Perforating

Revision
Original

Revision
Date
July 1, 2009

Author/Reviser
E Coludrovich

Contributors/Reviewers

Table of Contents
Perforating .......................................................................................................... 1
Introduction......................................................................................................... 3
Well Control ........................................................................................................ 3
Extreme overbalanced ...................................................................................... 3
Overbalanced.................................................................................................... 4
Balanced ........................................................................................................... 4
Underbalanced.................................................................................................. 4
Dynamic underbalance ..................................................................................... 5
Deployment ......................................................................................................... 5
Formation Damage and Cleanup ....................................................................... 8
Perforation Geometry Considerations .............................................................. 9
Charge type selection ...................................................................................... 10
QA QC ................................................................................................................ 11
Safety ................................................................................................................. 12
Firing Systems .................................................................................................. 13
Tubing Pressure Activated .............................................................................. 13
Annular Pressure Activated............................................................................. 13
Mechanical Impact (Drop Bar) ........................................................................ 13
Electrically Activated ....................................................................................... 13
Retrievable Slickline Firing Head .................................................................... 14
Module 2 Perforating Procedures ................................................................ 14
Wireline Conveyed Perforating ....................................................................... 14
Casing Guns Run in Overbalance ................................................................... 14
Through Tubing Perforating ............................................................................ 15
Tubing Conveyed Perforating ......................................................................... 17
Appendix 1 - Over or Under Balance Perforating Calculation ...................... 21
Appendix 2 - TCP Perforating Schematic ....................................................... 22
Appendix 3 - Sample Pill Recipes ................................................................... 23
Appendix 4 - Acronyms.................................................................................... 24

INTRODUCTION
The primary purpose for perforating is to provide a connection between the
wellbore and the formation, that is to say a way to penetrate casing and cement
to provide reservoir communication. Below are some issues that should be
considered before selecting the perforation charge and technique.
The goals for perforating can also include:

Optimizing inflow performance

Minimizing skin effects
Maximizing sand-free rate
Minimizing reduction in formation integrity

The factors affecting perforation method selection usually include:

Sand control / Sand management

Cost (guns and rig)
Reservoir fluids and completion fluid
Production rates expectation
Reservoir parameters (such as formation strength etc.)
Method reliability
Rig influence, logistical consideration, and operational risk
Safety and environmental impact, etc.

WELL CONTROL
When perforating well control should always be kept in the forefront of the design
process. Remember, this process will bring hydrocarbons into the wellbore
potentially destabilizing hydraulic well control. The following is a short description
of the most common perforating scenarios and the various hydraulic influences
associated with each.

EXTREME OVERBALANCED
This technique can be performed with EL, TCP or CT guns and is typically used
in tighter formations where a short set of near well hydraulic fractures could
improve well connectivity. The expectation is that upon perforating the formation
will instantly fracture allowing whatever is in the wellbore to be blown into the
reservoir in such a manner as to improve the connectivity between the inside of
the well bore and the formation. If all goes as planned, there will also be some
stimulation benefits.
One method is to pressure up on the tubing well above formation fracture
pressure prior to detonating the perforation charges. Be aware that this technique
may result in exceeding the casing/tubing burst at surface for deeper wells.
Safety calculations should always be performed to insure this is not an issue.

A second method of achieving this result is to use a downhole multiplier (such as

solid rocket fuel) that ignites with perforating.
These methods are sometimes coupled with a gravel (sand) slurry that is
pumped or otherwise placed immediately upon perforating in the near well
formation fractures that are created.

OVERBALANCED
This technique is usually used when there is no pipe in the hole to circulate out
an influx of formation fluids. Sometimes this is done in conjunction with a kill pill
on bottom (solids laden with a cross-linked polymer). For example, when
perforating with casing guns on wireline one does not want to be facing a gas
kick while pulling out of the hole with the cable. It can be used with any
conveyance method.
It is important if possible to have clear completion fluid in the well to minimize
formation damage. An issue with overbalanced perforating is increased likelihood
of ineffective perforations due to plugging or a crush zone loss of permeability.
When the perforations are formed a compaction or crushed zone is formed along
the edge of the perforation tunnel. As a rule of thumb the permeability
associated with the crushed zone is 30% of formation permeability. Combine
this with a solids laden fluid and the resulting damage can become significant.
Note that this method compared to the other perforating techniques, all other
things being equal, results in the most amount of ineffective perforations.

BALANCED
This technique is usually used when perforating via wireline. This method
minimizes the risk of wireline guns blown being up the hole. Note when shooting
in multiple stages that even if the first set of perforations are shot under balanced
all subsequent perforation will be shot balanced.

UNDERBALANCED
This technique is frequently used in conjunction with sand control operations.
The advantage of this technique is the potential for removal of some if not most
the crushed rock debris in the perforation tunnel, which results from the
detonation event. It is important to remember that well control is necessary after
the perforating event; therefore, a fluid loss pill of some type is needed to seal off
the perforation tunnel immediately after the detonation of the shape charges.
The formulation of the fluid loss pill is critical to minimize the potential for
formation damage to the perforation tunnel. Fluid loss pills are discussed in a
following section.

DYNAMIC UNDERBALANCE
Conventional static underbalance perforating is believed to clean up the
perforation tunnel as a result of the surge flow from the reduction in near wellbore
pressure. Research has shown that fluctuations in the wellbore pressure
immediately after the perforating event are more important to the clean up of the
perforation. Testing shows that application of these dynamic wellbore pressures
does indeed help to clean up the perforation tunnels better than conventional
underbalance practices. The process uses custom shape charges, and fit-forpurpose gun configurations. Modeling by the service provider is required to
optimize the process.
Nodal analysis programs (e.g. WEM or Prosper or Net Tools) should be run to
evaluate the sensitivity of perforation geometry to inflow performance.
Perforation core test results provide more accurate charge performance
geometry if available. Post completion comparison using nodal analysis should
be run to develop a normalized model for future production planning.
Note: API Shape Charge performance data does not reflect actual performance in
field applications. The only true way to find out the performance of a particular
shape charge for your application is to conduct a Section II (stress rock) test
using the shape charge and actual field core or rock sample with similar
Unconfined Compressive Strength. Some service providers have programs that
predict actual shape charge performance. However, the data used in the
programs may not be from stressed rock tests, which can result in optimistic
predictions.

DEPLOYMENT
Perforating gun deployment can be made in different ways:

Wireline
Casing guns
Through tubing guns
Coiled tubing
Tubing conveyed

True casing gun (run in the/part of casing) will not be discussed.

Comparison of Perforating Methods
Casing Guns
Through Tubing
Tubing Conveyed
Guns
Guns
Strength

Easy to correlate
Large charges
Low cost
Good phasing
Proof of gun
firing

Cheap
No formation
damage
Easy to correlate
Safe as well as
wellheads may be

High shot density

Large OD small
clearance leads to
good charge
performance
High strength for

Doesnt require
rig

in placedeployed
under well
pressure
Well can be put on
production
Immediately
No long exposure
of charges to
hostile well
environment

long perf
assembly
Can use full size
charges
Good phasing
Well can be put
on production
Immediately
Perforate long
intervals in one
run
Good for highly
deviated or
horizontal wells

CASING GUNS
Weakness

Where to Use

Operating
Hints

Underbalance
may cause gun
to jump, leading
to fishing
problems; may
only be used on
first run in hole
Guns and
wireline can be
lost in the hole
Length of gun
limited by
wireline strength
Usually run in
kill fluid which
may cause
formation
damage
Port plugs may
come loose and
stick the gun
Wells which
always need
stimulation
For multiple
zones that are
far apart
Thin zones less
than 1 m which
must be
accurately
perforated
Use a surge
disk in the
tubing string to
simulate
underbalance

THROUGH TUBING
GUNS

Small charge size

Poor phasing
No rig required to
pull tubing
Multiple guns
required for long
intervals

TUBING
CONVEYED GUNS

Good productivity
wells with
production
restrictions
Re-perforating of
sweet wells
Low budget wells

Use a decentralizer
to reduce clearance
and improve
penetration

Most expensive
Depth correlation
is difficult
Must drop guns
for stimulation or
logging requires
more rathole
Requires rig
Long exposure of
charges to hostile
well environment
Must retrieve
entire assembly if
gun misfires
Cannot tell how
many charges
fired until gun is
retrieved

Deviated wells
Long intervals
Wells that flow
strong
immediately after
perforating
For multiple zones
that are close
together

If you must swab

to get an
underbalance, be
sure there is a
No-Go profile to
catch the swab
bar if the line fails
Avoid hydraulic
set packers if
space out is
difficult

There are several types of firing heads available for detonating the guns:

Electrically fired

Mechanical drop bar activated

Hydraulic pressure activated

Auto shoot/release mechanical

Wireline conveyed perforating guns are run with a gamma ray/caliper log for
depth control and are generally electrically detonated. Tubing conveyed
perforating can be pressure or mechanically activated. Prior to perforating, the
completion string and completion fluid should be free of debris. Perforating
procedures using coiled tubing has been extensively employed to fully take
advantage of perforating long intervals underbalanced and possibly in high angle
or horizontal wells. Tubing conveyed perforating strings should be drifted on
running in the hole. Other options of detonating perforating guns are electrically
safe systems, slickline deployed and time delay systems.
Shaped charge jet perforation is the most common form of material used to
create holes in the casing and formation. It is also the most effective method.
Liners of the shaped charge are made of bonded or sintered copper or other
ductile metal. Deep penetrating (greater penetration depth) liners are conical
and made from mixtures of powdered metals. Big hole (larger entry hole) liners
are usually made with thin wrought sheet metals formed to a parabolic shape.
Charge weight determines how much energy is available to crush rock. The liner
design focuses the energy.

FORMATION DAMAGE AND CLEANUP

The penetration process damages rock around the perforation tunnel. The
crushed, compacted or damaged zone is a to -in. thick layer surrounding the
tunnel wall. The so-called crushed zone is of non-uniform thickness. Some
Big Hole charges may cause damage layers of approximately one inch.
Permeability of the crushed zone can be 10 to 40% of the native permeability
value.
*Wells can be perforated with underbalanced pressure followed by a production
surge to remove some of the damage due to the perforating process. In recent
years, some advanced perforating techniques have been developed such as
extreme overbalanced, propellant enhanced, underbalance created by gun or
charge design (i.e., dynamic underbalance). Each of these advanced systems
can create more efficient perforations in specific applications. Perforating is
preparation for fracture stimulation work or gravel packing in completions,
cement squeeze or for circulation behind casing in remedial cementing repair,
and tubing punch or commingling for workovers or production work.
Effective perforations should extend well past any near wellbore damage.
Differential pressure from wellbore to formation and/or the extent of dynamic
underbalance achieved has a significant impact on cleanup of perforations.

Some techniques to overcome crushed zone reduced permeability are as

follows:

Underbalanced perforating

Perforation surging/washing

Extreme-overbalanced perforating

Dynamic underbalance perforating

New shaped charge designs

Acid stimulation

Frac packing the perforations

These factors can improve perforating effectiveness by:

Underbalance

Helping remove perforation debris and minimize crushed zone

Giving all perforations an equal chance

Typical underbalance 200 to > 1,000-psi

Filtered fluid

Reducing particles carried into perforation tunnel and formation

Shot density

Important in sandstones and high-perm formations

Perforation length

Most important in damaged wells

Drilling damage is typically three to six inches deep

Perforating diameter (entry hole)

Important in heavy oil, gravel packing of unconsolidated sands, and

hydraulic fracturing (uniform hole sizes needed)
Underbalanced perforating depends on a sudden surge of formation fluid through
the perforations and into the wellbore. The amount of underbalance required
depends on formation type, fluid type, and reservoir permeability. If all
perforations do not clean-up immediately, only 10 to 50% will clean-up without
remedial treatment. It is generally a good plan to surge the perforations
afterward, if possible. However, caution should be used as high drawdowns may
fail the formation sand and perforation debris, crushed zone debris, sand, and
formation may trap the guns in the zone or result in additional required cleanout
trips. An evaluation of the potential for sanding is suggested if the Unconfined
Compressive Strength of the rock is less than 1,000 psi.

PERFORATION GEOMETRY CONSIDERATIONS

Other key factors in perforating are explained below:
Perforation phasing (angles between the planes of shots)
o <180 is typically 10% better than 0 phasing on in-line perforating
o Strive for at least 120 w/offset on alternating planes
Stand-off
o Distance from the charge to the first object, usually the carrier

o Stand-off is part of charge and carrier design

Clearance
o Is the distance from the carrier and the casing ID
o Less clearance used to be better, but less critical now
o Centralization
o Increases chance that all shots are of equal size, not critical in the
larger gun sizes; and not always desirable with small guns
Review manufacturers latest test data

In critical wells, wells with greater than 10,000 psi bottomhole pressure, or
greater than 300 F temperature, or greater than 4,000 ft of water depth or
greater than 20,000 ft of well depth, perforating guns are run with redundant firing
heads to ensure the guns will fire.

CHARGE TYPE SELECTION

Temperature is a consideration when selecting perforation charges. Note, as a
general rule the cost goes up and the performance goes down as higher
temperature charges are compared. For example HNS charges tend to suffer
about a 10% reduction in performance. It should also be noted that HTX charge
have all but been phased out by the supplier.

Figure 1 - Temperature-time

ratings of shaped charge explosives

When perforating, a general rule of thumb with respect to TCP is to look at

performance @ 100 hours. 100 hours is used to give time to pull the guns out of
the hole in case a mechanical failure occurs.
With that in mind the following table is used.
Table 1 Perforating table

RDX
HMX
HNS

Maximum Temperature
@100 hour
225
300
450

In higher temperature (> 200F), HMX charges should be used if exposed to this
temperature more than 100 hours. If > 300F, HNS charges should be used;
>380F, HTNS charges should be used; and, > 440F but < 500F, PYX charges
should be used.
Exceeding the ratings by only a few degrees is sufficient to show signs of out
gassing and decomposition resulting in loss of performance. At the next level of
degradation the explosive will start to burn. Taking HMX and RDX above 300
and going well beyond the time limits may result in auto detonation. Other
explosives are not known to auto detonate. - From Schlumberger

QA QC
The following quality control checks should be made in critical projects:
Detonating cord
o Cord is checked for holidays or defects (X-ray).
o Review of certification from manufacturer with documentation of
test results from critical properties.
Perforating shaped charges
o Explosives properties are checked and documented to ensure
conformance to specification
o Results of QC shots at regular specified intervals are reviewed. QC
checks of sensitivity are reviewed.
O-ring material
o Reliance on prior ERTs, history, or job-specific testing.
Boosters
o Review of composition and physical properties. Consignment
based on standard deviation.
Carriers
o Mill certification provided with results indicating carriers meet yield
strength, tensile strength, Charpy v-notch impact, material
composition, and material hardness requirements.
o Certification that carriers were inspected at the mill for non-metallic
inclusion and grain size.

o Seal areas dimensionally inspected and documented.

o Third party inspection of each carrier for hardness and composition.
o Swell or split test if applicable.
o Third party laboratory analysis for physical properties
Adapters
o Certificate showing results from manufacturer indicating product
meets composition, and hardness specifications. 100% inspection
and documentation of seal dimensions.

Material traceability for explosives is by batch number/lot number. DSC and reel
number for cord. Hardware traceability is by heat number, P. O. number, part
number, and serial number.

SAFETY
In the event of any total misfire or no-fire of the perforating guns, it is imperative
that the perforating contractor is contacted immediately. The perforating
contractor should, after assessing the sequence of events, prepare a detailed
procedure for recovery of the guns.
General safety procedures exist as follows for perforating operations:

Handling and use of explosives require safety procedures be observed.

Safety policies of operator and perforating contractor shall be followed.

Only contractor authorized personnel shall perform work with explosives.

Only contractor personnel allowed to remain in hazardous area during

arming of guns.

Perforation operations are not allowed during thunder, lightning, and thick
fog.

Explosives shall be kept on site for the shortest time possible.

Explosives shall be stored on site in proper containers, within a confined

area on the rig. Detonators shall be stored in separate boxes, in the same
area as explosives.

Warning signs shall be placed around hazardous areas where explosives

are used.

All radio transmitters, radio beacons included, within a radius of 1,500 ft.
from the well, shall be turned off. All portable transmitters shall be placed
inside the office and turned off to avoid accidental transmission.

Cranes and welding machines shall be taken out of service from gun
arming until gun is pulled out of the well and unloaded.

Casing perforating can be performed during daylight or at night. However,

the first series of shots must be carried out in daylight hours.

Explosives are to be transported unarmed and clearly labeled to the site in

secure and protective containers.

FIRING SYSTEMS
It is normal practice to run the TCP guns with two firing systems, whenever
possible, to improve the chance of a successful operation especially when
running the guns on the bottom of a completion. A common combination is to
use a tubing pressure actuated system as the primary means of detonating the
TCP guns with a mechanical system as a back up. There are four major types of
firing mechanisms for TCP guns. Only top down firing mechanisms should be
used for safety when arming the guns. The different firing mechanisms are listed
in the following.

TUBING PRESSURE ACTIVATED

The guns are fired by pressuring up the workstring and then bleeding off the pressure. A
time delay device is incorporated to allow time to bleed off. This system requires the
firing head to be pinned with sufficient pins to equal total hydrostatic wellbore plus
applied firing surface pressure. This large number of pins can result in a large range
between minimum and maximum firing pressure. This technique requires a lighter
weight fluid or nitrogen cushion on top to achieve an underbalance. The nitrogen can be
expensive and requires time to be bled off.

ANNULAR PRESSURE ACTIVATED

The guns are fired by pressuring up on the annulus to a pre-determined pressure via the
packer bypass. A time delay device is incorporated to allow time to bleed off. With this
system, the backup is usually a drop bar or a second independent annular pressure
firing head. This is a differential pressure firing mechanism that operates from differential
casing to workstring pressure. This technique uses less pins resulting in a lower range
between minimum and maximum firing pressure. Another important advantage is the
ability to achieve an underbalance utilizing an automatic fill valve.

MECHANICAL IMPACT (DROP BAR)

The TCP guns are detonated by the mechanical impact of a firing bar. (This system is
colloquially known as the drop bar system.) Since the system can be affected by debris
in the tubing, the completion fluid must be kept clean. An important advantage is the
ability to achieve an underbalance utilizing an automatic fill valve.

ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED
With this system, the guns are fired with an electrically-initiated detonator which must be
run on a logging cable. Therefore the pressure control system must be rigged up. Since
an inductive or wet electrical connection must be made at the firing head, the system is
also susceptible to debris.

The use of this type of system is increasing as advances are made in methods to initiate
the detonation process. The advantage of this type of firing system is that the firing
heads for this system are wireline retrievable, hence, the guns can be run unarmed and,
in the case of a misfire, the firing head can be recovered on wireline to determine the
cause of the misfire.

RETRIEVABLE SLICKLINE FIRING HEAD

This type of head was primarily designed to overcome the concerns about the possibility
of guns being detonated by stray pressure or tools/debris/unnamed articles which could
fall down through the tubing string and force the detonating pin into the initiator. With
this type of head, this possible problem has been completely eliminated due to the
design of the system.
The guns are run in the hole without the firing head. Then, when ready to arm the guns,
the head is run to depth on slickline and latched on to the firing stem or stinger. This
system provides it own back-up in that if the firing head does not work, it can be
retrieved and a replacement run. Retrievable firing heads are available with mechanical,
hydraulic or electric triggering.

MODULE 2 PERFORATING PROCEDURES

WIRELINE CONVEYED PERFORATING
Guns selected should be discussed in the following fashion with OD first, shot
density in shots/ft next, the charge loading in grams, and finally the degree
phasing as in the following:
5 1/8-in., 14 SPF, 32 gram (Big Hole), 30/150 phasing
Conveyance, firing heads, entry hole diameter, expected penetration depth, and
perforation depths are given in the procedure or are not specified dependent
upon required use of the information and the engineer writing the procedure.

CASING GUNS RUN IN OVERBALANCE

1) A safety meeting should be held before perforating. The safety aspects of
perforating with casing guns are:

The well must be stable with an overbalance mud

There must be an adequate surface supply of kill fluid

The BOPs should have been recently tested

Radio silence must be in force before connecting the cable head until the
guns are 100 meters below the seabed.

On recovery of the guns, regardless of any indications that the guns have
fired, radio silence must be in force before the guns are pulled back past 100
meters below ground level and until the cable head is removed.


The logging engineer should be given a diagram of the well showing the
depths of all restrictions or changes in diameter. The well shall be circulated to
proper overbalance with perforation fluid (clean to XX NTUs per displacement
procedure). Prior to running perforating guns in the well a dummy (exact OD of
swollen guns) shall be run in the well to confirm no tight spots.
2) Wireline should be rigged up as per the procedure in the Wireline
Procedures Manual. Ensure lubricator has appropriate connection to BOPs.
Rig up lubricator and grease injector to BOPs. Guns will have been made up
and can be lowered through the BOPs if well has not been perforated and
pressure below the BOP is zero. If lubricator cannot be tested to bottomhole
pressure before rig up, please test lubricator to full bottomhole pressure test
before bringing on location.
3) If perforating inside casing ensure the length of the gun assembly is less than
the distance between the blind rams and the grease head. The length of the gun
assembly must be less than 1 stand of workstring in the rig. The length of the
gun assembly will include necessary logging tools to be run with the guns for
depth correlation.
4) The distance between the top shot and the GR/CCL should be measured. It
may sometime not be necessary to run a record of the depth by GR or CCL if
depth can be correlated to a sump packer or bridge plug.
5) The logging engineer must not connect the cable head until the Well
Operations Supervisor, or his designated representative, has confirmed that
radio silence is instated.
6) There is no restriction on running speed but care must be taken at any
restrictions and when applying the brake.
7) The Logging Engineer must inform the Completion Supervisor, or his
designated representative, when the guns are deeper than 100 meters below
ground level.
8) Tie on depth to the CBL/VDL/GR/CCL log if available and it has been tied to
openhole log from which perforations were picked. Record a short section of film
across the interval to be perforated showing at least five casing collars and the
pup joint at the top of the reservoir section and/or radioactive tagged joint(s). The
well should be perforated from the bottom upwards.
9) When the gun is on depth and ready to be fired, the logging engineer must
inform the Well Operations Supervisor, or his designated representative, and the
driller, who should observe the well for losses or gains when the gun is fired.
10) When the gun is free and the hole is stable (no significant losses or not trying
to flow), start to pull out of the hole. If necessary to perforate additional pay,
another set of guns should be prepared at surface and run into the hole as it is
stable.
11) Pull out at less than 5,000 ft/hour to avoid swabbing.

THROUGH TUBING PERFORATING

This operation will only be done once the cushion has been circulated into place
in the tubing/workstring. Since only the first run can be perforated
underbalanced, it is common practice to perforate the best (highest permeability)

zone first, otherwise the well should be perforated from the bottom upwards to
minimize the chance of picking up debris on the cable.
1) A safety meeting will be held to review procedures and safety, specifically:
2) The well is underbalanced and will be live after the first run
3) The wireline BOPs and lubricator should have been pressure tested
4) The surface rig up must be pressure tested before each run
5) Ensure the GR/CCL log that has been tied to openhole log from which perfs
were chosen is available across zone of interest.
6) The logging engineer should be given a diagram of the well and test string
showing the depths of all restrictions or changes in diameter and he should
check that he has sufficient weights for the maximum anticipated wellhead
pressure.
7) Rig up wireline for a full bore drift run. Run in the hole and drift the tubing.

NOTE: Prior to arming the guns, the Offshore Installation Manager

will ensure that conditions for safe operations exist. He should
then inform base, standby vessels, supply boats and any
relevant persons that the rig is passing into radio silence.
8) The wireline should be rigged up with the lubricator system, grease flow
tubes, hydraulic stuffing box, tool trap, ball check valve and line wiper. Once
radio silence has been obtained, rig up the perforating guns into the lubricator
and pressure test.
9) Monitor the pressure in the annulus.
10) Ensure the surface tree master and swab valves are open and run in the hole
with the perforating gun tool string.
11) Correlate the GR/CCL to the original GR log. Record a short section of film
across the interval to be perforated showing at least five casing collars and the
pup joint at the top of the reservoir zone and/or radioactive tagged joint(s). Do not
run down into the perforations on subsequent runs.
12) Position the string at the desired perforating interval and fire the guns.
13) Observe and record WHSIP to confirm the guns have fired.
14) Pull out of the hole with the perforating string, taking care when passing
through restrictions.
15) Repeat steps until the total required interval has been perforated. Do not flow
the well while pulling the guns back through the tubing to surface unless
instructed to do so.
16) Stop when the guns are at 100 meters below ground level until the
Completions Supervisor, or his designated representative, confirms that there is
radio silence. The gun should be inspected at surface to check that all charges
have detonated.
17) Care should be taken as pressure can be trapped by debris behind the gun
ports. A film record should be made of the job and the explosion register should
be updated.
18) Continue as per the completion program.

TUBING CONVEYED PERFORATING

1) If necessary, sump Packer should be run and set at X,XXX ft MD.
NOTE:

1) During previous casing running procedure, an RA tag

should have been installed and run at approximately 250 ft +
above the interval to be perforated.
2) PU and run appropriate size gauge ring and junk basket to
PBTD and confirm depth.

2) Hole pre-job safety meeting in accordance with Opco standards. Be sure all
rig and service personnel are clear on sequence of events for perforating and
safety considerations. The meeting should cover, but not be limited to the
following:
3)
Guns fail to fire
Severe fluid loss occurs
Tool failure occurs, surface and
downhole
Well control issues
Equipment layout

Picking up the guns

Pollution prevention
E/L operations

SIMOPS
Emergency events

4) Assuming cement bond is satisfactory; pick up TCP and test tools assembly
on workstring, as per example in attached schematic. The multi-purpose valve
should be in well test position. Adjust fluid level to achieve desired underbalance,
overbalance, or balance pressure at which to perforate.

Hydraulic calculation sheet:

NOTE: 1.
2.

See attached worksheet for calculations.

Place a radioactive sub in the workstring.

5) Measure and record all assembly dimensions and lengths including running of
drift on location. Lower guns through floor. Place safety clamps on the top gun
before setting slips. Multi-purpose valve should be in test position. Clear rig floor
of all non-essential personnel before putting firing head on gun.
NOTE: 1. Rabbit all tubulars.
2. If pipe dope is to be used, apply sparingly to pin
ends only.
3. Pick up and sit down on slips gently.
4. Have tank on rig to flow back surge.

6) GIH to automatic fill valve closing depth. Verify valve is closed by pressuring
up on workstring to 500 psi.
7) Just prior to tagging the Sump Packer (1-2 stands above), accurately
determine and record pick up and slack off weights.
7-a)Rig up all surface lines and pressure test to X,XXX psi. Slowly lower guns
and snap in and out of sump packer to verify depth. Position guns to perforate
from X,XXX ft X,XXX ft. Pickup control head assembly and break circulation.
Do not go above XXX psi pressure.

MASP calculation sheet:

NOTE:

1. See attached worksheet for calculations.

2. If there is a question concerning depth control (i.e. tag
sump packer high / low), RU electric line, and run GR/CCL
inside drillpipe to correlate RA tag depth with electric log.

7-b) If no sump packer is present in the well, rig up wireline and run correlation
gamma ray log down tubing/workstring to verify gun positioning via radioactive
sub above TCP guns and casing RA tag. Re-position guns if necessary. POOH
with wireline, rig down same.
NOTE: Do not cycle multi-purpose valve.
accidentally cut !

Wireline could be

8) PU control head and finish rigging up all surface control lines. Test lines to
X,XXX psi. Set service packer. Set down weight on packer (~50,000 lbs).
Pressure up on backside slowly to 1,000 psi to confirm packer is set and
multipurpose valve is in well test position.
9) Prior to firing guns, conduct a safety meeting.
10) This procedure is an example of an annular pressure firing method with a
drop bar backup.
Pressure up on annulus to XXXX psi to open annulus
production valve and actuate the annulus pressure firing device. Guns are
usually set to fire in 5-6 minutes when using time delay firing head.
Firing pin calculation sheet of Vendor workbook:
NOTE:

See attached worksheet for calculations.

Generally primary and backup methods of firing are
selected.

NOTE:

Most common TCP firing methods:

1. Direct fire (tubing pressure activated ) hydrostatic plus
firing pressure
2. Annular pressure firing mechanism differential annular to
tubing pressure

3. Drop bar firing procedure

11) Flow well for 15 minutes to cleanup perforations or as per company
representative instructions.
NOTE: Recommended volume for cleanup is one gallon per
perforation tunnel subject to any tubing capacity, rig
equipment limitations, and safety considerations.
12) Cycle multi-purpose valve to reverse position, the annulus pressure will
equalize as an indicator of the reverse position.
13) Reverse two (2) tubing volumes through choke and gas buster. Catch
condensate and / or oil returns in approved MPT tank to avoid contaminating the
fluid system. Send condensate and or oil to appropriate disposal site.
14) Cycle multi-purpose valve back to the well test position. Open packer bypass
and monitor the hole to determine if the well is stable. Measure fluid loss and
report at regular intervals. Report losses on the morning report. Allow fluid loss
to stabilize. If fluid loss after one hour is unacceptable, contact superintendent.
If cross-linked CMHEC pill or other fluid loss pill is determined to be necessary,
close bypass. Mix and prepared pill.
NOTE: If well flows shut-in annular preventor and obtain shut-in
pressure. Calculate correct fluid weight to kill well based on
shut-in pressure. Cycle multi-purpose valve to the circulating
position to spot, kill weight fluid.
15) For Solids Free Pills - Close the packer bypass and move multi-purpose
valve to the circulating position. Spot the pill into the annulus via the multipurpose valve. Circulate 5+ BBL of pill (with breaker) to bottom. Open the packer
bypass and allow the formation to take the pill. Do not pump pill into formation.
Repeat if necessary.
16) With the packer bypass open and reverse out two tubing volumes to eliminate
the potential gas bubble below the packer. Continue to circulate until returns
meet required fluid specifications.
17) Unseat packer and reverse out through the rig hydraulic choke and gas
buster to clear any gas trapped below packer.
18) Once reversing is complete, allow 15 minutes for gauges to record BHP.
19) Unseat packer and PU until bottom of gun is 60 ft above top perforation. Wait
30 minutes, GIH, and check for fill.
NOTE:

1. Do not sting in and out of sump packer after guns fire.

2. If fill is tagged, POOH and lay down the TCP assembly. MU
and GIH with a muleshoe stinger assembly w/ no go locator.
Tag fill and wash out sand by reversing.

20) POOH when well is quiet.

Appendices:
Appendix 1 Over or Under Balance Perforating Calculation
Appendix 2 TCP Perforating Schematic
Appendix 3 Sample Pill Recipes
Appendix 4 Abbreviations

APPENDIX 1 - OVER

OR UNDER BALANCE PERFORATING

CALCULATION

1. Convert completion fluid ppg to psi/ft by multiplying by .052 as follows:

Example: 8.7-ppg completion fluid would equal 4,524-psi hydrostatic pressure at

10,000 ft (top of the perforations).
8.7
x .052
0.4524 psi/ft
10,000 ft
x 0.4524 psi/ft
4,524 psi
2. If reservoir pressure at top of the reservoir at 10,000 ft were 6,000 psi and you were perforating
with 8.7-ppg completion fluid in the hole, you would be perforating with 1,476-psi underbalanced
pressure in the wellbore.

Example: With 8.7 ppg completion fluid in the well, we have calculated that it would be
exerting 4,524 psi hydrostatic pressure on the reservoir. When the well is perforated,
the wellbore will see 6,000 psi from the reservoir trying to enter. The difference will be
1,476-psi underbalance in the wellbore.
6,000 psi (reservoir)
- 4,524 psi (wellbore)
1.476 psi into the wellbore or the wellbore is underbalanced.

APPENDIX 2 - TCP

PERFORATING SCHEMATIC

Tool Schematic

DST / TCP

Date:

Feb 15, 2006

Prepared For:
Attention Of:

CHEVRON USA INC

Valentina Bondar

Field Name:
Lease:

VIOSCA KNOLL 830

OCS-G-10944 #A-9 ST00 BP00

Casing:
Liner:
Drill Pipe:
Drill Pipe:
Drill Pipe:
Drill Pipe:

9 5/8 in 53.500 lbm/ft HCQ-125 ( ID 8.535 in / Drift 8.379 in )

7 in 29.000 lbm/ft P-110 ( ID 6.184 in / Drift 6.059 in )
5 1/2 in 24.700 lbm/ft ( ID 4.670 in / Drift 0.000 in )
5 in 19.500 lbm/ft ( ID 4.276 in / Drift 0.000 in )
5 in 19.500 lbm/ft S-135 NC-50 ( ID 4.276 in / Drift 0.000 in )
3 1/2 in 13.300 lbm/ft NC-38 ( ID 3.500 in / Drift 0.000 in )

5
6

Item

Description

1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3

1 4

1 5

1 6
1 7
1 8

1 9

2 0

2 1
2 2

2 3
2 4
2 5

2 6
2 7
2 8
2 9
3 0
3 1
3 2
3 3
3 4

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34

Tubular: 5 1/2 in 24.700 lbm/ft

Tubular: 5 in 19.500 lbm/ft
Tubular: 5 in 19.500 lbm/ft S-135 NC-50
RD Circulating Valve
5" 19.50# (4 1/2" IF Conn.) Drill Pipe
Lift Sub 4 1/2" IF
OMNI Valve 5.00" (Well Test Position)
Drain Valve 5"
5" 19.50# (4 1/2" IF Conn.) Drill Pipe
Lift Sub 4 1/2" IF
Bowen Jars
Lift Sub 4 1/2" IF
RTTS Safety Joint
9 5/8" 53.5# Champ Packer
Tubular: 3 1/2 in 13.300 lbm/ft NC-38
Crossover to 3 1/2" IF
RadioActive Sub
2 7/8" 8.7# EUE P-110 Tubing (1 joint)
5.03" Gauge Carrier w/ 2ea. EMR Gauges
2 7/8" 8.7# EUE P-110 Tubing (1 joint)
2 7/8" 8.7# EUE P-110 Pup Joint
Below Packer Safety Joint
2 7/8" 8.7# EUE P-110 Tubing (2 joints)
2 7/8" Fill Disk Assembly (Flow Area 7.88in2)
Time Delay Firer (Pressure) w/ 2 delays
Multi-Action Delay Firing Head (Pressure)
Firing Head Crossover
4 5/8" RDX Blank Spacer
Top Shot
4 5/8" 12 SPF RDX Super Hole Low Debris
Bottom Shot
Bull Plug Crossover
Snap Latch Assembly
Sump Packer

Figure 2 - HES TCP drawing

I.D.
(in)
4.670
4.276
4.276
2.250
3.500
3.500
2.250
2.250
3.500
3.500
2.250
3.500
4.910
2.870
3.500
2.764
2.441
2.250
2.250
2.250
2.250
2.250
2.250
2.440

O.D.
(in)

Length
(ft)

Depth
(ft)

7.000
6.000
6.625
5.030
6.375
6.375
5.030
5.030
6.375
6.375
5.000
6.375
6.120
7.950
4.750
4.750
3.668
3.668
5.030
3.668
3.668
5.030
3.668
3.510
3.375
3.375
3.375
4.625

4500.00
18000.00
3555.27
5.67
93.00
10.00
21.15
3.44
60.00
10.00
8.25
10.00
4.00
10.00
4543.13
2.50
2.00
31.00
15.85
31.00
10.00
9.50
63.00
1.50
2.91
3.41
3.42
10.00

0.00
4500.00
22500.00
26055.27
26060.94
26153.94
26163.94
26185.09
26188.53
26248.53
26258.53
26266.78
26276.78
26280.78
26290.78
30833.91
30836.41
30838.41
30869.41
30885.26
30916.26
30926.26
30935.76
30998.76
31000.26
31003.17
31006.58
31010.00
31020.00

4.625

152.00
31172.00

31172.00

APPENDIX 3 - SAMPLE

PILL RECIPES

K-MAX Mixing Instructions

1. Stir all WG-33 pails to thoroughly redisperse the polymer.
2. Load the required brine into the blender.
3. Prepare WG-33 and add proper amount to blender.
Light-density K-MAX Formulation
Components
11.6 ppg CaCl2
Brine
WG-33
20Be HCl acid
CL-30
ViCon NF Breaker

Amounts
For 1,000 Gallons
1000 gal.
8 buckets
10 gal.
22.5 lbs.
5.0 gal. *

4. Continue circulation and add HCl to initiate polymer hydration.

5. When gel develops viscosity, discontinue circulation with centrifugal and continue slow
paddle agitation to reach full hydration. Viscosity should be between 160 and 240 cp.
6. Prepare CL-30 crosslinker with the completion brine.
7. When ready, add ViCon NF breaker just after the CL-30, and pump immediately after the
composite K-MAX reaches a homogeneous state.
Final density of K-Max pill is approximately 11.0 ppg

Pill Mixing Instructions

Safe Vis E pill (liquid HEC)
1. Prepare viscous fluid loss pill approximately 24 hours prior to needing to pump the pill. The
recommended pill loading is 1.25 gallon per barrel for the initial wells.
2. Prepare pill 0.1 ppg heavier than completion fluid as follows:
a) Transfer 50 barrels filtered completion fluid (add appropriate amount of spike fluid) into Slug
Pit number 1 or 2.
b) Open 12.5 buckets of Safe Vis E and thoroughly stir the contents of each bucket.
c) Dump all buckets into the fluid at a swift and regular rate.
d) Allow the pill to stir through the hopper.
e) As pill begins to thicken, check Fann-35 rheologies. Mix through hopper until readings level
off for several samples (3 rpm reading should be between 70-90).
3. Line up pill through shear and filter (10 micron) unit.
4. Filter pill using 10 micron filters into Slug Pit number 1 or 2 (pit not used for mixing pill).
5. Pill is now ready to pump. Allow it to set until needed. Continued blending should not be
required.

2009 Chevron Corp. All Rights Reserved

Company Confidential - For Internal Use Only

APPENDIX 4 - ACRONYMS
Acronyms

Description

API

American Petroleum Institute

ASS

Annular Safety System

ASV

Annular Safety Valve

BA

Breathing Apparatus

bbl

Barrels

BOP

Blow Out Preventer

bpd

Barrels Per Day

BS&W

Basic Sediment and Water

CCL

Casing Collar Locator

CHECT

Casing Hanger Elevation Check Tool

CLD

Control Line Dummy

CPDEP

Chevron Project Development & Execution Process

CSON

Continental Shelf Operations Notice

CT

Coiled Tubing

D/P

Differential Pressure

DCR

Design and Construction Record

deg

Degree

DST

Drillstem Test

EL

Electric Line

ESD

Emergency Shut Down

ESP

Electrical Submersible Pump

ETC

Energy Technology Company

EWT

Extended Welltest

FO

Full Open

GLM

Gas Lift Mandrel

GLV

Gas Lift Valve

GOR

Gas Oil Ratio

H2S

Hydrogen Sulphide

HMV

Hydraulic Master Valve

HPHT

High Pressure High Temperature

hrs

Hours

HSE

Health and Safety Executive

HSP

Hydraulic Submersible Pump

ID

Inside Diameter

in

Inch

LIB

Lead Impression Block

LMRP

Lower Marine Riser Package

LSA

Low Specific Activity (see also NORM)

Page 24 of 27
2009 Chevron Corp. All Rights Reserved

Company Confidential - For Internal Use Only

LSU

Locator Seal Unit

MD

Measured Depth

MLE

Motor Lead Extension

MMV

Manual Master Valve

Acronyms

Description

NORM

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material

NRV

Non Return Valve

OD

Outside Diameter

OIM

Offshore Installation Manager

PA

Public Address

PBR

Polished Bore Receptacle

PBTD

Plugged Back Total Depth

PCT

Pressure Controlled Tester Valve

PON

Petroleum Operations Notice

POOH

Pull Out Of Hole

ppf

Pounds Per Foot

ppm

Parts Per Million

psi

Pounds per Square Inch

QA

Quality Assurance

RAM

Reliability, Availability & Maintainability

RCV

Reverse Circulation Valve

RIH

Run in Hole

RKB

Rotary Kelly Bushing

RPM

Revolutions Per Minute

SBA's

Safe Breathing Areas

SG

Specific Gravity

SITHP

Shut in Tubing Head Pressure

SIWHP

Shut in Well Head Pressure

SL

Slick Line

SPM

Side Pocket Mandrel

SRB

Sulphate Reducing Bacteria

SRO

Surface Read Out

SSLV

Subsurface Lubricator Valve

SSSV

Subsurface Safety Valve

SSTT

Subsea Test Tree

STT

Surface Test Tree

TCP

Tubing Conveyed or Pipe Conveyed Perforators

TH

Tubing Hanger

THOJ

Tubing Hanger Orientation Joint

THRT

Tubing Hanger Running Tool

TIW

Texas Iron Works

TRSSSV

Tubing Retrievable Subsurface Safety Valve

Page 25 of 27
2009 Chevron Corp. All Rights Reserved

Company Confidential - For Internal Use Only

TVD

True Vertical Depth

UKOOA

United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association

VPR

Variable Pipe Ram

WEG

Wireline Entry Guide

WHP

Well Head Pressure

WL

Wireline

WP

Working Pressure

Page 26 of 27
2009 Chevron Corp. All Rights Reserved

Company Confidential - For Internal Use Only

Page 27 of 27
2009 Chevron Corp. All Rights Reserved

Company Confidential - For Internal Use Only