The technology of Welltec, a world leader in the development of innovative well intervention and well construction solutions, has played a crucial role in delivering the world’s first deployment of a truly cementless completion. The potentially game-changing technology was deployed in the Republic of Congo at oil major Total E&P’s Moho North Albian field development project.

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Building on the experience gained through the continuous deployment in Moho North Albian of the Welltec® Annular Barrier (WAB®) – awarded in Q1 2017 – Total E&P Congo has pushed the boundaries of Metal Expandable Annular Sealing technology even further by deploying the world’s first cementless completion using the Welltec® Annular Isolation (WAITM) in open hole.

 

Major gains in efficiency and well construction

 

The WAITM uses multiple metal expandable packers to provide long-length, open-hole zonal isolation to replace the functions of traditional cement, leading to significant gains in efficiency in the overall well construction process. It significantly reduces the free annulus space between the liner/casing and the open hole, which can be beneficial in highly layered reservoirs of varying permeability where selective production, stimulation or water shut off is required. 

 

In addition to the efficiency gains, the simplified well completions operations enabled by the WAITM eliminated multiple operational risks associated with the cementing process in depleted and over-pressured reservoirs. 

 

Continually improving the drilling curve

 

“Total E&P Congo has utilised innovative technologies and methods to continually improve the drilling curve on the Moho North Albian field development project,” observed Ronan Bouget, Drilling and Completions Manager for Total E&P Congo. “We were early adopters of Welltec’s WAB® technology, which has assisted in ensuring zonal isolation and annular sealing (liner to formation) during the development of our major oil project in the Republic of Congo. 

 

“The WAITM was deployed as part of the global efficiency drive to reduce drilling expenditure whilst maintaining the beneficial productivity index in this highly heterogenous carbonate field. Our Albian Asset team (led by Manfred Bledou) and the completion department (led by Guillaume Viger) worked with Welltec® to develop the technology,” he continued.

 

“The simplicity of the WAITM enabled us to successfully deploy the technology first time without operational issues. We delivered a step change improvement in our well construction record and plan to deploy the WAITM in subsequent wells - especially those identified as high-risk,” Mr Bouget revealed.

 

Transforming future well construction

 

 “The WAITM technology will, without doubt, transform how future wells are constructed in the industry,” advised Gbenga Onadeko, Senior Vice President of Welltec Africa. 

 

“We are proud of this collaboration with Total E&P Congo to demonstrate our ability to deploy game-changing innovation that can simplify, eliminate risks and enhance operational efficiency. This world-first deployment of the WAITM technology is very important as we progress our mission – to develop and deliver ground-breaking solutions which enable our client to optimise the management and development of their assets.”

 

To read more about the WAITM or Welltec’s innovative Flex-Well® completion approach, visit: www.welltec.com/completion