Abstract
The use of fiber-optic cable and control lines for instrumented well installations poses certain obstacles to companies wanting to safely design and execute perforating programs which do not damage the costly cable and instrument installations in highly deviated or horizontal wellbores (1). Tri-axial magnetic flux leakage logging tools enable the detection and orientation of fiber-optic cables and control lines so that perforating services may be planned and executed with confidence.
This method requires an understanding of the type and configuration of the hardware which was installed downhole to protect the fiber-optic or control line during installation and perforating. Surface test logging of the in-situ hardware ensures detection and orientation of the hardware installed in the well. Information derived from the surface test runs is used to detect, identify, and orient the hardware using well log data, and a report is created that defines the relative bearing of the fiber-optic or control line in the horizontal or highly deviated sections of the well. For instrumented well applications, hardware commonly known as blast protectors provide the key hardware features used for fiber-optic and control line protection during perforating operations.
This case study describes the surface testing method, logging and deployment options, analysis software, tool configuration, well log data, hardware examples and report.
NOVEL/Additional information:
Efficient procedure using high-resolution tri-axial magnetic flux leakage technology with post-processing analysis software designed to accurately and quickly provide orientation of fiber optic and control lines in wells of greater than 20° deviation.
