Weatherford's Field Lab Experience in Chicontepec

Q: In 2011, production in Chicontepec was on the rise, does this mean that the field lab strategy is paying off?

A: The answer is yes. The field lab strategy is an alternative strategy to improve the productivity of Chicontepec wells under a cost-benefit scheme through the implementation of new technologies and best practices. Currently, Weatherford is responsible for managing the Presidente Alemán field lab (LCPA) that has contributed an average production of about 3,000 bbl/day with 62 active wells. In the Aceite Terciario del Golfo (ATG), or Chicontepec, project, Weatherford has drilled and completed more than 800 wells, which have contributed to the production increase. Improving well productivity is important for the planning strategy between Pemex and Weatherford, because it underpins the increase in the recovery factor and hence the lifespan of each well.

Q: The aim of the field labs was to have five different companies applying different technologies at Chicontepec. What has Weatherford learned from this process?

A: Weatherford has definitely gained a better understanding of the reservoir’s complexity in response to the applied technologies and numeric simulation models that we have applied to characterize the reservoir and predict the behaviour of the fluids in the geological formation. Another important driver of increased production has been the optimization of production intervals for the application of artificial production systems. These best practices, based on lessons learned through the field lab approach, have resulted in a more profitable field operation for Pemex.

Below are the main solutions that Weatherford has applied at its field lab, in order to increase production:

Integrated method of technical engineering analysis to justify the selection and application of technologies to implement the optimization process.

Hybrid fracture (in the process of evaluation by the LCPA), with the objective of having a higher accumulated production in a shorter time, prolonging the declination curve.

Mechanical pump, assisted by the continuous rod technology that minimizes system failures with a higher integrity in the overall well production.

Artificial plunger travel system for production recovery in wells with a high gas-oil ratio and low productivity index.

artifical Rotaflex systems with the pipeline pump, that result in better effciency of the system and production spending.