Well Entry Simulation Tool (WEST)

WEST facilitates the planning and safe execution of wireline intervention in complex well profiles such as highly deviated and horizontal wells. WEST also provides a post job "black box recording" of cable tension and tractor load records for management review. This is achieved by real time integration of predicted and actual cable tension and wireline tractor loads.

Description

WEST software models the forces present on wireline and downhole tools during a logging job. Sophisticated 3-D algorithms compute the effects of well angle and curvature, as well as lift forces and viscous drag arising from the relative velocity between the well fluids and the downhole equipment. Algorithm accuracy has been confirmed by comparing the results with measured data in many different well profiles and in a variety of well conditions.

Results are presented graphically allowing the user to quickly 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. In particular, for work in highly deviated wells, WEST indicates when tractor assistance is required to reach the target depth.

For conventional wireline operations, WEST automatically imports cable tension, depth and speed from the Warrior logging system. Alternatively customised interface modules are available to import cable data from third party logging systems. For operations in which a wireline tractor is required, WEST automatically imports tractor loads, depth and speed from Sondex Downhole Tractor (MDT) control software.

By graphically comparing predicted curves with actual data trends in real time, the simulations may be fine tuned as the job progresses. Anomalous cable and tractor loads arising from adverse well conditions are readily identified. This feature makes WEST an essential planning and job control aid for any wireline intervention in highly deviated wells or horizontal wells.

A well project file is created which stores relevant well details, cable tension and tractor load records.

Multiple job scenarios may be saved in a single well file. A job scenario may be set up for each run in a well or for significant changes in well conditions during a single run. The well file provides a permanent easy to read graphical review of the entire logging programme, that is suitable for post job analysis or future reference for subsequent intervention in the same well.

Features

• Graphic user interface allows WEST project files to be set up quickly.
• Graphic presentation of results on a single plot allows rapid assessment of intervention feasibility and identification of risks.
  
• Simulates cable tension and tractor load build-up along well profile.
  
• Predicts requirement and feasibility of tractor operation.
  
• Cable pull limits and weak point calculation.
  
• Indicate the effects of well fluid flow and well pressure.
  
• Highlights adverse well conditions.
  
• 3-D well profile plot.
  
• Indicates maximum tool lengths through doglegs.