Case Study Showcasing a New Solution for Stuck Pipe Events Using Remote Wireline Operations for Challenging Environments

Abstract Stuck pipe events are a major challenge for oil and gas operators; they can occur during drilling, completion, or abandonment operations, and can put the whole well at risk. They are also one of the main sources of non-productive time, as recovering from such events is usually a lengthy process. In the North Sea, weather is unpredictable, potentially impacting logistics, leading to rigs shutting down while waiting on personnel and equipment, further delaying the return to the critical path. Utilizing remote controlled wireline operations has had a significant impact on how efficient operations can be completed. It has saved days of waiting on weather, equipment, and personnel. Subject matter expert (SME) wireline engineers in the Remote Operations Center are available 24/7 and the required equipment, such as electro-mechanical pipe cutters (EMC) are usually available at the wellsite. A unique work model combining multi-skilled personnel on offshore rigs along with remote SME onshore is used, paired with digital technologies available in the market. Statement of requirement for connectivity and rig infrastructure for communication was defined. Detailed risk assessment was conducted in planning stage. RACI matrix involving all tasks at wellsite or remote center were clearly defined. Escalation process was developed to have clear communication guidelines. This model was tested on multiple operations with success. The first ever fully remote operation using the electro-mechanical pipe cutter in the North Sea was successful. In total, 5 cuts were completed remotely; the first two cuts were successful but didn’t result in being able to pull the pipe, due to damaged control lines downhole. After consulting with the operator, 3 more cuts were performed, and the pipe was successfully pulled and laid down at surface. A tractor was used for conveyance, leading to integrating teams and prevented sending additional personal offshore. Post job data delivery to customer was done quicker, as remote engineers focused on data processing and delivery while the offshore personnel worked on rigging down tools and returning the well to customer. With over 60 jobs done successfully to date, our customers have made significant savings. 25% reduction in personal on board was achieved leading to almost 2.5 metric tons of CO2 emissions saved. This was a first worldwide, as this service had never been run fully remote anywhere else. More logging units are getting upgraded with fiber connectivity to support future operations, and wellsite supervisors have been trained on this innovative approach. Strong horizontal knowledge transfer between rigs crews is possible by having 24/7 central support onshore. This paper will explain in detail the holistic approach in terms of technology development, multi-skilled personnel and remote logging applications.