Newly completed well brought online by milling fluid loss control valve

Challenge

Altus Intervention were contacted to support a North Sea Client’s well construction activities. The well was completed with a fluid loss control valve (FLCV) in the lower completion. The primary means to remotely open the FLCV was unavailable due to unforeseen downhole conditions.  Subsequently, the well could not be brought online to production.

Coiled Tubing was selected to confirm wellbore access to the FLCV and attempt to mechanically cycle the valve open.  Thereafter, the coiled tubing would be employed to unload the well and bring it into production.

SOLUTION

Altus Intervention mobilised a 2” coiled tubing spread, coiled tubing lift frame, fluid and N2 pumping equipment, and a comprehensive thru-tubing package. Within the
thru-tubing package various contingencies, outwith the primary plan, were catered for including:

- Venturi junk basket
- Milling tool

RESULTS

All operations were performed in a safe and efficient manner. Coiled tubing cleaned down to the top of the FLCV, thus gaining access for subsequent operations. After failed attempts to mechanically shift the valve open, it was then decided to mill it. The milling operation successfully removed the FLCV in less than 1 shift (<12hrs). The use of a specialist mill bit, designed specifically for the removal of such valves, proved invaluable during these operations. Finally, the well was lifted into production. This thorough planned approach precluded the necessity to mobilise more equipment or execute additional runs and ensured a successful job outcome was achieved.