The Application of Simultaneous Start-Up and Clean-Up Operation Using Micro Coiled Tubing and Sand Filter for Well Revitalization in High Sand Risk Environments: A Case Study from Mahakam Field

Abstract Reviving idle gas wells in reservoirs with high sand risk presents significant challenges, especially in reservoirs that require sand control for safe production. In this case study, the Peciko field attempted to open reserves in a shallow zone where Sand Consolidation (SCON) was initially applied as the sand control method. However, after the SCON treatment, the well showed no flow. The suspected cause was the inability of the reservoir properties to lift diesel fluid left in the tubing after the SCON job. A startup job is needed, but there was an additional risk of sand production at surface due to the incomplete clean-up following the SCON job. Therefore, start-up and clean-up were required to be performed simultaneously to minimize costs and time, while ensuring proper flow initiation and verifying the SCON's ability to prevent sand production. The operation was carried out simultaneously using Micro Coiled Tubing (MCT) and a Sand Filter Unit (SF). The stack-up of MCT was installed as in a normal operation. However, the difference was that the flow return passed through the sand filter equipment to prevent sand production from reaching the production facilities. Several mitigations were implemented during the operation, including monitoring sand production at the sampling points and controlling the choke return. This was done to minimize the risk of erosion in the surface equipment. Additionally, the well was not shut in to avoid sand fall back, which could lead to the potential risk of MCT becoming stuck in the wellbore. As a result, the simultaneous start-up and clean-up operation successfully revived the well. This was beneficial as it saved approximately USD 30,000 in operational costs and reduced operational time by 72 hours. Therefore, the simultaneous use of Micro Coiled Tubing and Sand Filter has a high potential to be applied again in future interventions. This case study introduces a novel approach to reviving idle gas wells in high sand-risk reservoirs by combining startup and clean-up operations in a simultaneous process. The key innovation lies in the integration of Micro Coiled Tubing (MCT) and a Sand Filter Unit (SF). Unlike conventional interventions where startup and clean-up are conducted as separate operations, this method minimizes the operational costs and time by ensuring simultaneous flow initiation and sand management. The approach also incorporates proactive risk mitigations, such as real-time monitoring of sand production, controlled choke management, and maintaining well flow continuity to prevent sand fallback potential cause of equipment failure.