Life of Field Cost Reduction Strategy: The Deployment of Facilitating Intervention Technologies for Well Construction and Deconstruction

Abstract

In an attempt to reduce the capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs of field development, the development and adoption of focused, bespoke equipment can provide significant cost savings. With rig based technology consistently accounting for over 40% of a well construction or de-construction project, it is an area with significant cost reduction potential if alternative facilitating technology is deployed. The paper describes alternative facilitating technology. Modification and project specific integrated engineering that allows for potential cost reductions, through early engagement with an operator and project stakeholders. A well construction project case study presents the early interfacing with a Yangon based operator, concerning the development of an Intervention and Completions Unit (ICU) for operations in a segregated well construction project, to undertake well completion and stimulation activities. A well rejuvenation project case study presents the engineering modification of a Hydraulic Pulling and Jacking Unit (PJU) to undertake well slot preparation activities for mature asset rejuvenation activities for a Gulf of Mexico (GoM) operator. The focused engineering presented in the well construction and well rejuvenation case studies, and the identification of functionality requirements that can be improved to operate in high cost base projects, demonstrates the potential savings that can be achieved. Detailed operational analysis appraisal, and identification of those activities with empirically high levels of non-productive time (NPT), are categorized and technology solutions are developed. Technology solutions provide the required technical capabilities for the intended operations, whilst reducing the associated base construction, maintenance, certification and operational costs that are commonly experienced with over specified equipment. Both case studies present the benefits to the operator in the pre-engineering and design phases, allied to operational benefits.