A new application for downhole data acquisition provides real-time wellbore intervention optimization via measurement-while-drilling (MWD)-based technologies to enhance pipe-conveyed wellbore intervention operations. This paper discusses the incremental challenges of conventional fishing methods that are addressed by using downhole data acquisition technology for ‘smart intervention’ service in the following:

Casing exits

Casing milling

Packer milling

Retrieving deepset plugs

Pulling gravel-pack packers

Wellbore cleanup

A smart intervention module is one solution that is run in the workover string as close to the wellbore intervention bottomhole assembly as possible. It provides its own power supply, telemetry system, and sensors, and data is sent from the module via mud pulse telemetry to the surface, where it is displayed clearly on a rig floor monitor.

Surface rig-up requires a pressure transducer on the stand pipe or pumps, cables from the transducer to a junction box and the processor, which is connected to two real-time laptops. The smart intervention engineers provide 24-hr coverage, and both the smart intervention module and the surface equipment are included in the services provided.

The smart intervention system gathers downhole measurements like weight on tool, torque, revolutions per minute, bending moment, vibrations, pressure, and temperature to provide a clearer picture of what is occurring at and around the wellbore intervention tools. The data is then transmitted to surface where accurate, real-time decisions and adjustments can be made to optimize downhole intervention operations.

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