Society of Petroleum Engineers

SPE 30134

Downhole Video Services Enhance Conformance Technology

Steve Maddox,* Glen R. Glbling,* and Jeff Dahl,* Halliburton Energy Services
*SPE Members
Copyright 1995, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Inc.

This paper was prepared for presentation at the European Formation Damage Conference held in The Hague, The Netherlands, 15-16 May 1995.

This paper was sel~cted for present~tlon by an SPE Program Committee following review of Information contained in an abstract submltled by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as presented,
have not been reviewed by the Society a! Petroleum Engineers and are subjected to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not necessarily reflect any position of the
Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Papers presented at SPE meetings are SUbject to publication reView by Editorial Committees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Permission to copy is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. illustrations may not be copied. The abstract should contain conspicuous acknowledgment of where and by whom
the paper is presented. Write Librarian, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A. (Facsimile 214-952-9435).

ABSTRACT

Conformance Technology can be defined as "the Three case histories showing different applications of
application of processes to reservoirs and boreholes to video services in conjunction with the planning and
enhance recovery efficiencies." The purpose of these confirmation of treatments are presented. The first case
processes is not to increase production but to reduce and determined fluid entry under flowing conditions and
dispose of unwanted bi-products; Le., water, gas, sand, better defined which zones required treatment. The
etc., and the associated costs generated by their disposal. second case showed that the original well diagnosis was
incorrect and that the planned treatments would not be
Conformance technology has been practiced in the effective, while the third case showed how a downhole
oilfield for many years, but it is gaining in importance video survey was used as a pretreatment analytical tool
because of environmental and economic constraints that and later used to confirm a successful treatment.
limit operator options for the disposal of unwanted
production. The successful practice of conformance INTRODUCTION
technology is dependent upon a thorough understanding
of the downhole conditions in each well, as Unwanted fluid production in oil- and gas-producing
misinterpretation of downhole data can result in the wells is a factor that not only limits control and reduces
application of treatment that will not successfully production of the well but also presents major
address the problem. operational burdens from costs of disposal and
compliance to environmental regulations. New, more
This paper describes applications for downhole video stringent regulations now are in force to dictate how and
services that facilitate: where disposal can be made, and for this reason,
producers have increased efforts to investigate new
• Planning of conformance technology treatments options to reduce unwanted production. The most
• Provision of in-process treatment monitoring commonly used water-control techniques have had
• Confirmation of post-treatment success relatively low success rates, and newer, more exotic
treatments have not offered much improvement.
References and illustrations at end of paper. Obviously, results such as these can not satisfactorily

535
2 DOWNHOLE VIDEO SERVICES ENHANCE CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
address a problem that has reached such magnitude.
Several scenarios can be blamed for most water control
treatment failures with the most common being:
1. The source of the problem was not properly
identified.
2. The wrong product or treatment was used.
3. Either the correct treatment was used incorrectly or
proper placement of the treatment was not achieved.
Because of recent technological improvements that
allow downhole video to be effective under flowing well
conditions, it can now be employed to assist the well
operator in identifying wellbore and reservoir problems
that can be corrected with conformance technology
processes. DHV services can also be used to monitor
certain treatment processes in real time and to verify that
the treatment applications were successful.
CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
By applying conformance technology techniques, well
operators can reduce unwanted production and the
associated operating costs caused from corrosion, sand
production, additional well-lifting requirements, larger
separation and treatment processes, and fluid disposal.
Additionally, environmental protection is enhanced,
subsequently enabling regulatory requirements to be met
more easily. In most cases, if unwanted production can
be reduced or blocked, hydrocarbon deliverability of the
reservoir and the capacities of the production string and
surface facilities are increased, which enhances both
operational and cost efficiency.
The most important step in solving a problem is to
properly identify its source so that the most effective
solution can be employed.
CRITERIA FOR PROBLEM DETERMINATION
To find the source or potential source of a problem
requires a thorough investigation of many aspects of the
well and reservoir parameters. Factors to consider
include:
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SPE 30134
• Recovery mechanism
• Reservoir permeability and porosity
• Permeability anisotropy and heterogeneity
• Net formation height
• Portion of productive interval completed
• Location of all perforations
• Reservoir dip
• Original water-oil and gas-oil contacts
• Connate water and irreducible oil and gas saturations
• Location and continuity of shale or other low
permeability layers
• Length of time before water production began
• Oil, gas, and water production rate histories
• Location of fluid entry and type of fluid entering the
wellbore
• Cement bond log evaluation
It is necessary to understand reservoir behavior to be
able to determine if excessive gas or water is a possible
future concern and to determine if current gas or water
production is excessive. The production rates and
ultimate recoveries of hydrocarbons and other unwanted
fluids are greatly dependent on the drive mechanisms,
rock properties, fluid properties, structural relief
formations, well locations, spacing, and reservoir
management techniques.
A major difficulty in problem identification has been the
determination of whether there is, in fact, a problem that
can be resolved or whether the reservoir simply does not
have sufficient hydrocarbon reserve to provide efficient
production.
Methods such as reservoir simulation, volumetric
analysis, decline curve analysis, and comparisons to
nearby fields, can be used to help determine if the
reservoir is depleted. 1 Pressure-volume-temperature
(PVT) analysis of the reservoir oil is used to determine if
the gas being produced is from a gas cap or from the
dissolution of dissolved gas.
Once the wellbore situations are properly identified, they
can be classified as either near-wellbore or reservoir-
related. Some of the problems can be listed in either
category, but for purposes of simplicity, they have been
categorized as follows:
SPE 30134 STEVE MADDOX, GLEN
1) Near-wellbore related problems include casing
leaks, channeling behind casing, barrier
breakdowns, debris, scale and bacteria deposits, and
completion into or near water or gas zones.
2) Reservoir-related problems include coning and
cresting, channeling through higher permeable
streaks, fingering, fracturing out of zone, fracture
communication between injector and producer
wells, and the lack of communication between
injector and producer wells.
Different procedures are used to identify different
problem sources, and different conformance technology
techniques are used to correct the problems.
APPLICATION OF DHV SERVICES IN
CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
Since the most critical aspect of planning conformance
technology treatment is to accurately understand the
condition and characteristics of the formation, the
reservoir, and the wellbore, it is necessary to have
accurate methods for determining the actual downhole
condition. In the past, it was not possible to view the
wellbore; therefore, tools were designed that provided
sensors to gather information, and analytical techniques
were developed to interpret this information. At best,
these methods could only provide indications of what
might be happening! Decisions then had to be made
from the hypothetical conclusions as to the appropriate
actions that should be taken.
Obviously, realtime viewing of the wellbore can provide
a more accurate understanding of conditions. In addition
to providing surveys and monitoring of wellbores to
identify problems, downhole video (DHV) services can
provide in-process monitoring of some treatments, and
post-treatment confirmation of treatment success. When
used in conjunction with other tools for reservoir
analysis, DHV provides visual confirmation of analytical
models that simulate reservoir behavior.
MISCONCEPTIONS IN WELLBORE PROBLEM
DETERMINATION
1) A common misconception (which was not dispelled
until the advent of downhole video) was that oil
537
R. GIBLlNG, AND JEFF DAHL 3
entry into a wellbore caused turbulent fluid mixing,
resulting in the formation of opaque emulsions.
In most cases, downhole video has observed that
crude oil enters the wellbore as bubbles of oil that
float through standing water to the oiVwater
interface. Even In low water-cut oil wells, there is a
column of standing water at the bottom of the
wellbore. Downhole video has found this to be an
excellent medium for viewing flow activity in the
well.
2) Occasionally, it becomes necessary to survey in
areas of a well that are covered by standing opaque
fluids, such as oil, which prevents viewing.
In cases such as these, the opaque fluid can be
displaced with clear fluid, such as water or gas,
before the DHV survey is run.
Downhole video services can be used to perform the
following:
1. DETECT CASiNG OR TUBING LEAKS OR DAMAGE
A video survey can be conducted to observe the
integrity of the casing or tubing to find holes, cracks
or badly corroded areas. If fluid entry or exit is
occurring at these locations, downhole video will
observe that as well. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the
usage of the downhole video to verify casing
condition.
2. DETECT SCALE OR BACTERIA BUILDUp2
Downhole video surveys can be conducted to
observe scale or bacteria deposit buildups that
impede the flow of hydrocarbons out of the
wellbore. The scale or bacteria deposits can reduce
the inside diameter of the wellbore tubulars or plug
slotted liners, gravel-pack screens, or perforations.
Quite often, by removing these deposits, lost
production is regained. In Figure 3, heavy scale
buildup, as seen with downhole video, is shown.
3. DETECT FLUID AND PARTICULATE ENTRY
Downhole video allows detection and identification
of phase entry and fluid flow in a wellbore as well as
sand and particulate matter entry.
4 DOWNHOLE VIDEO SERViCES ENHANCE CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
There are several very important factors to note:
1) - Detection of sand and particulate matter entry
can be as precise as production from individual
perforations. This is especially important where
production is distributed over a wide interval in
which changes in fluid phases are gradual. Often,
this activity is too subtle to be detected by
conventional flow-measurement tools.
2) - Oil usually bubbles into the wellbore with very
little disruption to the well fluids so that its
appearance is similar to a "lava" lamp. The oil tends
to remain in bubbles and migrates to the high side of
the well. This tendency can cause some oil to bypass
conventional logging tools. It is then very difficult,
or impossible, to detect the perforations that are
producing oil unless visual observations can be
made. In many cases, significant lengths of
perforated intervals that are actually producing oil
are mistakenly assumed to be nonproductive. Video
surveying of the perforated interval clearly
delineates the oil-producing perforations. In Figure
4, the oil production in formation water can clearly
be seen.
3) - Gas entry into the wellbore is usually more
turbulent. Depending upon the velocity of and
condensate content of the gas, entry into the
wellbore may be seen as a spray of white bubbles, as
a smoke-like jet or plume, or as waves of distortion
in othelWise clear fluid. If the turbulence is strong
enough, the fluids can become stirred so that any
bubble of oil present mixes with the water to form a
semi-transparent or opaque emulsion. The emulsion
is usually isolated to the immediate turbulent flow
area, and the liquids separate again above the
turbulent area.
4) - The entry of clear fluids such as water is the
most difficult to determine. It is generally detected
as waves of distortion that indicate flow disruptions
and currents. The entry of sand and particulate
matter into the wellbore is easily recognized and can
be used as an indication of water entry. Enlarged
perforations are also indicators of high velocity
water and abrasive particulate entry through the
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SPE 30134
perforation. Changes in the movement of falling
sand and suspended matter or rising oil and gas
bubbles can signal the entry of clear fluids into the
wellbore. The motion of clear fluids can be further
tracked by monitoring the motion of flexible
members. An example of this might be string
fastened in front of the camera. If there is no
evidence of oil or gas entry at a perforation with
obvious turbulence, the perforation is producing
water.
4. PROVIPE DOWNHOLE VIDEO PRODUCTION PROFILES
In some cases, it is useful to document the amount of
oil and gas being produced at each point in the
producing interval. Downhole video does not
directly measure absolute flow rates, but it can be
used to quantify relative flow rates along the
production intervals.
Conventional flow meters such as spinners can be
used to determine the average flow rate of a column
of fluid. While absolute flow rates of the well are
critical, it is important to understand how each
section of the interval contributes to the total
production of the well. Downhole video surveys can
be analyzed and used to provide more reliability in
approximating the relative contribution of each
portion of the interval.
The analysis is a qualitative evaluation of oil and gas
entry as observed from the DHV survey. A three-tier
scale is used to quantify the magnitude of oil and gas
entry. The three levels of the scale represent: I) no
fluid entry, 2) minor fluid entry, and 3) major fluid
entry. Any perforations without oil or gas entry are
either nonproductive or producing only water. These
results can then be plotted versus depth to produce a
downhole video production profile,as shown in
Figure 5. Bars that extend to the MINOR line
indicate minor oil entry, while bars that extend to the
MAJOR line indicate major oil entry.
5. PROVIPE INJECTION PROFILES
The injection profile is analogous to the production
profile and can be obtained from flowmeter (spinner
survey) tools or downhole video. The data can be
SPE 30134 STEVE MADDOX, GLEN
analyzed to identify layering, fluid entry points,
leaks in casing, tubing or packers and thief zones.
When used in conjunction with a tracer survey a
better understanding of the reservoir configuration
can be developed.
6. PROVIDE TRACER SURVEYS
Communication between an injection well and a
production well can be identified with a tracer
survey. The injection fluid can be tagged with a dye,
and the production well monitored by downhole
video to record the arrival of the injection fluid.
Detection of the dye indicates communication
between the two wells, and the length of time
between injection and detection provides data to
allow for the calculation of reservoir flow capacity,
permeability patterns between the wells, and the
possibility of channeling.
Traditionally, dyes are detected by exammmg
samples of well fluids collected at the surface. The
dye shows up as a clouding of the fluid and must be
present in sufficient concentrations to permit visual
detection by the video camera (with newer version
color cameras, detection of the dye is becoming
easier). With downhole video, it is sometimes
possible to see at which interval and at what depth
the dye enters the producing well. This realtime
viewing capability provides enhanced insight into I)
the actual reservoir configuration and 2) how the
wells are interrelated.
Tracer surveys in multiwell injection-production
patterns are used to estimate the portion of the
reservoir being swept.
7 PROVIDE PRE-TREATMENT ANALYSES
In many cases, the exact problem affecting a well is
not completely known. Various analytical techniques
may have been performed that provided information
that led to what was thought to be a reasonable
understanding of the problem. By performing a
downhole video survey before treatment begins, it is
possible to visually confirm that the problems were
analyzed correctly and that proper remedial
treatments have been selected. If initial analyses
539
R. GIBLlNG, AND JEFF DAHL 5
provided incorrect information, modifications can
then be made to the treatment schedule before costly
procedures that are not relevant to the problem are
performed. Figures 6 and 7 (a leaking bridge plug
and gas storage well fractures) are examples of other
cases in which downhole video was able to provide
an accurate assessment of the downhole problem.
8. MONITOR TREATMENTS IN-PROCESS
Downhole video can be used to monitor well and
reservoir treatments in real time during the treatment
in process. In-process monitoring allows one to
verify that treatments are doing what was intended.
An excellent example of this usage is in the case of
using downhole video camera surveys during frac
jobs to verify that the frac proppant is going where
intended.
There are a few limitations that must be considered,
however. They are 1) fluid clarity, 2) the operational
limits of the camera and system, and 3) extremely
high flow rates.
Many of the chemical conformance treatments, with
the exception of cements, use fluids of sufficient
clarity to enable DHV usage. Treatments typically
are placed below fracturing pressure at matrix rates,
and thus, operational1imits of the camera and fiber-
optic cable will not be exceeded.
9. POST-TREATMENT CONFIRMATION
After treatment of a reservoir or wellbore, a video
survey can confirm whether the treatment
accomplished the intended results. Video
confirmation also provides training advantages by
allowing operators to learn more about the treatment
effectiveness so the treatment processes can be
improved. Figures 8 and 9 are examples of
information that can be retrieved from post-
treatment surveys.
CASE HISTORIES
the following case histories have been chosen to portray
the effectiveness of the DHV capabilities in the use of
problem analysis to enhance conformance technology.
6 DOWNHOLE VIDEO SERVICES ENHANCE CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
Case 1; Production Profile 3
A DHY survey was run ina high-rate waterflood
producer to help determine the appropriate remedial well
work needed to improve oil production. Two alternatives
were under consideration: 1) cement squeeze for water
shut off or 2) sidetrack the well. The cement squeeze
would be more economical, but there was concern about
the integrity of the production casing and achieving a
successful squeeze. If production tubing or casing
integrity had been compromised, sidetracking the well
would be more cost effective.
The well was completed in 1978 with a tapered
production string and side-pocket gas-lift mandrels
(GLMs). It had been directionally drilled, with an
average deviation of 50 0 across the producing
formation. The reservoir consisted of five hydraulic flow
units in the area of the waterflood where the well was
drilled. At the time of the video survey, the well was
producingfrom all five flow units at 2,000 BOPD (318
m3/d oil) 87% watercut, and 2,950 scf/STB (525 std
m3/stock-tank m3).
Previous surveillance work on the well consisted
primarily of two production profiles, which were run in
1988 and 1989. Neither profile was effective in
interpretation of production splits and oil entry sources.
A proposal was made to investigate the feasibility of
visually surveying the perforations to determine phase
entry while the well was on production. This would be
an alternative to a conventional production profile,
which typically consists of a combination of flowmeter,
fluid density, fluid capacitance, temperature, pressure or
gamma-ray logging tools.
The well was shut in 12 hours prior to the DHY survey
to allow wellbore fluids to segregate into their respective
phases. A fluid level, determined with an echo meter,
was found to be at 11,550 ft (3,520 m) MD with 2,700
psi (18.62 mPa) shut-in tubing pressure (SITP). The
tubing was surveyed in gas at 60-120 ft/min (0.30-0.61
mls), and the casing was surveyed in gas at 25 ft/min
(0.127 mls) from the tubing tail at 11,262 ft (3,433 m)
MD to the liquid level. Filtered sea water was then
pumped down the tubing at 1.5 bbl/min (0.238 m3/min)
540
SPE 30134
to depress the liquid level. The casing was surveyed in
water to 11,802 ft (3,597 m) MD where fill that covered
the bottom two sets of perforations was encountered.
The static DHY survey showed the tubing was in
relatively good condition with only minor pitting above
and below the GLM. The casing was also in relatively
good condition with only moderate pitting near the
tubing tail. The DHY survey did show seven isolated
perforations which were eroded to nearly I-inch (25.4
mm) diameter, double the typical 0.4-0.5-inch (10-13
mm) entrance hole diameter. This is usually an
indication of water production.
Once the static DHY survey was complete, the well was
slowly brought on production and flowed to a test
separator. Production was restricted to 6,600 BLPD
(1.049 m3/d) and 8 MMscf/D (227 Mm3/d)at 1100 psi
(7.58 mPa) FTP. The rate was restricted due to
operational concerns about potentially flowing the DHY
camera uphole and damaging the electro-fiber-optic
cable. As the well was brought on production, several
flowing DHY camera passes were made across the entire
perforated interval to investigate phase entry points.
While the production rate was stabilizing, the downhole
flow regime changed significantly. Initially, production
was observed from the upper perforations only, and
from progressively lower perforations as time passed.
An analysis of the flowing DHV survey is shown in
Figure 2, with a three-tier scale used to quantify the
magnitude of the oil and gas entry observed on the DHY
survey. The three levels of scale represent: 1) no fluid
entry, 2) minor fluid entry, and 3) major fluid entry. Any
perforations without oil or gas entry were either
nonproductive or producing only water (Figure 1).
The DHY analysis showed oil and gas production from
only about 10% of the open perforations. The oil and gas
prOduction was distributed across the length of the open
perforations with only isolated perforations producing in
each interval. A major casing leak was found in a casing
collar at 11,458 ft (3,492 m) MD. No analysis of the top
two perforation intervals was done because of an
oil/water interface, surveyed at 11,400 ft (3,475 m) MD.
The interface obscured any video results at this depth.
SPE 30134 STEVE MADDOX, GLEN
A production profile was then run with conventional
logging tools for comparative purposes. The comparison
was to determine if the DHV results provided
information that was not readily available from
conventional logging tools. Also, since conventional
prOduction profiles were available for most of the
producing wells in this field, the comparison would also
aid in evaluating future candidates for DHV production
surveys.
The conventional profile, also shown in Figure 2,
generally correlated with the DHV analysis. The
flowmeter (or spinner) confirmed that approximately 8%
of the production was coming from the casing leak at
11,458 ft (3,492 m) MD. The fluid density response
indicated 100% water flow from 11,802-11,400 ft
(3,597-3,475 m) MD, an oiVwater transition layer
between 11,400-11,360 ft (3,475-3,463 m) MD, and a
gas/oil layer from 11,360-11,300 ft (3,463-3,444 m)
MD. The DHV survey analysis showed water as the
primary phase between 11,802-11,400 ft (3,597-3,475
m) MD and oil as a continuous phase above the oiVwater
interface at 11,400 ft (3,475 m) MD. The gradient
temperature response showed major gas entry at 11,400
ft (3,475 m), 11,458 ft (3,492 m), 11,572 ft (3,527 m),
11,656 ft (3,553 m), and 11,767 ft (3,587 m) MD which
correlated well with the DHV survey.
The primary difference between the DHV survey and the
conventional production profile was the identification of
significant oil producing perforations below the
oiVwater interface. The fluid density from the
conventional production profile indicated only water
production from the perforations below 11,400 ft (3,475
m) MD. Oil production from the lower perforations was
observed with the DHV survey that was not detected by
conventional logging tools.
Based on the DHV survey and other collaborating
surveillance information, it was decided to squeeze the
well and reperforate two of the lower perforation
intervals. First, zone 1 was to be perforated from 11,720-
11,740 ft (3,572-3,578 m) MD. After flow testing this
zone, zone 3 was to be reperforated from 11,418-11,460
ft (3,480-3,493 m) MD.
541
R. GIBLlNG, AND JEFF DAHL 7
Without the data provided by the DHV survey, the lower
oil-producing intervals would not have been identified
and reperforated, which would have resulted in a loss of
oil production and less chance for ultimate recovery.
Case 2: Detection of Fluid Entry, pre-Treatment
Analysis
A customer had an oil well which had three zones
completed and produced. After some period of time the
bottom zone was abandoned and a bridge plug set above
the bottom set of perforations. The upper two zones
continued to be produced. After some time, the customer
wished to decrease the water-oil ratio of the produced
fluids. A conventional production log showed that water
was being produced from the second set of perforations
and a cement squeeze to squeeze these perforations off
was programmed.
Rather than performing the squeeze job based upon the
data available, a downhole video survey was
recommended to verify exactly which perforations were
producing water.
The well was shut in for 24 hours to allow the oil and
water phases to separate, and the video survey was
performed. It produced the following findings:
• Holes in tubing at 65.6 ft (20m) and 141 ft (43 m).
• Gas lift mandrel leaking at 3,765 ft 0,148 m).
• Casing corrosion at 8,318 ft (2,536 m).
• Washed-out casing at 8,430 ft (2,570 m).
• Bridge plug set at 8,452 ft (2,577 m).
The bridge plug appeared to be set 13 ft (4 m) too high
(or had shifted up the hole) and was above the second
set of perforations. The well was opened to flow on a
small choke, and oil was observed flowing from around
the bridge plug (Figure 6). No oil was coming from any
other perforations, and water was being produced from
the upper set of perforations in the location of the
washed out casing.
If the squeeze job had been performed as planned, the
oil-producing zone would have been squeezed off and
the water-producing zone left untouched. The downhole
8 DOWNHOLE VIDEO SERVICES ENHANCE CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
video survey also showed additional problems with the
well that needed attention.
Instead of performing an unnecessary squeeze job that
would have killed all of the oil production in the well,
the customer is now planning to perform a complete
workover to to restore the well to proper operating
condition.
Case 3: Detection of Scale Byildup and Post-
Treatment Confirmation
An oil well· completed with a slotted liner gradually lost
production over a number of years until it would no
longer flow. After several attempts to bring the well in
failed, the oil remaining in the well was displaced with
clear fluid, and a downhole video inspection was
performed. The video inspection clearly showed that the
slotted liner was plugged with light colored mineral
deposits.
The slotted liner was jet cleaned and backflushed, and
the downhole video re-run to confirm that the slots were
open. The camera revealed that the mineral deposits
were gone, and when the well was opened, oil
production was regained.
Case #4: Characterization of Entering Fluids in
Low-Water-Cyt Wells
An oil well with a water cut of 6% was inspected with
downhole video. The casing was 7 inch and had a
standing column of water close to the bottom of the well
where the area of viewing interest was located. This
clear viewing medium of standing water near the
perforations has been discovered to be quite common.
The well produced 72 barrels of oil per day and had a
downhole temperature of 227°P (l08.3°C). The API
gravity of the oil was 35.5 and immediately flowed off
the treated lens when the standing water was reached.
In spite of the near zero inclination in this vertical hole,
the oil exhibited the standard flow regime on the high
side. This left the larger volume of the wellbore free of
oil and provided .a good medium for viewing the
individual perforations for characterization of the type of
542
SPE 30134
fluids entering each.
Case #5: Inspect Casing String and
Perforations
This well was video logged to assess the general
condition of the casing string and to locate the
perforations to check for plugging.
The well was a class I non-hazardous disposal well. A
two-barrel heavy gel pill was pumped and followed by
enough fresh water to displace the well twice.
Subsequent video logging clearly showed that some of
the perforations were plugged with debris, and some
were obviously open and taking the fluid injection.
Some of the perforations still had the frac balls wedged
in the hole. The general casing condition was confirmed
to be good, with no signs of unusual corrosion.
RECENT ENHANCEMENTS TO DOWNHOLE
VIDEO SYSTEMS:
With the increased demand for downhole video service,
limitations were found that restricted use of the systems
in a broader range of applications. 4 To address these
limitations, several the recent enhancements have been
made to DRY systems as follows:
Increased Cable Strength
The first downhole video cables were designed with a
maximum OD of 7/32 inch (5.55 mm). This allowed the
DRY system to use the same pressure control equipment
as conventional surface readout and production logging
systems. Because of the design and construction of the
DRY fiber-optic cable, the working tensile strength of
the cable was limited to 1,200 lbs (5,337 N). It was
found that under certain conditions such as high
pressure, excessive depth, or on injection surveys the
cable would limit the system capabilities.
A new 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) cable has been designed that
will have a working tensile strength of 2,000 lbf (8,900
N), and thus, will increase operational scope of the
system.
SPE 30134 STEVE MADDOX, GLEN
Downhole Video in Horizontal Wells
The use of fiber-optic video technology to survey in
horizontal completions has initiated development of
systems deployed on coiled tubing. In the first attempts,
the fiber-optic cable was unable to withstand the
constant switching from tensile loads to compressive
loads, and failures were experienced. However,
development of a heavy-duty corrosion-protected fiber-
optic cable has provided a marked improvement for the
coiled-tubing-deployed DHV system. The new cable
was specifically designed 1) to be installed within a
coiled tubing string, and 2) to withstand the stresses and
corrosion inherent with this method of video accessment
in horizontal wells. Early in 1995, a 17,000-foot
(5,1 81.6-m) system was prototyped.
Prototype applications will include video logging in
horizontal sections to measured depths of up to 17,000
feet (5,181.6 m) under the acceptable conditions of
friction factors and tubular sizes, etc. Horizontal
sections of wellbore will offer even better viewing than
vertical or near vertical wells due to the fact that the oil
and gas stays closer to the high portion of the wellbore,
thus leaving the camera in the unobstructed water phase.
In addition to the method described above, a second
method that uses coiled tubing with downhole video has
been attempted. This method runs the cable concurrently
along the outside of the coiled tubing. A "Y-block" is
used to separate the elements of coiled tubing and cable
at the surface so that separate pressure-control
equipment can be employed for each.
The coiled tubing has the hydraulically-actuated stripper
normally used in coil tubing operations. The fiber-optic
cable has the grease head and lubricator equipment
normally used in electric line operations. The cable is
not strapped or connected to the coiled tubing except at
the bottom where the camera equipment is installed.
This method has not been successful in measured depths
significantly greater than 9,000 feet (2,743 m) due to the
tensile limits of the cable. Capability to extend into
increased depths using this method is expected with a
fiber-optic cable of greater strength, which will allow
approximately twice the tension to be kept in the cable.
543
R. GIBLlNG, AND JEFF DAHL 9
This will alleviate the tendency for the cable to be
subjected to compression at the lower end from the
inherent differences in stretch characteristics of cable
and coiled tubing. Compression in the cable, which
occurs while the system is moving in the upward
direction, damages the cable, and thus, must be avoided.
Corrosive Environments
The current system was originally designed to support
standard service operations. Now that DHV has proven
its capability to economically benefit its customers,
requests are being made to expand the service to include
H2S and CO 2 applications.
The camera housings were already compatible with H2S
and CO2 environments, and a new corrosion-resistant
cable has been developed. With a coiled tubing system,
the polymer-coated cable normally used is suitable for
this type of application. The first fiber-optic-transmitted
real time video survey in an H2S environment has
tentatively been planned using the H2S-compatible cable
installed in a coiled-tubing-deployed system.
New Side View Option
A new method for viewing perforations at angles
approaching 90 degrees from vertical in pressures of up
to 5,000 psi (725 kPa) has added versatility to the system
that broadens the scope of information relevant to
conformance technology.
In these pressures, the side view camera has a field of
view of 60 degrees, mounted at 60 degrees from the
vertical. This setup allows a certain amount of
downward viewing, a view of the side wall just ahead of
the camera, and a close up view to the side - all at the
same time. Hairline cracks in nipple profiles have been
discovered using this equipment. The relatively large
outside diameter of 4.125 in. (10.477 cm) limits the
applications to the larger tubulars, however.
Each perforation and the fluids entering can be
examined closely by electrically rotating the camera to
the side of the wellbore of interest, and the orientation is
apparent from the rising hydrocarbons at the high side of
the hole.
10 DOWNHOLE VIDEO SERVICES ENHANCE CONFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
CONCLUSIONS:
Downhole video services allow operators to 1) clearly
view downhole conditions, 2) better plan effective
conformance technology treatments, and 3) determine
the exact location of the areas requiring the treatment
applications. DHV also allows the operator to monitor
the treatments in real time or after the treatment has been
completed to confirm that its intended purpose has been
accomplished.
Regular usage of downhole video in conjunction with
conformance technology will help:
1. Accurately identify wellbore and reservoir problems.
2. Plan more effective well treatments.
3. Monitor treatments during application.
4. Verify whether treatments have accomplished their
intended purpose.
5. Obtain data concerning treatment effectiveness so
that remedial processes can be improved.
6. Provide operator training in application of treatment.
7. Provide indication of future problems by allowing
comparisons of wellbore conditions throughout the
productive life of the well.
8. Detect situations that can develop into problems that
can potentially endanger personnel and the
environment.
The inclusion of DHV surveying into Conformance
technology can significantly enhance oilfield analytical
needs by facilitating accuracy in determination of
downhole conditions.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to acknowledge the management of
Halliburton Energy Services for their support in
development of the systems and permission to write this
paper. The authors also wish to acknowledge John
544
SPE 30134
Goiffon for his help in providing the DHV photos that
are shown in this paper.
REFERENCES
1. Chen, C.C., Chu, W., and Sadighi, S.: "Pressure
Transient Testing of Gas Reservoirs With Edge-Water
Drive," SPE Paper No. 28381, Presented at the SPE 69th
Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition held in
New Orleans, LA, 25-28 September 1994.
2. Olsen lE., Taylor, R, and Kristensen, R,: "Case
Histories in the Europe/Africa Area Demonstrate
Improved Capabilities of Fiber·Optic Video Camera
Technology" SPE Paper No. 29300 presented at SPE
Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference 1995, 20-22 March
1995, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
3. Allen, T.T., Ward, S.L., Chavers, R.D., Robertson,
T.N., and Schultz, P.K.; "Diagnosing Production
Problems With Downhole Video Logging at Prudhoe
Bay," SPB Paper 26043 presented at the Western
Regional Meeting held in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.A.,
26-28 May 1993.
4. Peters, C.A., Schultz, P.K., Cobb, C.C.:
"Development of an Blectro-Opto Logging Cable and
Video System for Offshore and Other Downhole
Applications," OTC Paper No. 7608 presented at the
26th Annual OTC, Houston, Texas, U.S.A., 2-5 May
1994.
 Figure 1
Casing Condition Verification
SPINNER
8,900 .-..--..,...--....,
SIDE POCKET MANDRELS --.J-li----'.wI
I
9 5/8" PRODUCTION CASING I
5 1/2" PRODUCTION TUBING 9,000 -...1----
I
TUBING LEAKS
@ 9,036' MD
I
I
9.100
TUBING LEAKS --I1-lIoI
@ 9,112'· 9,116' MD
I
PACKER I
9.200 -/----
I
OTHER LEAKS --1-----'111I I
IN TUBING TAIL
I
9.300 --1---
I-
I
9,400 ....- - - ' - - - - '

CASING LEAK @ 9,557' • 9,568' MD

CASING AND CEMENT GONE -~iIiIII!IIIIlI

CASING LEAK @ 9,598' • 9,618' MD

SEVERE CORROSION

TOP OF PERFORATIONS
@ 9,630' MD

Figure 2
TUbing and Production Leaks
545
 Figure 4
Oil Bubbles Flowing Through Formation Water

546
 OHGR PERFS FD SPINNER TEMP VIDEO ANALYSIS REPERF
11,300

ZONE 4 I
Co

1"
- - - 11,400 I
--\--
ZONE 3
I
\
f
ZONE 2C - - - 11,500 -,-- I

\
(
J

,
I
- 11,600 -1---
ZONE 28
I
I
I
11,700 -\--- ---
I
~
ZONE 1
l
(
11,800
o GR 100 12 D~~~II~Y ? SPINNER 20 0 MINOR MAJOR 0 MINOR MAJOR
I
185°F TEMPERATURE 195°F

Figure 5
Post- Video Production Profile and Video Analysis

Figure 6
Leaking Bridge Plug

547
 Figure 8
Measuring Perforation Diameter

548
 Figure 9
Treatment Fluids Left In Well

549