Off-bottom-cementing (OBC) operations are unique to Saudi Arabia and represent a very challenging approach to drilling and workover operations when deployed in combination with inflow-control devices (ICDs) across horizontal sections. The multitasking-valve (MTV) feature in upgraded ICDs offers safe, simple, and cost-effective deployment operations. This paper discusses the first deployment of an ICD system combined with an OBC system for a workover operation in a mature producer well in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Introduction
In wells where an OBC liner is required to cover nontargeted formations above the production zone, two methods of deployment can be used: the one-trip system and the two-trip system. These refer, respectively, to whether the OBC components are deployed in a single trip along with the ICD or in a second trip with string in the previously deployed ICD completion.