations may be fine tuned as the job progresses. Any anomalous cable or tractor load resulting from an unexpected well condition is readily identified. This feature makes WEST an essential planning and job control tool for any wireline intervention in a highly deviated or horizontal well.

A well file is created to store the project parameters including the well's profile, cable data, tool data, fluid data, weak point settings, and any real-time acquired data.

Multiple job scenarios may be saved in a single well file. A job scenario may be set up for each run in a well and for various well conditions during a single run. The well file provides a permanent record of the entire logging programme. This file may be sent by email for pre-job discussion and post-job analysis.

Features

• Rapid intervention feasibility tool with risk identification.
• WEST is simple to use and quick to setup.
  
• Clear graphical output with warnings where appropriate.
• Simulation of wireline tensions and tractor loads.
• Real-time data overlays modelled data during intervention.
  
• Clearly defined cable pull limits and weak point values.
  
• Analysis of well fluid flow and well pressure effects.
  
• 3-D well profile plot provides visualisation of scenario.
  
• Dogleg severity warning for given tool dimensions.