Multi Cable Capacity Pre-Installed Cable Protectors Make SMART Completions Safer

Abstract Objectives/Scope This paper shows how multi capacity Pre-Installed Cable Protectors (PICP) can make SMART completions safer and faster. Traditional cross coupling cable protectors (CCCP), supporting and protecting cables / control lines on completions, can only be installed at the rotary table on the rig floor following tubing torque operations and require multiple personnel for several minutes at each connection. PICP greatly reduces the personnel count and minimizes their exposure time in the redzone significantly improving safety. Methods, Procedures, Process Data from run in hole (RIH) operations where traditional CCCP were used are studied to quantify the number of personnel involved and the amount of time they are in the redzone. Similar operations using multi-capacity PICP are compared to define the safety improvements gained. Differences between CCCP & PICP installation and activation techniques are reviewed and described. Being pre-installed PICP have to interact with tubular handling devices, such as elevators, and be rated to hold the string weight so the design criteria and testing requirements for PICP are examined in detail and compared to those for traditional CCCP. Results, Observations, Conclusions The data available shows that using PICP greatly reduces the number of personnel and the amount of time they are working in the redzone compared to traditional CCCP thereby improving safety and enhancing efficiency. PICP are installed on tubing couplings during rig preparation, when tubulars are cleaned and made ready for shipment to the well site. PICP will, therefore, interface with tubular handling equipment, such as elevators, and must be rated to carry the same tubing string weight as the coupling. Traditional CCCP do not have to and are not capable of handling this load. Transporting the tubulars with PICP to the well site is accomplished using frames or bundles. Additional retention mechanisms are used to mitigate DROPS concerns. The rig floor operations needed for PICP, aligning with and installing cables, energizing cable gripping mechanisms, can be accomplished by 1 operator in as little as 30 seconds. Compared to traditional CCCP, where typically 3 to 5 personnel ate needed in the redzone for 1 or more minutes, and often longer, the safety improvements are clear. By reducing the rig time required faster RIH operations are also achieved thereby reducing rig costs for completions. Novel/Additive Information Reducing or eliminating redzone activity is a major KPI for many operators. PICP removes several personnel and operations from the rig floor. State-of-the-art stabbing guides, modified box thread protectors and additional retention mechanisms for transport security have been created to complement PICP and to mitigate DROPS concerns, New PICP models are being developed to further increase cable capacity and provide slimmer design's while maintaining the safety and time saving benefits of the initial models.