Conveyance

The Fundamentals of Perforating
Conveyance Systems
February 2006
Fundamentals of Perforating
Conveyance Systems
Production Technology Foundation Course
©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

All rights reserved. 2006 1
Conveyance Systems
1. Introduction and Brief History

2. Why Perforate and how to do it right ?
3. Which system ?
4. What is the best conveyance method?
5. How to ensure quality ?
6. What is required to plan and execute?
7. Using SPOTLite
February, 2006
Slide No. 2 Production Technology Foundation Course
HOW TO GET THE GUNS IN (AND OUT) OF THE WELL
In this session we will be concentrating on how to get the perforating guns (and accessories
where applicable) into the well bore, and out again if necessary.
There maybe several options open to you, for example in a vertical well requiring a short
interval to be perforated, there exists the opportunity to run either electric line, slickline or
tubing conveyed guns (for example). Which one you finally decide on will be based on a
number of factors. Once the methods have been identified, you will need to carry out an
assessment on cost, time, applicability and relevance of the identified methods. It is not
always obvious which is the most cost effective and operationally effective option to choose.
In general, as the well profile becomes more deviated, and the interval gets longer, the job
becomes more complex in nature requiring a more structured engineering approach to
identify the solution. Deviation requires a certain “stiffness” in the deployment medium, and
clearly as depth and deviation increase, use of slickline and wireline become a challenge.
Where orientation of perforations is also required, the requirements of deployment start to

become complex, often requiring additional tools and actions. This section will look at the
deployment methods and also highlight some of the specialist applications that influence and
change what are deemed conventional deployment techniques.
Do not forget at all stages of the job planning, the expert advise of the service contractor is
always available.

Conveyance Systems
If precautions are not taken, the danger of premature

detonation may occur
February, 2006
The deployment of any gun string, using whatever method you choose, needs to be done
carefully and safely. Understanding this fundamental requirement is paramount.
The choice of firing heads, whatever the application is crucial. The interface between
chosen deployment method and firing system is crucial to safety.
Where possible and feasible, guns should be run without a firing head, and armed only when
on depth.
In some scenarios, this is of course is not possible. Electric wireline, slickline and coil being
the prime examples.
When running guns and firing head together, every effort must be taken to ensure that the
head cannot fire prematurely, either through stray electrical interference (E-line), pressure
surges or other unwanted well influences.
With electric line, choosing a suitably inert firing head, or “RF” immune head will solve this
problem. Conventional or older style electric wireline firing heads required the shut down of
all operations and activities generating background electrical interference. This included the
use of all radio (on the rig, supply boats, helicopters) as well as other well associated work.
The resultant costs were often massive and operational changes cumbersome.
For pressure actuated heads, pinning the head over and above any pressure likely to be
seen in the well will suffice and where “timer” type heads are used for example, with slickline
deployed systems, back up safety features are essential.
You as the PT must be aware of all the well influences and the firing head capabilities and
their possible responses. If you are unsure about any aspect of your perforating string and
firing head, you must not proceed with the job.

Conveyance Systems
Conveyance Options
• Slickline
• Wireline
• Coiled Tubing
• Drill Pipe
• Tubing
• Casing
February, 2006
The deployment of guns today in and out of wells involves the use of every conveyance
medium known. In previous years, only electric wireline and later tubing or drill pipe were
used. In more recent times, this however has now spread to the use of coil tubing, slickline
and the newer concept of casing conveyed perforators. Although still very much in its
infancy, the latter technique offers great advantages in certain scenarios, where, perhaps,
full bore access is required post perforating, but where well bore geometry prevents the use
of suitable guns, therefore Casing Conveyed Perforators (CCP’s) opens up new technical
possibilities. CCP’s are dealt with in the last module of the course.
In highly deviated wells, we frequently now use another relatively new technology, that of
well tractors, and these devices were originally used for deployment of logging tools but
have now found another application.
We will now look briefly at each of the methods and consider some of the advantages,
disadvantages and considered with each chosen option.

Conveyance Systems
Choice
• Selection of a perforating technique is a trade off between

the following factors
– Cost
– Safety
– Operator preference (comfort factor based on earlier experiences)
– Reservoir type
– Reservoir performance and expectations
– Technical competence of local vendors
– Operating environment
– Confidence in relatively new technology
– Contractual obligations
– Available technology
February, 2006
The common theme again is making decisions which more often than not are a compromise
based on what is best for the well under a particular set of circumstances.

Conveyance Systems
Deployment of Guns (1)
February, 2006
Lets take a quick look at some of the generic options for deployment of guns in a well.
These schematics supplied by Schlumberger illustrate how deployment can vary based on a
land operation, hence the truck !
The first diagram shows our large OD casing guns deployed on wireline. No completion is in
the well and guns will be fired, the well perforated over balanced and the guns removed
The second schematic shows electric wireline conveyance of guns, through the bore of the
completions. Guns are smaller in OD in order to pass through the ID of the well

Conveyance Systems
Deployment of Guns (2)
February, 2006
Adding some sophistication, we now see the larger HSD guns, run as an integral part of the
completion. Gun length is not a restriction on how much can be run. Deviation is not an
issue either. They are suspended below the completion and run in hole and located across
the formation. With pressure control equipment in place, the well can be under balanced
and the guns fired . In this set up up, the reservoir pressure is higher than that in the well
bore with a resultant pressure surge cleaning up the perforations.
The final schematic shows the relatively new principle of Extreme Overbalanced Perforating
(EOP). This concept uses something similar to that of the former, but when the guns are
fired, instead of having a pressure regime in favour of the reservoir, a high pressure is
actually applied to the well bore such that when detonation takes place, the pressure is
driven into the formation creating a localised stimulation fraccing action, thus increasing the
localised permeability.

Conveyance Systems
Gun Handling
February, 2006
One of the key areas for consideration when running guns, on land or offshore are the gun
handling operations.
The above schematic illustrates the various phases of gun handling seen or required on the
rig floor when running in.
Note the safety spacer between the top shot and the firing head which allows for a safety
buffer between the guns and any rig floor handling.

Conveyance Systems
Pressure control equipment
• Majority of wireline operations

conducted on live wells
• Dynamic sealing system needed to
load, run and recover wireline
toolstring under pressure
• Other capabilities are:
– Equalise across X-mas tree to
allow valves to open
– Bleed off pressure safety
– Pressure test assembly
– Inject chemicals to prevent
corrosion and hydrates
– Catch tools in case wire breaks at
surface
February, 2006
The figure above shows a schematic of a typical pressure control assembly – also called a
lubricator. It basically consists of a blow-out preventer, riser pipe to contain the perforating
tools, a flow tube assembly, and an upper seal or stuffing box.
The BOP encases two rubber-faced rams with cable sized cut-outs. When closed the ram
seal tightly around the cable. Either mechanically or hydraulically operated BOPs are
common.
The riser pipe consists of sections of pipe with quick-connect couplings. The total height of
the riser is determined by the length of the tool assembly. However there is a physical limit
to the maximum height of a lubricator assembly e.g. the height of the derrick ca . 30 feet for
normal land operations.
Grease is continuously pumped through inot the small annular space between the cable and
the flow tubes, providing a seal to contain well fluids.

Conveyance Systems
Wireline Conveyance Advantages
• simple gun handling

• Immense global track record
• Commodity perforating
• Positive shot detection
• Short exposure time down hole
• Wet gun protection
• Economical in short intervals
• Optimal gun positioning possible
• Requires no rig in certain places
• Selective firing possible
• User friendly for high volume activity
• Good for remote location wells
February, 2006
There are many advantages associated with wireline perforating. In general, it is seen as
straightforward, and has been used for many years. Deployment is quick and the overall
ability to trip in and out of a well highly valued.

Conveyance Systems
Wireline Conveyance Disadvantages
• time issue for longer intervals - rig time.

• safety issue with gas wells producing
especially HPHT.
• dry wells may result in guns blown up well.
• casing wear with multiple trips.
• weight and deviation limitations.
• reduced shots and gun sizes.
• use of under balance is limited to first run in
hole
• charge performance often not optimised
• debris problems with some systems
February, 2006
While wireline (and slickline) offer many advantages for perforating there are some notable
disadvantages that MUST be taken into consideration. Some of them will be self evident
and decisions often end up being made for you at the planning stage.
Even though your service provider will be well aware of the technical capabilities (and
limitations) of their systems, you must also have an understanding of the possible pitfalls of
using the wrong deployment method, as well as the constraints that may appear.
One of the prime limitations of wireline is its mechanical rating (I.e. its strength) and
subsequently how many guns can be run per trip in hole. Additional points to consider will
be what is the well deviation, what is the depth of the interval to be perforated,
A final point you must consider is the available rig up height associated with the lubricator.
Where potentially long intervals are involved, and a limited rig up height is available, several
or many runs in and out of the well will be required. The lubricator and pressure control
equipment are key to well control and as such each make and break of the connections,
presents a potential risk.
Multiple runs clearly involves the perforating of tripping into and out of a live well situation so
requires additional consideration at the planning, and operational execution phase

Conveyance Systems
Wireline Automatic Gun Disconnect
• Long gun strings can be

run into a well and
automatically
disconnected on gun
detonation
• Avoids extra weight
problems as guns lose
buoyancy post detonation
• Opens up opportunities
where guns can be run on
wire, slickline or coil and
left in hole
February, 2006
As noted elsewhere in this lecture, considerations of running guns on wire or slickline

include the weight restrictions (amongst others).
When guns are run in a well, they are buoyant because of the trapped or enclosed
atmospheric pressure within the guns. Once fired they lose this as the guns flood with well
fluids taking on extra weight. This has a knock on effect on the cable/wire causing at worst,
a weak point to break and the guns being dropped in hole.
One option that exists to alleviate the wire snapping at the weak point is to run an automatic
gun disconnect that is specifically designed to break up the gun string allowing longer than
normal deployment in the hole, but leaving some of the guns in hole post firing. These can
be run individually to leave all of the guns behind or sequentially located between guns
breaking the string up after firing. Guns can potentially then be fished at a later date.

Conveyance Systems
On Depth ?
February, 2006
Running guns to depth on any deployment medium requires that they be placed on depth for
accurate reservoir or zonal perforation
This can be done in one of several ways.
When conveyed on electric wireline, a gamma ray / CCL log is used to locate the guns on
depth versus known formation characteristics and casing collars. When guns are deployed
on slickline, this has to be done in memory mode due to the absence of any surface read out
equipment. As such, a dummy run is carried out and a memory GR/CCL is used for the
same purposes. Software matching of the log, taking into account stretching of the string
due to gun weight is carried out and guns placed on depth accordingly.
When conveyed on drill pipe or tubing, a radioactive pip tag will be placed in the casing prior
to running and logged to establish its precise depth. When guns are run to perforate, known
measurements between the pip tag and appointed top shot are known, as are the distance
between top shot in the guns, and a second tag located in the gun string. Correlation
between the two sets of measurements using gamma ray/CCL log allows the guns to be
placed on depth.

Conveyance Systems
Slickline Conveyance
• No surface readout
• Depth control considerations
• Interfaces between various possible service
providers
• Weight and deviation restrictions
• Very flexible
• Ideal for remote locations
• Ideal for many mature assets
February, 2006
A growing perforating sector is evolving globally, namely guns conveyed on slickline.

Reluctance initially was based on the depth control accuracy and what were perceived to be
limitations on the capabilities of this method of deployment. Things have changed rapidly
and in areas where logistics support maybe difficult (mobilisation of large crews and support
for electric wireline operations, slickline is the answer.
Many of the considerations applicable for electric line conveyance apply to slickline, for
example, weight restrictions, pressure control and lubricator height availability, well deviation
and length of interval. In addition to this with slickline are the depth control consideration
given that there is no surface read out.
This approach does require thought and planning, but opportunities are presented and the
“added value” maybe significant.
The key areas to consider are focussed on the firing head technology and interfaces (where
relevant) between the suppliers of the guns, the slickline company, and often, the supplier of
the firing head technology. This may differ from the perforating company so be very aware
of this issue.
If all else fails and depth control is so critical slickline cannot be used – a wireline unit can
always be mobilised (perhaps?)

Conveyance Systems
Coil Tubing Conveyance
• Robust
– Good strength in hole
• Weight
– issues significantly reduced allowing longer strings to
be run
• Deviation
– Greater capability than wire or slickline
• Depth control
– Systems now capable of wireline accuracy
• Safe
February, 2006 – Proven track record in horizontal wells –many
Slide No. 15
references Production Technology Foundation Course
The use of coil should always be considered in wells where deviation or gun length prevents
or does not support wireline
Coil offers many options and where the lack of sump prevents guns being run with the test
string or completion, and subsequently dropped off, coil can provide through tubing access
to deploy and retrieve when used in conjunction with pressure control equipment
Modelling software such as CoilCade or Cerberus for example should ALWAYS be run
ahead of time as part of the planning phase to ensure that the coil and its gun string can
access the well section you desire. Software such as these will take inputs such as well
trajectory, well construction data, gun string weight and length and predict coil behaviour
down hole.
Coil can be run in association with wireline to provide a surface readout capability but it
should be remembered that coil supplied with an electric cable down its bore weighs
considerably more than a standard coil reel, and as such can dramatically affect the
operational handling. Be aware of the installation handling capabilities, especially on
offshore rigs or platforms where crane lifting capacities are fundamental to success.
Depth control considerations are also an important matter when considering coil
deployment, as are the interfaces between various possible service providers
Weight and deviation
Very flexible

Conveyance Systems
TCP Perforating Efficiencies
Halliburton supplied data
February, 2006
TCP efficiencies are actually very high, regardless of industry perceptions and biases, but
when things do not go according to plan, the implications both with rig time and cost are
often significant and have major impact on the well. If an offshore rig is involved, cost
penalties can be massive and must be considered as part of the overall business plan for
that well or project.
Things going wrong however can be mitigated at the planning stage

Things will go wrong, regardless of you being told “this has never failed”. It maybe painful to
admit but at that point contingency PLANNING is crucial, and must be part of your job
considerations.
Always have contingency to cope with the “what if scenario” or scenarios.
Ask yourself the questions;
What will we do if the guns do NOT fire?

Do I arrange for back up guns to be on the rig?
Do we even load back up guns?
Who is responsible when things do not go according to plan?
If I am using TCP guns on a completion and guns do not fire, how long do I keep trying to
fire before contingency kicks in?
If the rig rate is $200k a day, do I drop off gun and perforate on wireline or pull the
completion and start again?
It is evident that dependent on each scenario, there are a set of questions that need to be
asked.
Conveyance Systems
The Rise and Rise of TCP
• 1970 4 first job October 4

• 1971 16
• 1972 26
• 1973 33
• 1974 46
• 1975 65
• 1976 130
• 1977 310
• 1978 894
February, 2006
Following years of wireline conveyed perforating, 1970 saw the first TCP or tubing conveyed
gun. This was a revolution in the oil field and should never be under estimated
A Schlumberger logging engineer who for saw the upside of running bigger guns in longer
lengths on the bottom of drill pipe or tubing
This was Roy Vann
The first job was carried out in Artesia New Mexico, and worked. For the next few years,
along with some associates, Vann developed a mechanical firing head and other
accessories. By the mid 70’s his concept was growing in exposure. Although a very
conservative industry, the oilfield was keen to try this new idea and by the late 70’s the use
of “TCP” was escalating beyond Vanns expectations
He combined his company with Geo International to become GeoVann, opened up

international locations throughout the world
In the mid 80’s GeoVann became part of the Halliburton organisation and was repackaged
as VannSystems, a name it retains to this day.

Conveyance Systems
Why Use TCP ?
• One trip operations eliminates multi trip

operations
• Underbalanced perforating
• Safety
• High performance shaped charges
• Optimum shot density and phasing
• Optional gun release
• Suitable for highly deviated wells
• Suitable for extended length of reservoir
• Economics of better production
February, 2006
Where long intervals and well clean up are recognised as key well drivers, TCP becomes an
important technology option.

Conveyance Systems
TCP Advantages
• controlled underbalance when firing

• large guns used for optimal charge performance
• easier well clean up after firing
• high shot density and high performance charges
• costs saved on rig time with longer intervals
• long intervals perforated in one trip
• expedites well testing operations where relevant
• deviated wells no problem
• safety issues more manageable (well control)
• hostile wells easier to control
• no RF hazards with firing systems
• overall operational efficiency and service quality very high
February, 2006
Variations on the TCP or tubing (maybe drill pipe) conveyed option are:
“shoot and pull” – well is fired and then killed to allow gun retrieval. This method runs the
risk of inducing post detonation formation damage
“shoot and flow” – allows later options of well produces poorly
“shoot and drop” – requires adequate sump to be drilled so that guns can be dropped after
gun firing. Gun drop maybe done mechanically using a through tubing deployed shifting tool
on slickline or more commonly today with an auto-gun drop sub which initialises after
detonation

Conveyance Systems
TCP Disadvantages
• financial cut off for shorter intervals

• recovery time and cost of failures can be significant
• logistics - extra hardware required
• shot detection difficulties can result in noisy wells or semi
work
• more rig personnel required to support larger operations
• requirement for rat hole if guns are to be dropped off
• temperature consideration of leaving guns down hole
• High levels of inventory required to support operations
• Logistics – higher mobilisation levels required
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
General Criteria for Selection
• Geometric limitation in the well

• Gun retrieval required or not
• Deviation
• Deployment of retrieval under pressure
• Gun length (and weight)
• Rig up height at well site
February, 2006
Before any deployment method is selected, several key questions need to be addressed. The
most obvious factor is the minimum ID or restriction within the well bore.
Secondly, guns, once fired will swell to a larger OD, and this is exaggerated in gas wells,
therefore you must ensure that if guns are to be removed from a well post firing, the OD is within
tolerance of any restrictions.
Clearly many of the decisions here are straightforward but engineers and PT’s should not
overlook key factors which could have major implications on the deployment method chosen. ID
and restrictions has been mentioned above. Where tolerances are tight, always remember, that
although you may feel your close tolerance is OK, be aware that any debris encountered could
complicate matters considerably and this is further magnified in deviated well bores where
debris sits low-side of the well.
If gun retrieval is required, and guns are conveyed on wireline or slickline, they will have
buoyancy on the way in, but not on the way out so weight restrictions need to be considered.
This will be looked at by your service contractor, but be aware you may get guns in but not out if
you exceed the strength capabilities of your cable or wire.
Where deviation plays a major part in the well design, be aware that you should be considering a
more robust method for gun deployment as the gun length gets longer and heavier. Also, where
deviation is combined with tortuosity, an even greater case is presented for tubing, coil or drill
pipe conveyed. In some cases of deviation, well tractors can now be used, and have been used
very successfully indeed. Experience gained running these tools for logging operations has now
been transferred to the perforating environment. Tractors can be used for slickline, wireline and
coil applications. Be aware that tractors when they fail, stay down hole, so contingency planning
is required, along with a very robust selection and reliability analysis before you opt for this
technique.
Conveyance Systems
Direct Costs Associated with TCP
• Job design, and planning.

• Failure.
• Rathole requirements.
• Running times for TCP versus wireline and coil?
• Direct operational costs.
• Lost (non fished) accessories.
• Others
– completion equipment
– materials
– extra runs
February, 2006
For many years, the use of TCP over wireline was strongly challenged by Operators on 2
fronts, cost and logistics (what if it fails?)
Today, reliability is accepted globally in the order of 98% within the major providers and cost
is only a subjective issue when viewed correctly
Behind these factors lie one important issue , namely the perforation job itself and its effect
on the formation. How well have I perforated and how has that affected the wells capability
to produce hydrocarbon.
In many cases now, a long gun string, deployed on coil, possibly under pressure, is a better
solution than multiple wireline runs, even with the added planning required, extra up front
costs, mobilisation of a coil unit, extra crew and potential risk encountered. All of these
points must be taken into consideration, but should not obscure the fact that if conveyed on
coil, longer guns strings can be deployed, and where necessary can be retrieved safely
under pressure. The vital aspect about this is the ability to perforate under balanced in a
single trip, and remove the guns without having to kill the well.
Coil has significant strength and is much more flexible than wireline when it comes to
running longer lengths of high performance guns, and a such should be evaluated on its
merits and not what appear at first site to be barriers to use.

Conveyance Systems
Wireline or TCP or…….?
• Choice dependent on :
– kind of completion in your well
natural
fractured
sand control
remedial
– zone length / space out
– deviation
– rig daily costs
– post perforating testing
– Under balance perforating
– Etc etc etc etc
All guns used for “TCP” applications can be used on slickline, wireline
or coil.
February, 2006
The question often arises should one use wireline deployed guns, which will undoubtedly be
quicker on shorter intervals, or TCP to capitalise on bigger guns, and then drop them off with
the added cost and risk ? Decide for yourself. Consider an example in one of your own
assets and carry out an assessment for which deployment might be of operational and
commercial advantage.

Conveyance Systems
Deviation and Access
• Can be used on all

gun systems
• Various sizes
• Provided by all service
companies
• Can be placed
between guns
• Allows access to
tortuous profiled wells
February, 2006
As well deviation rises, so do the difficulties in getting guns to depth. These problems exist
with all deployment methods, including tubing or drill pipe conveyed. It becomes more
significant using electric line or slickline where stiffness is absent.
One of the simplest ways to aid gun deployment is to include roller assemblies as part of the
gun assembly. These are provided by all service industry perforating companies and
comprise several designs. An example is shown in the overhead.

Conveyance Systems
Use of Well Tractors
• Key Points to Consider:

– Moderately new innovation
– Applicable for deviated well bores
– Vendor interfaces between key providers are
crucial
– Can be used on:
electric wireline, slickline and coil
– Logging and perforating track record
established globally
February, 2006
Well tractors are a very useful piece of well technology. They are regarded as enabling tools
!
Originally developed for the deployment of logging strings, they have been adapted for
perforating highly deviated sections of well where wireline, slickline or coil are the only
options available for deployment.
Great care in planning must be afforded to fully evaluate the applicability of such equipment,
as well as trying to understand the implications of a failed job. The worse case scenario
with tractors is that they fail down hole, a weak point is pulled leaving themselves and the
attached gun string across the reservoir, before they manage to fire. In this situation, a
fishing job is initiated and operation start to get more expensive.
A key area of job planning involves the interfacing between the respective vendors involved
in the perforating job. Attention to detail is required here to ensure a safe operation takes
place and that all parties understand what is expected of them and how their equipment
works in association with other systems.

Conveyance Systems
Why Orientate Perforations?
• Align with preferred fracture plane (PFP)

– To improve hydraulic fracture treatments
– To prevent sand production
• Directional perforating
– Intersect natural fractures
– Across minimum formation damage
– Aid perforation cleanup
– Perforate high or low side of the hole
• Away from completion components
– Avoid perforating long string
February, 2006
– Avoid perforating cables, control lines, sensors
With some perforating applications, there is a need to orientate guns, or the shots, in a
particular way. This will subsequently affect the manner in which the gun string is deployed.
We will take a closer look at some of these applications and what is required to be
considered by the PT at the planning phase.

Conveyance Systems
Passive Orientation
• Orienting by gravity
– Uses eccentered
weighted spacers
– Ballistic swivels
– Tubing swivels
– Directional survey
required
February, 2006
There are several factors that influence the accuracy and effective manner of orientation;
•Gun String Torque must be closely monitored to ensure consistent make up throughout.
This becomes a major pointer where long gun strings are concerned and well profiles and
trajectory is tortuous.
•10% of string length must be weighted spacer to ensure
•Guns may have natural orientation
•Well deviation must be taken into account
•Tolerance build-up
•Connector tolerance minimized to less than 1.5°
•Long gun lengths
•String split into sections using ballistic swivels depending on how accurate orienting has to
be
Overall accuracy can be and has been determined by one or more of the following methods :
•Passive orienting can be estimated by experimental work prior to well work

•Guns loaded with tittle-tattles to determine gun position when shot with error measured over
500 ft of guns
•Shoot & pull evidence when guns retrieved. The retrieved guns show drag marks on low-
side opposite perforation direction
•USIT log evidence can be reviewed. Logs have been run to show exactly where
perforations occur

Conveyance Systems
Swivels
• Applications
– Unconsolidated formations
Guns oriented to low side
– Fracturing
Guns oriented to preferred
fracture plane
– Long Intervals
Aid in packer setting etc.
• Swivel types
– Full bore swivel
Located in tubing string
above guns
– Swivel
Allows pressure path to
firing heads
– Intra-gun swivel
February, 2006 For orienting long gun
Slide No. 28 strings Production Technology Foundation Course
Where guns need to be suitably rotated for orientation, swivels are often, if not always
included in the gun string.

Conveyance Systems
Intra Gun Swivels
• Used between gun

assemblies to reduce
friction
• Required in very long
gun strings
• For horizontal wells
• ERD well applications
• Ballistic train feed
thro’s
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
Other Orientation Techniques
• Wireline Orienting
– MOD Mechanical Orienting Device
– POT Powered Orienting Tool
– WOPT Wireline Oriented Perforating Tool
• Tubing Conveyed Perforating
– Gyro orienting
• Coiled Tubing Conveyed Perforating
– Passive orienting
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
Mechanical Orienting Tool
• MOD
– Spring-loaded arm
– Released by squib when outside tubing
– Micro-switch closes to shoot when arm open to
casing ID
Up to 9 5/8-in.
– 1 3/8-in. OD
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
Powered Orienting Tool
•POT
–Motor rotates string
–Metal proximity profile
generated
–Gun rotated away from other
strings
–200 in.-lbs torque
–Rotate 20 ft of slim guns (e.g. 2
1/8-in. strip guns)
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
TCP Gyro Positioned String
• Guns at depth
• Gyro seated in landing shoe
• String rotated to desired direction
• Gyro removed
• Guns fired
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
Live Well Deployment
February, 2006
This system is used with a coiled tubing unit to convey the guns and maintain well control
during the entire operation without introducing potentially damaging kill-weight fluid.
to the reservoir. Guns are deployed into the well with the Snapshot connector using only
stabbing and pulling motions to connect gun sections. This is accomplished by the positive
snap latch design of the connector, requiring only set-down weight to snap the latch sub of
the upper gun into the receptacle of the lower gun. The gun sections are uncoupled via a
dedicated ram in the Deployment BOP, which when closed, compresses keys in the latch
sub to release the connection.
To transfer the detonation from one gun section to the next, a field-proven bulkhead ballistic
wet connect transfer.
system featuring a donor shaped charge is used. Upon detonation of the upper gun, the
donor shaped charge located in the latch sub will perforate the bulkhead of the
transfer sub in the receptacle, and in so doing will detonate the lower perforating guns.
Applications
Underbalanced perforating of long intervals
Through-tubing interventions in deviated or multilateral wells
Perforating long intervals without the need of adrilling or workover rig
Underbalanced perforating of depleted or fluid-sensitive reservoirs

Conveyance Systems
Stackable Guns
February, 2006
All major service providers have a stackable gun technology.
Where operations or well geometry dictates that guns need to be removed from a well, post
detonation, one option to maximise both gun size and shot density is that of the stackable
gun system
An example of this type of application is where no sump exists (maybe due to drilling
difficulties and risk), and where there is a suitable string ID through which to deploy guns
Gun deployment maybe either ahead of the work string or completion or after it has been
run. It should be remembered that ID of the string and OD of the guns (AFTER firing) are
very important considerations for this type of application.

Conveyance Systems
Gun “Hangers” or “Anchors”
Anchors Guns independently

of the completion
used in
Monobore Completions
or
where there is a long

distance
between the guns and the
end of the completion
February, 2006
One final method of “deployment” or application is that of a gun hanger or anchor. The term
will vary dependent on provider and there are subtle differences between the approaches
and you and your team will need to make a suitable1q judgement on which is best
Optimum Perforating
Optimum gun size
Optimum gun length
Optimum underbalance
Fast drop for optimum cleanup
Monobore Completions
Guns anchored & dropped allowing full monobore
Standard Completions
Completions can be installed several hundred feet above anchored guns minimize
rathole requirements

Conveyance Systems
Recap
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
Summary
• GUNS CAN BE CONVEYED INTO A WELL BY

VARIOUS MEANS - ALL MUST BE
CONSIDERED.
• The best way of conveying guns may not always

be the most obvious, and it may be a change
from conventionally used methods
• Your decision of which method has a significant
on the job planning and strategy.
• Get the guns on depth and if they need to be
pulled from a well, make sure that the gun OD
can pass through the restrictions
February, 2006

Conveyance Systems
February 2006
Fundamentals of Perforating
Conveyance Systems
Production Technology Foundation Course


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The Fundamentals of Perforating

Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

The Fundamentals of Perforating

1. Introduction and Brief History

Slide No. 2 Production Technology Foundation Course

HOW TO GET THE GUNS IN (AND OUT) OF THE WELL

Where orientation of perforations is also required, the requirements of deployment start to

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

If precautions are not taken, the danger of premature

Slide No. 3 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Slide No. 4 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

• Selection of a perforating technique is a trade off between

Slide No. 5 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Deployment of Guns (1)

Slide No. 6 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Deployment of Guns (2)

Slide No. 7 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Slide No. 8 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Pressure control equipment

• Majority of wireline operations

Slide No. 9 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Wireline Conveyance Advantages

• simple gun handling

Slide No. 10 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Wireline Conveyance Disadvantages

• time issue for longer intervals - rig time.

Slide No. 11 Production Technology Foundation Course

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Wireline Automatic Gun Disconnect

• Long gun strings can be

Slide No. 12 Production Technology Foundation Course

As noted elsewhere in this lecture, considerations of running guns on wire or slickline

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Slide No. 13 Production Technology Foundation Course

This can be done in one of several ways.

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Slide No. 14 Production Technology Foundation Course

A growing perforating sector is evolving globally, namely guns conveyed on slickline.

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

Coil Tubing Conveyance

©Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.

TCP Perforating Efficiencies

Halliburton supplied data

Slide No. 16 Production Technology Foundation Course

Things going wrong however can be mitigated at the planning stage

Always have contingency to cope with the “what if scenario” or scenarios.

Ask yourself the questions;

What will we do if the guns do NOT fire?

The Rise and Rise of TCP