Description: The Sakhalin-1 project, operated by Exxon Neftegas Ltd., is located offshore Sakhalin Island in remote Eastern Russia and includes three oil and gas fields - Chayvo, Odoptu and Arkutun Dagi. The drilling and completion related technical and operating challenges of the Sakhalin-1 project are many. The project has relied heavily on Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) and robust completion technologies to simplify the operations, maximize capital efficiency, and minimize the environmental footprint.
ERD operations at Sakhalin-1 have required a balanced engineering / operational approach - built upon a thorough understanding of the physical complexities, the insight to provide robust technical solutions, and the operational expertise to implement them efficiently, safely and without environmental incident. Up-front identification of technical and operational limiters of the well plan is critical. Once limiters are identified, engineered solutions are designed, tested and implemented. Technology, innovation and the transfer of knowledge into the operation are critical success factors. This process requires an innovative engineering and support structure with deep technical capabilities that is also conducive to the creation and implementation of new techniques.
Undergirding the project is a basic set of operating principles that includes safety, protection of the environment, maintaining the highest standards of business controls, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Efficiently drilling and developing resources while redefining the ERD envelope at Sakhalin-1 requires a solid understanding of the physics involved, and the insight to identify and employ innovative technologies with careful attention to up-front engineering and operational detail. This paper will highlight some of these challenges as well as describe some of the innovative techniques and technologies that have unlocked the Sakhalin-1 resources.
