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Contents
1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1
1.1 User Inputs .............................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Calculations ...........................................................................................................................................1-2
1.2.1 Well Trajectory 1-2
1.2.2 Cable Tension 1-2
1.2.3 Stuck Tool 1-2
1.2.4 Tractor Assistance (when required) 1-2
1.2.5 Flow Effects 1-2
1.3 Outputs ....................................................................................................................................................1-3
1.3.1 Graphical Presentation 1-3
1.3.2 Results & Warnings 1-3
1.3.3 Exported Data 1-3
1.4 Other Features......................................................................................................................................1-4
1.4.1 Scenarios 1-4
1.4.2 Cable Tension Records 1-4
1.4.3 Tractor Load Records 1-4
1.4.4 Report Generator 1-4
1.4.5 Well Intervention Record 1-4
1.4.6 Cable Library 1-5
1.4.7 Well Survey Data Editor 1-5
1.4.8 Well Completion Data Editor 1-5
1.4.9 WEST_Viewer 1-5
1.4.10 Help 1-5
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Contents
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Contents
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 0. About This Manual
0.2 References
Below are the manuals/links required for use in conjunction with this manual:
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 0. About This Manual
0.4 Feedback
To help us improve future issues of this manual, please visit our website www.geoilandgas.com/
downholetechnology, reference the document number and add your comments or corrections.
Thank you.
Photographs and sketches are for illustration purposes only. Dependant on the tool model that you
have, certain features or dimensions can differ from those shown.
Documents from external sources (for example MSDS/SDS) supplied with or referenced to in this
manual, are considered the latest version at the time the manual was issued. However, the
document can be altered by the external source without prior notice to Sondex Wireline Ltd.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 1. Overview
1 OVERVIEW
The Sondex WEST (Well Entry Simulation Tool) software models the forces present in wireline and
downhole tools during a logging job. This allows the accurate prediction of cable tensions at the surface
and the cable head and identifies operational safety limits.
WEST is an essential planning and job control tool for any wireline intervention. The software accuracy
has been confirmed by comparison of the calculations with real data acquired from actual jobs in highly
deviated and horizontal wells.
Simulation models can be validated by comparison of predictions with actual cable tension and head
tension measured during a job. WEST provides displays that combine simulated and actual job data to
allow direct comparison between the two sets of data. Job data can be imported in real time or post job.
Data is saved in a project file to provide a permanent job record for future reference.
In highly deviated wells, the software predicts whether wireline tractor assistance is required. The depth
to which the tools will free-fall under gravity is calculated as well as the tractor forces required to reach
the target depth. Actual tractor load data can be imported for comparison with the simulated data. See
Figure 1-1 for an example of a comparison display.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 1. Overview
Tractor weight, total length, length of longest rigid section and outside diameter.
Tractor maximum pull.
1.2 Calculations
Cable surface pull while pulling out of hole (POOH) - The maximum surface cable tension
required to pull out of the hole is compared with the cable pull limit.
Cable stretch.
Cable surface pull while running in the hole (RIH).
Cable head tension while running in the hole.
Net free fall force when running in the hole - provides an indication of the probability of
maintenance of free fall at each depth and the likelihood that tractor assistance would be
required.
Cable surface pull required to break the cable head weak point. Calculations are made for
the weak point nominal rating and for the upper and lower tolerance limits.
Stretch - cable stretch at surface when the weak point breaking limit pull is applied.
Stretch gradient - cable stretch per 1000lbs surface pull with the tool assumed stuck.
Comparison with the actual stretch gradient gives an indication of tool stuck depth.
Free fall depth - the depth at which free fall descent under gravitational assistance ceases
and tractor assistance is required.
Tractor load - the maximum tractor load required to reach the target depth is compared
with the tractor load limit.
Tractor head tension - cable drag behind the tractor. Equates to tractor head tension
measurement.
Maximum speed while running in the hole, for instance, the velocity at which the net tool
and cable weight is balanced by pipe friction and fluid drag.
Tool and cable lift - all calculations include adjustments for cable speed, well pressure and
well fluid flow effects.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 1. Overview
1.3 Outputs
Calculations are plotted against measured depth (for example, depth along hole). Graphs are organised
into four types of view as follows.
Completion View
Scenario Views
A display panel summaries the calculations for each scenario. The panel can be moved around the
screen or turned off to optimise presentation.
The display includes also a notification of warnings of certain conditions which could potentially affect
the feasibility to do safe wire line operations with the selected equipment in the given well conditions.
Refer to Section 3.3, Calculations & Outputs for details.
Calculations can be output in a tabular form to an Microsoft Excel file or to a text file.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 1. Overview
1.4.1 SCENARIOS
Various scenarios can be created and saved for future reference. The user can create any number of
scenarios based on selected equipment data and well condition parameters. For example: Scenario A
could model an intervention through the use of a 7/32 cable and Scenario B could model the same job
through the use of a 5/16 cable, while other scenarios can repeat these with different tool weights.
To assess the risk factors expected for the job, expected and worst case scenarios can be modelled and
compared. For example the cable friction factor can be modelled at an optimistic 0.2 for one scenario
and a pessimistic 0.3 for another. Refer to Section 8, Warrior Remote for friction factor information.
For each scenario, the calculations can be confined to a selected maximum depth of interest, rather than
along the entire length of the well.
Actual cable tension recorded during a job can be overlaid with the tension curves calculated for that job.
This feature allows friction factors to be adjusted to optimise the fit between the measured data and
predicted curves, to provide improved friction values for later use in similar well conditions.
First, a scenario is set up through the use of the relevant equipment and well parameters for the job. The
measured data can then be imported in real time or via a text file after the run has been completed.
The real time option allows friction parameters to be optimised as the job progresses. The predicted data
provides a reference against which real data can be compared and anomalous loads can be identified
immediately.
Actual tractor loads recorded during a job can be overlaid with the tractor load curves calculated for that
job.
Real time data can be imported from either the Sondex MuleDriver or Sonde DECT applications that
run concurrently with WEST.
WEST provides a report in Portable Document Format (PDF). This includes the graphical displays and
summarises assumptions and results. To display the report, Acrobat Reader must be installed on the
PC (refer to Section 2.1, System Requirements).
Data for each well is saved in a project file (extension.wel). The project file stores:
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 1. Overview
This provides a complete and permanent wireline intervention record for the well. Jobs run at a future
date can be added to a current project file.
Cable specifications are stored in a cable library (WEST.cbl). WEST includes an editor that allows the
library to be customised to include commonly used cables.
Normally, well survey data is imported from a text file that contains depth, deviation and azimuth
information.
The full version of WEST is protected with an HASP dongle (hardware key). In the absence of a dongle,
WEST will not run. However, the user has the option to install the WEST_Viewer program as well as or
instead of the full version of WEST. The WEST_Viewer does not require a dongle and allows the user to
view current WEST files. Data editing is disabled.
Dongles are available from Sondex. The current Sondex HASP dongles can be upgraded to support
WEST in addition to other Sondex software.
1.4.10 HELP
This manual is shipped with the WEST installation package and is installed in the Sondex WEST/Help
folder. The manual can be accessed from within the WEST application by selection of Help>User
Manual from the main menu, or click on the toolbar. Acrobat Reader must be installed on the PC
(refer to Section 2.1, System Requirements).
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
2 TO GET STARTED
The report feature requires Acrobat Reader version 8.0 or later be installed on the PC (available from
www.adobe.com/reader).
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 SETUP
Administrator privileges are required to install WEST. Run the WEST_Setup program to start the
installation. The user is given the option to install the Full program, the Viewer only or both.
2.2.2 SECURITY
A Sondex HASP hardware security key (Dongle) is required to run the full version of WEST. The Viewer
version does not require a dongle, but only current WEST files can be opened and it is not possible to edit
well details nor create or edit scenarios.
The SafeNet Sentinel Runtime Environment, which contains the drivers for the HASP keys, must be
installed separately where it is not present already on the PC.
Note: When you double-click on a WEST project file, it will be opened in either the full version of WEST or the
Viewer, whichever was used last.
The cable library (WEST.cbl) will be loaded and a blank screen will be displayed.
When the cable library file cannot be found, the user will be prompted to navigate to the file or
alternatively accept the default library.
When the application has been loaded successfully, the empty document screen is displayed as shown
below.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
To open the file, select File>Open (Ctrl-O) in the menu or click the Open File button on the toolbar.
Alternatively, the file can be opened without first starting the WEST application. Navigate to the file and
double-click the file icon.
When any scenario includes a cable that is not already in the cable library then that cable will be added
automatically to the library.
Calculations are made once the file has been read successfully and the various views are available
immediately for inspection.
The Well Data view is displayed when the file opens (see Figure 2-2). To select a particular view click on
the appropriate tab underneath the main toolbar or use Control+arrow keys.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
The Well Data view presents the well trajectory in both tabular and graphic formats. The Well Data view
for the WEST_Demo project is shown in Figure 2-2.
Various views can be selected through the use of the controls on the right hand panel:
3-D view.
Aerial view.
East- West section.
North-South section.
To rotate the 3-D view, click on the arrows on the right panel (see image to the
right). Use the left and right arrows to initiate rotation around the vertical axis. Use
the up and down arrows to initiate rotation around the horizontal axis. To stop the
rotation, click on any arrow or click on the well view area.
Click on the square box (in the centre of the arrows) to reset the view to the default
orientation.
The right panel lists also the coordinates of the bottom of the well and the
maximum deviation and curvature.
When the mouse moves over the well centre line on the graphic, details at that particular point in the well
are displayed in the yellow label as shown in Figure 2-2.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
The Well Graphs view for the WEST_DEMO project is shown below. This view displays the deviation vs
measured depth graph, aerial view and sectional views.
The Completion view for the WEST_DEMO project is shown in Figure 2-4. This view includes the 2-D
completion diagram and a plot of well curvature vs. depth (red curve).
At any point in a well where the well curvature is non-zero, there is a maximum rigid tool length that can
physically pass that point (for example, there is a limit to the longest tool length that can pass that point
without the toolstring bending). The maximum rigid tool length decreases as:
The maximum rigid tool length is plotted vs. depth for each scenario (blue curves). Separate curves will
appear only when individual scenarios have different tool diameters as shown in Figure 2-4.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
A panel displays information about well curvature limits and dogleg warnings. The panel can be moved
around the screen to optimise the display.
When the mouse cursor is positioned over any of the curves a label is displayed that contains details
about the curve data at that point in the well (as shown in the plot in Figure 2-4).
The Completion view is plotted up to a maximum depth of interest selected for the various scenarios.
The WEST_DEMO project includes a scenario labelled A: WEST DEMO job. Refer to Section 3, Work With
Scenarios for more details.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
WEST generates a report in Portable Document Format (PDF). Refer to Section 6, Report Generation for
details.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
When the new project is created and a new scenario (labelled A: Scenario A) is created also based on a
default set of equipment and well parameters. Refer to Section 3, Work With Scenarios for more
information.
WEST will import either space or tab delimited text files, with or without a header line and three columns
of data arranged in this order:
The data must not have unit labels. You can use unit labels in the header line for reference, but WEST
does not use the header line information.
Numerical data must use '.' for decimal places and there must be no ',' separators.
The depth units can be either metres or feet. Both deviation and azimuth units must be degrees.
When azimuth data is not available then create a third column filled with zeros. The software will then
assume the well trajectory lies in a North-South plane. When the actual well trajectory departs
significantly from a single plane, the calculation accuracy will diminish.
Depth data MUST increase continuously from top to bottom. WEST will insert a zero depth line when
there is none in the text file. When the difference between any depth and the previous depth is less than
10 depth units, then the data at that depth will be disregarded, unless it is the last depth in the list.
Click the button labelled Import Survey Data or select File>Import Well Survey Data
(Ctrl+I).
Navigate to the text file you wish to import and then select OK.
When prompted select the correct depth unit for the imported data.
After validation, the data is imported and loaded into the Well Survey Data Grid.
True vertical depth and offsets are calculated and displayed in the Well Survey Data Grid and the well
diagram is drawn, with the default pipe size used.
For a new file, well completion data is entered manually as described in Section 2.5.3, Enter and Edit
Completion Data.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
It is possible to correct the depth unit of the imported data after the data has been imported. To do this,
click the appropriate button in the Depth Units box.
When the Well Survey Data file is not available, then the survey data can be entered manually.
Once the manual data entry has been initiated, the import data option is disabled and it is NOT possible
to go back.
Enter the wellhead TVD, the North and the East bearings on the edit form and then click Apply.
For slant wells, the Deviation and well Azimuth can be edited also.
The well trajectory is recalculated each time new data is added and the well diagram is updated.
To edit a current row of data, either double-click on the row or first highlight the row and then click the
Edit button. The Edit form is displayed. Edit the data and click Apply.
To delete a current data row, first highlight the row then either press the delete key or click the Delete
button.
When the lists are available for true vertical depth (E-W and N-S offsets and well curvature) confirm these
agree closely with the WEST calculated values. There can be some minor differences dependant on the
calculation method.
Click on the Well Graphs tab (Ctrl->) to view the well trajectory in more detail.
Click on the Completion tab (Ctrl->) and review the well curvature profile.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
Only the internal diameter of the completion string is entered, this parameter is most relevant to plan well
intervention. The external diameter is not used.
Click the Edit Completion button below the Well Completion Data frame to display the completion
data entry form as shown in Figure 2-7.
When a new file is created, the software creates a single completion element from surface to Total Depth
(TD) with a default pipe size.
To edit a completion element, first select the element in the grid and then click the Add/Edit button.
The edit boxes will then be enabled and the button caption changes from Add/Edit to Apply, as
shown in Figure 2-7.
To change the completion element ID or the description, enter the new values in the text boxes. To assist
data entry, the completion data entry form includes a library of typical pipe sizes as shown in Figure 2-7.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 2. To Get Started
To use the pipe library, select the required pipe type, size and weight. The selected pipe ID and description
are copied into the text edit boxes. Once the edit boxes have been updated, click the Apply button to
add the data to the project.
To add a new completion element, select an adjacent or similar element in the list and click the Add/
Edit button. Enter the top and bottom depth in the edit boxes and enter the ID and description as above
and then click the Apply button. The new element will be inserted automatically at the correct position
in the list.
To remove a completion element, first select the element in the list and then click the Remove button.
The depth of adjacent elements will be adjusted automatically to maintain depth continuity.
Enter the operator and the well name in the appropriate boxes.
Use the comments box to add any notes about the well or the logging program that you wish to attach to
the project file.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
3.1 Overview
The user can create any number of scenarios based on selected equipment data and well condition
parameters. A new view is created for each scenario. Scenario views are labelled automatically as
Scenario A, B, C, etc. or the user can enter a meaningful description (for example, PLT shut in, PLT choke
nn, etc.). The view below shows the WEST DEMO JOB scenario from the WEST_DEMO project.
In this example, WEST detects that tractor assistance is required and the tractor details edit boxes are
included in the equipment parameter panel.
This view has three sub-tabs labelled Equipment, Well Status and Field Data. Click on the
respective tab to display Equipment, Well Status and Field Data entry forms. Alternatively use the
Alt+arrow keys. Use these forms to enter parameters specific to this scenario.
When there is more than one scenario in a project, the All Scenarios tab appears. Click this tab to
view the All Scenarios view where the curves from all individual scenarios are displayed in a single view
as shown below. To create this view in the demo project, first make a copy of the WEST DEMO JOB
scenario and change for example the cable type in the copied scenario.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
There are two Calculation modes: Auto and Manual. The Calculation mode can be selected from
Menu>Calculation, from the toolbar icon or from the right-click drop down menu in the Scenario
view.
For example, to review rapidly the effect of a change to cable friction, highlight the cable contact friction
parameter list box and use the mouse wheel or keyboard direction arrows to run through a range of
values in the list.
In Manual mode, the calculations are not updated until the user elects to do so. When a parameter is
changed, a message is displayed in the information panel to indicate that calculations wait to be
completed. To perform the calculation, click in the information panel, press the F9 key or switch to Auto
mode. Manual mode is useful when machine process speed is slow or when there are a large number of
well data points that increase the time to process.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Click the Equipment tab at the left side of the view or use the ALT+arrow keys.
Enter the equipment data as shown and select the appropriate unit from the drop down boxes.
Fig3.3 - Equipment
Parameters.jpg
a. Scenario Description
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
3.2.2.1 Procedure
Enter data and select the appropriate unit from the drop down boxes as follows:
Note: The letter between square brackets [ ] refers to the parameters shown in Figure 3-3 above.
3 [c] Select the cable type from the drop down list. When the required cable is not in the list, then
first use the cable library to enter the cable information. Refer to Section 6, Report Generation.
4 [d] Select the cable safety limit from the list. This is the maximum
WEST Job
allowed cable pull expressed as a percentage of the breaking strain of a
Scenario - Display
new cable. The maximum allowed safe cable pull is displayed below the
Units switch.jpg
list box. The value of the Display Units (lbs or kg) can be changed at
the top of the *.wel display (see image to the right).
Note: The Display Units dialog box is used also to change between metres (m) and feet (ft) for the length/
depth measurement.
5 [e] Select the nominal rating for the downhole weak point. This action will turn on the cable
safe pull curve display where it was previously turned off. An error message is displayed when
the selected weak point value is less than the tool weight.
6 [f] Select the % weak point tolerance from the list. This is the expected range of break point
values above and below the nominal rating entered in [e]. This action will turn on the cable safe
pull curve display where it was previously turned off. An error message is displayed when the
upper limit of the weak point exceeds the safe cable pull.
7 [g] Friction parameters can be assigned to either the entire well or selected zones in the well.
Select the required zone from the drop list to view the friction parameters for that zone.
8 [h] To either add or delete zones, click the Zone Edit button to display the Zone Set up dialog
(see Figure 3-4). The dialog can be used to edit friction parameters for current zones. This can
be done also from the side panel.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Select a zone from the list and click the Add/Edit button to enable the From and To Edit boxes. The
Edit boxes show the zone selected currently on the list. Enter the start and the end depth to add new
zones or to edit current zones. Select the friction values from the drop down lists for the zone and click
Apply to accept changes.
Enter the start depth and the end depth to edit the current zones and to add new zones.
Select the friction values from the drop down lists and enter a value for debris resistance when
applicable. The tractor friction is not shown where the calculations indicate that tractor assistance is not
required to deploy the tools into the well.
The dialog box can be used to edit friction parameters for zones that exist. This can be done also from the
side panel. as follows:
Note: Alternatively, Steps [i] to [n] can be completed through the use of the Zone Set Up dialog [h] (refer to Step
8).
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
9 [i] Select values for the contact friction coefficient between the cable and the pipe in the
selected zone [g] (refer to Step 7).
10 [j] Select values for the contact friction coefficient between the tools and the pipe in the
selected zone [g] (refer to Step 7).
11 [k] Select values for the contact friction coefficient between the tractor and the pipe in the
selected zone [g] (refer to Step 7). This option is not shown where the calculations indicate that
tractor assistance is not required.
12 [l] Select values for the fluid drag factors for the cable.
13 [m] Select values for the fluid drag factors for the toolstring.
Note: The fluid drag friction factor is a dimensionless factor used to scale the lift forces that arise from the
relative motion between the well fluids, the cable and the toolstring. Flow calculations are complex and
accuracy depends on detailed knowledge of many factors such as cable roughness, tool roughness,
toolstring make up, fluid viscosity and flow distribution. In most cases this data is not available and
average values have to be assumed. Rather than ask the user to enter values for a variety of parameters,
WEST uses a set of standard internally-coded parameters but allows the user to fine tune these values
through a single parameter.
The fluid drag friction factor is normalised so that a value of 1 is typical of the fluid drag expected for
with a smooth uniform cylinder immersed in water.
A higher value will be required (for example) for increased well fluid viscosity or where the toolstring
makeup departs significantly from a smooth cylinder.
14 [n] When applicable, enter a value for resistance that arises from debris in the selected zone [g]
(refer to Step 7). This parameter is used (typically) to fit simulated tractor load values to actual
tractor load values.
15 [o] Enter a value for the friction applied to the cable by the line-wiper and or well pressure
control equipment when pulling out of the hole (POOH). An increase in the line wiper pressure
will (for example) increase the cable tension.
16 [p] Enter a value for the friction applied to the cable by the line-wiper and or well pressure
control equipment when running into the hole (RIH). An increase in the line wiper pressure will
(for example) decrease the cable tension.
17 [q] Select values for the cable speed while pulling out of the hole (POOH). Cable tension
increases as the cable speed increases due to additional fluid drag on the cable and the
toolstring.
18 [r] Select values for the cable speed while running into hole (RIH). Cable tension decreases due
to additional fluid drag holdup on the cable and the toolstring.
19 [s] Click the Show Toolstring Details button to display the toolstring data edit boxes
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
When the calculations indicate that tractor assistance is required to convey the tools to the target depth,
the Tractor Details and the Tool Details data entry boxes are displayed as shown below.
Enter data and select the appropriate unit from the drop down boxes as follows.
Note: The letter between square brackets [ ] refers to the parameters shown above.
3 [c] Enter the maximum continuous load that can be generated by the Tractor. A warning
message is displayed in the information panel when the maximum Tractor load exceeds this
limit.
5 [e] Enter the length of longest rigid section in the Tractor. This is used in the detection of dogleg
limits.
8 [h] Data entry boxes for the selected options will be displayed below the toolstring options box
dependant on the selection made.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Enter data and select the appropriate unit from the drop down boxes as follows.
Note: The letter between square brackets [ ] refers to the parameters shown above.
3 [c] Enter the tool weak point rating when applicable. Alternatively, enter the tensile strength of
the tools. A warning message will be displayed when the rating is exceeded.
5 [e] Enter the length of longest rigid section in the tool. This is used in the detection of dogleg
limits.
Enter details as described above for the Tool Details Chap 3.2.3.3 - Tool
(below tractor) option Details - Above
Tractor.jpg
Refer to Section 3.2.3.2, Tool Details (Below Tractor)
Options Selection.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
f. Number of Geophones
g. Select the connection cable type from the drop down list
h. Safety Factor for selected cable
j. Connection cable pull safety limit
Enter data and select the appropriate unit from the drop down boxes as follows.
Note: The letter between square brackets [ ] refers to the parameters shown above.
7 [g] Select the cable type for the interconnection cable between the individual Geophone units.
When the cable is not found in the list, then first add the cable to the cable library (refer to
Section 5, Cable Editor).
8 [h] Select the cable safety limit from the list. This is the maximum allowed cable pull expressed
as a percentage of the breaking strain of a new cable. The allowed cable pull (expressed in the
selected units of weight) is displayed below the list box.
9 [j] The maximum safe pull load in the value selected in Step 2.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
When the calculations indicate that tractor assistance is Chap 3.2.5 - Toolstring
NOT required, the toolstring options will be as shown. Parameters.jpg
Select the toolstring and enter data as described in
Section 3.2.3.2, Tool Details (Below Tractor) Options
Selection.
Click on the Well Status tab at the left side of the view or use ALT+ arrow keys.
Select the Well Status from one of the four options and enter the well data as shown below and select the
appropriate unit from the drop down boxes.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
b. Wellhead Pressure
c. Downhole Pressure
d. Wellhead Temperature
e. Downhole Temperature
f. Gas Gravity
g. Gas Flow Rate (enter positive value for injector wells)
h. Oil Gravity
i. Oil Flow rate (enter positive value for injector wells)
j. Water Density
k. Water Flow Rate (enter a positive value for injector wells)
Well Pressures [a, b]: When the vertical pressure gradient differs from the standard water pressure
gradient by more than 50%, a warning message is displayed. In a production well, the downhole pressure
must exceed the surface pressure.
Gravity [e, g, i]: Values less than 0.01 are not allowed.
Flow Rates [f, h, j]: Negative value are not allowed. The well status selection determines the flow direction
(for example, up-hole for a Producer or down-hole for an injector).
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
b. Wellhead Pressure
Click the Field Data tab at the left side of the view or use ALT+arrow
keys. Chap 3.2.5 - Field Data
Parameters Selection.jpg
The two grids respectively summarise the cable tension and the tractor
load records stored in the project.
Each line on the grid indicates the recorded Start depth and End depth
and indicates when the display is ON or OFF.
To turn individual record displays on/off, first highlight the record in the
grid and then double-click the highlighted record or click the On/Off
button. When a record is highlighted and turned on, then the related
plot is highlighted also.
The Add button is used to add new records to the project. Refer to
Section 3.2.5.1, Real Time Data Import.
To recalibrate either the cable tension or the tractor load values, enter
revised Gain and Offset values in the appropriate edit boxes.
When the data is noisy, increase the number in the Rolling Average No
edit box to smooth out the curves and improve the presentation. Select
the smallest number that gives an acceptable display.
Six Real Time Data Import links are available to allow cable tension and
tractor records to be imported in real time. The Tractor records can
include head tension data as well as Tractor load.
When an import link is active, data is transferred directly from the data
acquisition software. The imported data is displayed digitally on the
information panel and plotted directly. The data is saved also in the WEST data file (*.wel). Refer to Section
4.2, Import Data In Real Time for details on how to use this feature.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Data values for each depth can be displayed when the mouse cursor is positioned over the curves. In
some cases additional information is displayed.
Running In Hole:
Cable Head Tension Tractoring:
Cable surface tension curve Tractor Load curve
Freefall force curve
The net free fall force is the minimum value of the cable tension or head tension along the length of the
cable. When a zero tension condition occurs, it is assumed that free fall is not possible. The net free fall
force curve and the surface tension curve are only drawn where the tools can free fall.
When the well status is set to Pump Down, the cable head tension is drawn from surface to Total Depth
(TD). For other well status selections, the head tension is plotted only in the tractor (non-free fall) zones.
To read the maximum Run In Hole (RIH) speed, position the mouse cursor over the run in hole curve. This
is the calculated terminal velocity of the toolstring. The terminal velocity is reached when the lift forces
balance the net gravitational force. The maximum speed (mouse pointer over cable tension) is the
terminal velocity of the logging tools.
The curve is plotted from surface to the deepest survey data point.
To read the cable stretch position the mouse cursor over the curve.
3.3.3 TRACTORING
The tractor load and head tension curves are drawn in zones where the tools are not able to free fall.
The curves are plotted from the surface to the deepest survey data point.
The surface breaking pull is the pull required to break the weak point.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
The weak point rating is defined by a nominal value and a tolerance percentage and indicates the
possible range of values about the nominal value.
The tolerance gives rise to a possible range of surface pull values. These are represented by the shade
around the nominal pull as shown in Figure 3-7.
The maximum safe surface pull is represented by a red line, as shown in Figure 3-7.
To read the cable stretch and the stretch gradient, position the mouse cursor over the curves.
Certain conditions that could (potentially) affect the feasibility of wireline operations in the well give rise
to warning notifications. Warning messages are posted on the information panel (red font). When a
warning is in effect, the graph background is coloured. Only messages relevant to the maximum depth of
interest are displayed.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
3.3.6 S UMMARY
1 Free Fall Limit: When this is significantly shallower than the target depth, then tractor
assistance will be required.
2 Peak Cable Pull: The maximum surface cable tension required to pull out of hole expressed as a
percentage of the allowed pull.
3 Peak Tractor Pull: The maximum tractor load required to reach the target depth. This must be
compared with the tractor load rating.
5 Cable Limit: The highest nominal weak point that can be broken when the maximum safe cable
pull is applied at surface. It is assumed the weak point breaks at the upper end of the tolerance
range. When a higher nominal weak point rating is used in practise, it is possible not to break
the weak point and retrieve the cable from the well in the event that the tools become stuck.
To read the calculations at any depth, position the mouse over the appropriate curve at that depth.
To create a list of the calculations for the currently selected Scenario, select File>Export Active
Scenario Output>Excel File (or Text File) from either the main menu or by a right-click on the
Scenario view to display the pop-up menu.
A row of calculations is output for each depth in the Well Survey List.
The Microsoft Excel file for the WEST_DEMO scenario is shown Figure 3-8.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
The panel can be positioned anywhere on the screen to improve the presentation. Position the mouse
inside the box, hold down the left button and move the box to the desired position on the screen. To hide
the panel, click the panel top right hand corner, click the toolbar icon or use Views>Display
Results.
Running in hole:
Cable Head Tension Tractoring:
Cable surface tension curve Tractor Head Tension curve
Freefall force curve
Well completion
profile and TVD
The toolbar has an array of buttons that allow you to select which curves are to be displayed on the
graph.
Click on any of these buttons to toggle the respective curve display on or off in all scenario views.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Individual cable tension and tractor records can be turned ON and OFF. Refer to Section 3.2.5, Field Data
Parameters Selection for more details.
The depth and load display units at the top of the view affects all Scenarios. The Depth Display unit is
independent of the Well Survey Data Depth unit that is selected through the use of the buttons on the
Well Data view. The Depth Display unit will normally be the same as the Well Survey Data Depth unit.
Individual Scenarios can have different depth display ranges. The start and end depth for each scenario
is user selected and the values are saved in the *.wel file.
By default the displayed depth range is from the surface to the depth of maximum interest for the
Scenario.
Use the two list boxes in the Depth Range box at the top of the view to select the start depth and the end
depth.
Alternatively, the start and end limits of the depth display can be shifted by a click on the arrows
displayed below the depth axis.
Use the left pair of arrows to increase/decrease the start depth. One arrow click shifts the start depth by
one increment of the horizontal depth scale. For multiple shifts, hold the left mouse button down
continuously.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Once the arrows are highlighted as shown above, use the keyboard arrow keys to change the start depth
to the next depth on the survey lists.
Click the circle between the arrows to reset the start depth. Use the Shift key to highlight the end depth
arrows as shown below.
Use the right pair of arrows to increase/decrease the end depth. One arrow click shifts the end depth by
one increment of the horizontal depth scale. For multiple shifts, hold the left mouse button down
continuously.
Once the arrows are highlighted as shown above, use the keyboard arrow keys to change the end depth
to the next depth on the survey lists.
Click the circle between the arrows to reset the end depth. Use the ALT+Shift key to highlight the start
depth arrows.
The All Scenarios and Completion views share the same Start depths and End depths. The end depth is
the maximum depth of interest over all the various Scenarios.
The depth range for these views can be adjusted similarly to the procedure described above for the
individual Scenarios. The selected values are saved in the *.wel file.
The control bars can be hidden to display only the graph and the menu.
This is useful when the WEST and the Sondex MuleDriver application are viewed simultaneously while
data is being imported.
This keeps the WEST window on top of the desktop when other applications are active. This is useful
when data is being imported from the Sondex MuleDriver application. When the WEST main window is
maximised this feature is turned off automatically.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 3. Work With Scenarios
Click this toolbar button to create a copy of the current Scenario. When the
Scenario includes imported recorded data, then a form is displayed that gives the
user the option to include some or all of the recorded data.
Alternatively, select Scenarios from the menu or position the mouse pointer over the graph and right-
click to display a menu of equivalent commands.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
Figure 4-1 Tab selection for Scenarios in Equipment Parameters dialog box
Select the Equipment tab and enter an appropriate label in the Scenario Description edit box. Enter
appropriate values for the equipment in use when the record was made.
Select the Well Status tab and enter appropriate values for the well conditions when the record was
made.
The data must be presented in an editable ASCII file format. When necessary, edit manually the file to
comply with the information below:
WEST requires a space or tab delimited text file with or without a header line and with two
columns of data in this order:
Depth Tension_Load
IMPORTANT: The depth unit must be metres. The Tension/Load unit must be lbs.
The data must not have unit labels and must use . for decimal places and there must be no , separators.
Note: Correctly formatted cable and tractor load record files can be created directly by a playback the *.mul
files recorded by the Sondex MULEDriver software. Refer to the Mule-Driver manual MN-MULEWIN for
details.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
Select the Field Data tab at the left side of the job Scenario view as shown in Figure 4-2.
In the displayed dialog box (see below) click the Add button below the Cable Tension Records grid (see
image below). Navigate to the required text file and click OK.
To import tractor data click the Add button below the Tractor Load Records grid (see image below).
Navigate to the required text file and click OK.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
Lines of data will be disregarded when the difference between the current depth and the previous depth
is less than 1 metre and the tension/load difference is less than 20lbs.
Once a file is read, a new line is added to the data grid that identifies the record by the first and last
depths in the file. The data is displayed immediately on the graph.
WEST identifies the cable record direction and colour-codes the curves to match. Compared to the
equivalent calculated curve, the actual curve has a width that is thinner and is coloured darker.
Run in hole (RIH) records are coloured dark green and pulling out of hole (POOH) records are coloured
dark red. Tractor records are coloured dark blue.
Several cable and tractor records can be imported and simultaneously displayed. For example, cable
records running in and pulling out of the hole can be imported from different files.
After the data is imported, save the project file to store the job records data in the project file.
Adjust the gain values and the offsets values to recalibrate the raw data as required.
Select a current scenario or create a new scenario and enter Equipment and Well parameters as
described in Section 3.2.2, Equipment Parameters Selection and Section 3.2.4, Well Parameters
Selection.
Click on the Field Data tab (see Figure 4-1) to display the data import options. The various options are as
follows.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
Use this option when WEST is run on the Warrior Logging system PC. This
Chap 4.2 - Importing
feature requires Warrior version 7 (V7.0 or later). No external port
Data in Real Time -
connections are required.
Warrior Direct V7.jpg
Click the Connect Warrior 7 Direct button to initiate data
transfer.
Cable Tension, Depth and Speed data are transferred directly to the WEST
application.
Confirm that the depth, the cable tension and the speed data displayed
on the scenario information panel is in agreement with the logging
system measurements.
Use the Gain and the Offset edit boxes to recalibrate the cable tension as required.
To close the data link, click again the Connect Warrior 7 Direct button.
Use this option when WEST is run on the Warrior Logging system PC. This
Chap 4.2 - Importing
feature requires Warrior version 8 (V8.0 or later). No external port
Data in Real Time -
connections are required.
Warrior Direct V8.jpg
Click the Connect Warrior 7 Direct button to initiate data
transfer.
Cable Tension, Depth and Speed data are transferred directly to the WEST
application.
Confirm that the depth, the cable tension and the speed data displayed
on the scenario information panel is in agreement with the logging
system measurements.
Use the Gain and the Offset edit boxes to recalibrate the cable tension as required.
To close the data link, click the Connect Warrior 7 Direct button again.
Use this option when WEST is run on a separate PC from the Warrior
Logging System. Chap 4.2 - Importing
Data in Real Time -
Data transfer is made through the use of the Sondex Utility - Remote Warrior Remote -
Datalink, which takes cable tension, depth and speed from Warrior and Remote Data Import
outputs the values on a serial port. Remote Datalink requires a Sondex 01.jpg
Utilities dongle. A null modem cable must be used to connect the two PCs.
Refer to Section 8, Warrior Remote for details.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
Click the Connect Warrior Rem button to display the port selection drop
Chap 4.2 - Importing
down list as shown. The list is populated with serial ports that are
Data in Real Time -
available currently on the PC. A USB serial adapter can be used, but use
Warrior Remote -
only a Sondex approved USB adaptor, otherwise conflicts can arise.
Remote Data Import
Select the COM port and click Start - Open Port. 02.jpg
When data is not being received, click again the button (Close - Port)
button and review the set up to confirm the correct port has been
selected.
Confirm the depth, the cable tension and the speed data are displayed on
the scenario information panel and that it is in agreement with the
logging system measurements.
Use the Gain and the Offset edit boxes to recalibrate the cable tension.
4.2.4 DIU003
Cable depth and tension data are imported from the Sondex Depth
Chap 4.2 - Importing
Interface Unit (DIU003).
Data in Real Time -
Warrior Remote -
Remote Data Import
03.jpg
To initialise the cable depth and to review or edit the Chap 4.2 - Importing
Depth Encoder and the Cable Tension position, click the Data in Real Time -
DIU003 Settings button to display the DIU003 Warrior Remote -
Settings dialog. Remote Data Import
04.jpg
The default values are as shown.
Confirm the cable depth, the cable tension and the cable
speed values displayed on the scenario information panel are in agreement with the logging system
measurements.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
To initialise the cable depth and to review or edit the Depth Encoder and
the Cable Tension positions, click the Smart Monitor button to display Chap 4.2 - Importing
the Smart Monitor Settings dialog. Data in Real Time -
Warrior Remote -
The default values are as shown. Remote Data Import
05.jpg
Edit the values as required and click Connect Smart Mon to effect
changes.
Click the Enable Smart Monitor button to initiate the data transfer.
Confirm the cable depth, the cable tension and the cable speed values
displayed on the scenario information panel are in agreement with the
logging system measurements.
To initialise the cable depth and to review or edit the Depth Encoder and
the Cable Tension positions, click the Mule Driver DECT button to
display the MULE Driver DECT Settings dialog.
Edit the values as required and click Start Record to effect changes.
Click the Enable Mule Driver DECT button to initiate the data
transfer.
Confirm the cable depth, the cable tension and the cable speed values displayed on the scenario
information panel are in agreement with the logging system measurements.
The button will have one of four possible captions as shown in the table below.
MuleDriver/DECT i runs and acquires data but the WEST link has not been
initiated by the user.
Start Record The MuleDriver/DECT Link is active but data is not being recorded (imported).
Stop Record The MuleDriver/DECT data is being imported by the current scenario.
Link in Use The MuleDriver/DECT data is being imported by another scenario as indicated by
the Link On icon.
Click Start Record and Cable Tension, Depth and Speed Data will be transferred directly to the WEST
application.
Confirm the depth, the cable tension and the speed data are displayed on the scenario information panel
and that it is in agreement with the logging system measurements.
Use the Gain and the Offset edit boxes to recalibrate the cable tension values.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
MuleDriver also transfers Tractor and load data. Additionally, with Version 2.63 or later, the Head Tension
acquired by the Tractor is transferred also to WEST.
Use the Gain and Offset edit boxes to recalibrate the Tractor load values.
4.2.7 GENERAL
This scenario is identified by the Link On icon on the view selection tab as shown in Figure 4-3.
To import data into a different scenario, the data transfer must first be turned off for the Link On
scenario.
Current depth and deviation are displayed on the information panel to confirm that data is being
transferred. In addition, either:
Recalibrated cable tension (or tractor load) as well as raw imported data are displayed. The display units
are the units selected for the current scenario.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 4. Add Cable and Tractor Records to a Project
When a live data link is active, a red centre line shows the
current position of the toolstring in the Well Data view as in
Figure 4-4 below. The panel displays the imported data.
Under any of these circumstances the current record will be closed automatically, entered in the field
data grid (as shown in Section 3.2.5, Field Data Parameters Selection) and the project is saved. The
record is identified in the field data grid by the start depths and the stop depths.
Once a record is saved and added to the grid, the display can be turned on/off as required or deleted
from the project.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 5. Cable Editor
5 CABLE EDITOR
The Cable Editor allows data in the cable library to be modified or updated to include commonly used
cables.
To run the cable editor, click the button on the toolbar. This will display the Cable Library as shown in
Figure 5-1.
New cables can be entered or the data for current cables can be modified or deleted. A cable that is
selected currently in any scenario as the main cable or as a Geophone connection cable cannot be
removed from the library. A warning message is displayed.
The cable library file WEST.cbl is updated automatically when a change is made. The old library file is
renamed and can be recovered when required.
When a cable is selected for a Scenario, the cable data is saved along with other Scenario parameters in
the project (*.wel) file.
When a current *.wel file is opened, the software confirms that all the cables used in the Scenarios stored
in that file are already in the cable library. When any cable does not exist in the library, then it is added
automatically.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 6. Report Generation
6 REPORT GENERATION
To display the Report view, select the Report tab. WEST automatically creates a portable document file
(PDF) that is displayed in an Acrobat Reader window as shown in Figure 6-1. A prior requisite is that
Acrobat Reader (version 8.0 or later) is installed on the PC. Available from www.adobe.com/reader.
After an update to the comments, click Update Report to include the comments in the report.
Comments are saved in the WEST file.
To include a user logo in the report, navigate to the Sondex WEST/Logo folder and replace any current
jpeg files with the user logo (jpeg). Click Update Report to refresh the report.
Alternatively, to remove the logo from the report, remove all jpeg files from the folder and click Update
Report to refresh the report.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 6. Report Generation
Header Page: Well details, well 3-D view and user information.
The orientation of the well view corresponds to the orientation set up for
the Well Data view (refer to Section 2.4, Open a Project File that Exists).
Simulation Overview: User Comments.
Data Plot Summary: Index to plots.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 7. Hints & Tips
Because these factors are job specific, the appropriate cable friction values for use in a particular well are
generally based on empirical measurements previously made in similar well conditions.
WEST provides a method to measure cable friction by a match of simulated data with recorded cable
tension data as follows.
Experience has shown that cable friction is generally between 0.2 and 0.3. In dry gas wells, values as high
as 0.4 are possible. When the well fluids are doped with a friction reduction agent, then the cable friction
can be less than 0.10. The cable friction value can have a significant effect on the cable tension and the
tractor load calculations, particularly in long reach wells.
In the absence of any prior knowledge, it is good practice to commence a model with a worst case value.
Set up a WEST scenario for the job and find the highest cable friction factor that can be tolerated without
the equipment ratings being exceeded. Warning messages are displayed when the ratings are exceeded.
When this worst-case friction value is greater than the typical values suggested above, then the job is
feasible. When the value falls within the range of typical friction values then there is a risk the job cannot
be completed successfully or the target depth has to be reduced.
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Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 7. Hints & Tips
The cable friction factor value can be refined during a job by adjustment of the value to match the WEST
simulation with the actual cable tension measurements while running in hole. This procedure allows
tension measurements in the deviated section to be extrapolated to the horizontal section and provides
an advance warning when cable or tractor ratings are likely to be exceeded.
Friction reduction rollers must be used wherever possible. With the use of low friction roller centralisers,
tool friction factors of 0.10 or less can be achieved. In high angle and horizontal wells, low tool friction can
increase significantly the free fall depth, decrease the operation time and reduce the tractor loads.
WEST provides a method to measure tool friction by a match of simulated data with recorded cable
tension data as follows.
In the first instance, create a scenario that uses a small (for example, 7/32) diameter cable. When no
warnings are posted then this would be the cable of choice.
In extended reach wells, cable friction reduces the cable pull that can be transmitted to the head possibly
to the extent that there is insufficient pull available to break the weak point. In this case, a cable with a
higher breaking strength will be required. Alternatively a releasable weak point can be used.
Consideration must be given also to the higher Pull Out of Hole (POOH) tension that results from the use
of a larger diameter (heavier) cable relative to pull limit specification on surface equipment.
In horizontal wells where tractor assistance is required, tractors must overcome tool and cable frictional
forces. Cable friction depends in turn on the cable linear weight and the length of cable behind the tractor
and so increases continuously as the tractor progresses along the well. It is good practice to use the
smallest (lightest) possible cable to minimise the tractor load. The use of smaller diameter cables
increases the tractor range and increases the net tractor force available to overcome unexpected
obstacles such as sand or other well debris.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 7. Hints & Tips
The effective tool weight in the horizontal section of the well is zero. When pulling out of a horizontal well,
the cable tension often increases up-hole because the net tool weight increases as the deviation
decreases. This means that the peak cable pull does not always occur at total depth (TD).
When tractoring in highly deviated wells, the net tool weight assists the tractor and so reduces the
required tractor force. When the deviation exceeds 90 deg, the tractor must overcome the net tool
weight. In horizontal sections, because the effective tool weight is zero and the tractor must overcome
tool friction only. Tool friction is generally significantly less than tool weight. For example the force
needed to push a 500lb toolstring is typically 50lbs to 100lbs. Tool friction is typically 0.1 when roller
centralisers are used.
Because the weak point rating must exceed safely the tool weight, any increase in tool weight increases
the lower practical limit for the cable weak point.
The curves will be offset due to the surface friction that arises from the well control equipment.
In the vertical section of the well, the cable and the tool friction factor have little effect.
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WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 7. Hints & Tips
The toolstring can be pushed up the well (blown up the hole) relative to the cable.
The cable can be expelled from the well with severe consequences.
Surface roughness.
Fluid velocity.
Viscosity.
Density.
An accurate calculation of the lift force at any point in the well requires detailed knowledge of the
respective properties, quantities and flow rates of oil, water and gas at that point. This information can be
complex particularly in multi-phase horizontal wells and in most cases is not available.
WEST estimates the flow regime at any depth by conversion of the surface production data back to the
well conditions at that depth and then uses these results to estimate the lift force. Until further
experience is gained, the WEST lift calculations must be used with caution.
Copyright 1999 - 2015 Sondex Wireline Limited - All rights reserved. Proprietary Information
Document: MN-WEST Revision: J Created: 27 March 2015 7-4
WEST
Well Entry Simulation Tool Chapter 8. Warrior Remote
8 WARRIOR REMOTE
Cable tension, speed and data can be imported from Warrior when it runs on another PC.
Remote Datalink is a Sondex Utility that takes depth, speed and line tension from Warrior and outputs
the values on a serial port. Remote Datalink requires a Sondex Utilities dongle.
A null modem cable must be used to connect the Warrior PC to the WEST PC. There are two versions of
Remote Datalink in use:
Copyright 1999 - 2015 Sondex Wireline Limited - All rights reserved. Proprietary Information
Document: MN-WEST Revision: J Created: 27 March 2015 8-1
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GE Oil & Gas
Drilling & Surface
GE Oil & Gas
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GU14 0FG
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www.geoilandgas.com/downholetechnology
www.ge.com/oilandgas
GE reserves the right to make changes in specifications or add improvements at any time without notice or obligation.
Copyright 1999 - 2015 Sondex Wireline Limited - All rights reserved. Proprietary Information