Perforating 101

Every Thing A Rig Foreman Would Like To,

And Should Know About Perforating.
Course Agenda
• Introduction To Perforating
• Section I - Charge Selection (shaped Charges)
– Discussion on different types of charges.
– Choosing the right charge for your well.
• Section II – Tubing Conveyed Gun Carriers and Firing heads
– Discussion on hollow carriers and phasing.
– Discussion on different types of firing heads.
– Discussion on safe running procedures of perforating guns
and firing heads
• Section III – Tubing Conveyed Under Balanced Perforating and
Surging
– Discussion on why under balanced perforating and surging
will increase your well’s productivity.
– Choosing the right under balance for your well and the best
way to achieve that under balance.
Course Agenda

• Section IV – Stim Gun (Extreme over balance perforating)

– Discussion on how stim gun can benefit your well and how it
works.
– Discussion when stim gun should be used.
• Section V – E-Line perforating
– Discussion on when e-line perforating might be the preferred
method of perforating.
– E-line gun carriers and firing heads
– Discussion on safe running procedures of e-line perforating
guns.
• Section VI – Storm Valves
– Discussion on how to set storm valves
INTRODUCTION
TO PERFORATING
Objective

• The objective of this course is to give you a basic

understanding of Halliburton perforating solutions.
The Purpose of Perforating

• To establish communication between the well bore

and formation after the casing has been cemented in
place
– The process of creating holes in the casing that pass
through the cement sheath and extend some depth
into the formation (Penetration).
– Penetration depends on :
• Type of perforator used
• Mechanical and physical properties of materials being
penetrated
Different Perforation Methods

• Bullet perforating
• Water-Jet Perforating
• Jet Perforating
– Involves the use of high explosives and metal-lined shaped
charges.
– It is the most widely used technique today. Over 95% of all
perforating operations use jet perforators.
– It is versatile.
• Charges can be tailored for the type of formation.
• Perforators can be conveyed downhole by slickline,
electric line, coiled tubing, and production tubing.
Designing A Perforating Solution

• In order to design the optimal perforating solutions, all of the

well and formation parameters must be taken in to account.
• such as:
– Bottom hole temperature
– Bottom hole pressure
– Formation type
– Formation fluids (gas, oil, and water)
– Casing dimensions
– Well bore deviation
• Knowing well bore and formation parameters will aid you in the
design process of choosing charges, gun size, ignition method,
and conveyance method.
Designing A Perforating Solution

• In order to establish good communication between

the well bore and the formation, penetrating past the
damage zone is critical.
– The damage zone is an area around the well bore that
obstructs the flow of hydrocarbons because of damage
occurring during the drilling operation, this damage is most
often referred to as skin damage (k). Skin damage is caused
by the following during drilling operations:
• Infiltration – When drilling fluids infiltrate the formation
causing damage
• Compaction – The formation is compacted by the drill bit
during the drilling process.
Designing A Perforating Solution
Damaged Zone
Diameter
(Caused by
Drilling)
Casing
Diameter
Cement Sheath Casing
Designing A Perforating Solution

• During the perforating

process a crush zone is
created by the perforating
process, causing skin
damage. Debris from the
charges and the crushing
of the formation causes Crush zone
this skin damage.
Designing A Perforating Solution

• The best way to remedy

crush zone damage is by
tubing conveyed under
balanced perforating and
surging.
– Under balanced perforating
uses the reservoirs own natural
pressure to clean out debris
when perforating.
Perforation without
– Under balance perforating is
achieved by using down hole Crush zone
valves or circulating valves to
achieve a desired amount of
under balance.
Designing A Perforating Solution
Summery

• When designing a perforating solution, maximizing

production is the bottom line. Every well and
formation parameter needs to be taken into account,
and also skin damage when designing a perforation
solution.
 Section I

Shaped Charges
Shaped Charge Terminology

• Shaped Charge Types

• Standoff and Clearance
• High Explosive Properties
• Detonation Properties
• Charge Interference
Shaped Charge Types

CASE

LINER

EXPLOSIVE

SEAL
Big Hole Charge

Deep Penetrating
Charge
CN03754
Choosing The Right Shaped Charge

Big Hole Charge DP Charge

No Gravel
unconsolidated Gavel Pack Consolidated Pack

• Perforator Penetration is of lesser importance provided that the

perforation communicates with the reservoir.
• Deep Penetrating Charges: Small entry hole, large pressure drop =
sand and/or fines production
• Big Hole Charges reduce the pressure drop through the gravel pack.
Flow area is critical in reducing turbulent flow.
Shaped Charge Manufacturing & Quality
control
• Traceability On All Charge Components
• Explosive Powders
• Liner Materials
• Charge Cases
• Manufacturing Quality Control
• Liner Inspection
• Powders Monitored For Moisture,
Grain Size, Oxidation and Granular
Distribution
• Scheduled Tooling and Equipment
Inspection
• QC Charge Performance Shots
• Shaped Charge Packaging
• Three Layer Vacuum Packaged
• Agency Approved Shipping Containers
• 5 Year Guarantee On Packaging
Shaped Charge
Standoff And Clearance

CEMENT
CASING
CLEARANCE
VANNGUN

STANDOFF

H03196
Shaped Charge
Standoff And Clearance

CEMENT
CASING
CLEARANCE
VANNGUN

STANDOFF

H03197
Shaped Charge Detonation Properties

• Maximum Detonation Velocity 30,000 ft/sec

• Detonation Pressure 2 - 4 Million psi
Type of Explosive

Explosive Melting Density Detonation Detonation

Temp (g/cm 3) Velocity Pressure
(ft/sec) (psi)
RDX 400 oF 1.80 28,700 5,000,000
Cyclotrimethylene
trinitramine
o
HMX 523 F 1.90 30,000 5,700,000
Cyclotetramethylene
tetranitramine
HNS 606 oF 1.74 24,300 3,500,000
Hexanitrostilbene
PYX 806 oF 1.77 24,900 3,700,000
Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-
dinitropyridine
Jet Charge Design

LINER HIGH VELOCITY

EXPLOSIVE CONE PARTICLES
CASING

DETONATION WAVE
PENETRATING
DIRECTION OF CONE PRESSURE
PARTICLES

CN03753
The Big Hole Charge

Cement
Casing
Fluid Gap
Carrier
Case
Parabolic Liner
Explosive

Time = 0.0
Liner Collapse and Inversion

Shock Front of
Detonation
Gases
Explosive is
consumed
Liner Starting to
Collapse and Invert
Through Hole in
t = 10 microseconds Liner
Liner Collapse Nearing
Completion

Relatively Slow-
Moving Jet
Starting to
Emerge
Concentration of
Material

t = 15 microseconds
Jet Formation and Tip Expansion

Jet Tip Expands in

Annulus
Slowly Stretching Jet

Low Velocity
Slug

t = 23 microseconds
Penetration Stage

Large Hole in
Casing
Jet Particulation and
Breakup

Small Hole in
Carrier

t = 50 microseconds
Big Hole Recommendations

• Use Vanngun System Designed For Specific Casing

Diameter
• Centralize The Vanngun For Optimum Charge
Performance
• Shoot Surface QC Shots Prior to Using Big Hole
Charges When Perforating Multiple Casing Strings
Shaped Charge Technology And Testing

• New Gun Systems Development

• Low Debris Charge Cases
• Low Debris Liners for Big Hole Charges
• API RP 43F 5th Edition Testing
• Explosive Operational Limits
Shaped Charge Technology And Testing

• Previous DP Liners
– Reduced Shelf Life Caused By Moisture Contamination
– Liner Growth And Eventual Cracking
• Improved DP Liner
– Corrosion Test - 1 Year Test at 130oF And 100% Humidity
– No Liner Growth or Cracking
– No Reduction in Performance
– Submergence Test
• No Protective Packaging
• Submerged in Water for 90 Days
No Reduction in Performance
Explosive Products Center
New Systems

• 3.375” 6spf SDP

• 3.375” 12spf BH
• 4.625” 5spf SDP
• 4.625” 18spf BH
• 4.625” 18spf DP
• 5.125” 14spf SH
• 7.00” 12spf SH
• Big Hole “Kiss” Charge
• Point Source Frac Gun
Low Debris Charge Cases

• Elimination of Steel Charge Debris

• Reductions of over 80% Total Debris
• Debris is in Powder Form
• Charge Case Debris is Acid Soluble
Low Debris Liners for Big Hole Charges

• Performance Is Not Compromised

• Elimination of Liner Carrot in Most Big Hole Charges
3-3/8” 6SPF DP System
Debris Comparison

DATA STEEL(lb/ft) ZINC(lb/ft)

Steel Debris 0.66 0.021
Acid Soluble 0.0 0.104
TOTAL 0.66 0.125
% Reduction
Steel Debris 96.8
TOTAL Debris 81.1
Single Shot Debris Comparison

S T E E L Z IN C %
C H A R G E
( G M ) ( G M ) R E D .
4 - 5 /8 " B H 2 9 .0 8 5 .1 4 8 2 .3
4 - 5 /8 " D P 5 2 .1 8 5 1 .4 5 1 .4
7 " B H 1 1 2 .4 2 0 .8 3 8 1 .5

Zinc Charge
Steel charge debris
debris
Extra High Temperature Job
Recommendations

• Steam Clean and De-grease All Hardware

Components
• Density Sort Boosters
• X-Ray Detonating Cord
• Conduct Thermal Stability Test of Vanngun System
Choosing The Right Explosive

Operational Limits For Explosives

(Hollow Carrier Guns Only)
650
Temperature (ÞF)

600
550
500
450 PYX
400 HNS
350
300
250 HMX
200
RDX
150
1 10 Time (hr) 100 1000
Contact technology for recommendations and possible
need for systems testing.

Note: This chart is valid for the explosive train inside hollow carrier guns only:
(Non electric boosters, detonating cord and shaped charges). It is not valid for TCP Firing
Systems, electric detonators, or capsule guns. Contact Halliburton Technology for
information regarding these other components.
Thermal Decomposition Thermal
Decomposition

• The Decomposition Rates of Explosives Are

Exponential Functions Of Temperature
• At room temperature, the effective shelf life of an
explosive can be one million years.
• At 825oC, the same material can react within
microseconds.
• The Decompostion Process Generates Heat And
Releases Gaseous Products
• These ByProducts Can Act As Catalyst And Further
Increase The Rate Of Decomposition
 Section II

Gun Carriers and Firing heads

Vanngun Systems
1 9/16” to 7”
4 SPF to 18 SPF
7.00”

6.00”

5.125”
5.00”
4.625”

4.00”
3.375”
3.125”
2.75”
2.50”
2.00”
1.562”

CN02311
 Vanngun Phasing
0° PHASING
1 ROW OF HOLES

180° PHASING 140/160° PHASING

60° PHASING 4 ROWS OF HOLES
2 ROWS OF HOLES
2 ROWS OF HOLES

90° PHASING 45° PHASING 51.4° PHASING

4 ROWS OF HOLES 8 ROWS OF HOLES 7 ROWS OF HOLES

60° PHASING 30° PHASING 72° PHASING

6 ROWS OF HOLES 12 ROWS OF HOLES 5 ROWS OF HOLES
CN02310
Hollow Steel Carrier Scalloped Gun
System
Scallop Gun Carrier
Firing Head
• One Use Scallop
• Explosives protected from wellbore
Scallop Disposable
fluid Carrier
• HPHT Shaped Charges
• Retain Debris

Tandem Sub

Bottom Sub
VANNGUN
Vanngun
Connection
BOX X PIN CONNECTOR

BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTERS

GROOVED TANDEM

VANNGUN

CN02312
VannSystem Single Tandem
®

Connector
VANNGUN

SNAP RING

P.A.I.

BI-DIRECTIONAL
BOOSTERS

GROOVED TANDEM

VANNGUN

CN02790
3.375” 6 SPF
60° Low Side Phasing

GROOVED TANDEM CONNECTOR

SHAPED CHARGES

SCALLOPED GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

CN02298
4.625” 11 SPF
140°/160° Low Side
Phasing
GROOVED TANDEM CONNECTOR

SHAPED CHARGES

SCALLOPED GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

CN02287
 3.125” & 3.375” 12 SPF
Omni Guns
GROOVED TANDEM CONNECTOR

CHARGE HOLDER TUBE

SHAPED CHARGE

SCALLOPED GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

POLYMER ALIGNMENT INSERT

BI-DIRECTIONAL BOOSTER

CN02452
 4.625” 12 SPF Omni
Super Hole
GROOVED
TANDEM
CONNECTOR

CHARGE
HOLDER TUBE
SHAPED CHARGES

SCALLOPED GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

POLYMER ALIGNMENT
INSERT
BI-DIRECTIONAL
BOOSTER
CN02451
 4.625” 18 SPF
45Þ/135Þ
Phasing
GROOVED TANDEM CONNECTOR

CHARGE
HOLDER TUBE

SHAPED CHARGE

SCALLOPED
GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

POLYMER
ALIGNMENT INSERT
BI-DIRECTIONAL
BOOSTER
CN02468
FracPac™SuperHole™
VannGun® Assembly

GROOVED TANDEM CONNECTOR

SHAPED CHARGES

SCALLOPED GUN BODY

XHV PRIMACORD

BOX & PIN CONNECTOR

CN03150
Choosing The Phasing & Shot Density

• If total skin is removed, depth of penetration is less important

than shot density.
• Choose a shot density and phasing that will promote Laminar
flow to the well bore.
– Shot Phasing that creates laminar flow will reduce sand production

• If 2/3’s of the perforations cross sectional area is filled with

gravel, then a well perforated @ 12 spf has an effective flow
area of only about 4 spf.
• Chose a perforator with the largest hole size and the greatest
number of shots available.
• Keep in mind that after 18 spf, a point of diminishing returns is
reached.
Firing Heads

• The two most widely used methods of detonation of

tubing conveyed firing heads is by the following:
– Mechanical - A bar is dropped from surface and hits the
firing pen in the firing head and sets off the explosive train.
There are variations of the mechanical firing head that need
a certain amount of hydrostatic pressure to fire, these firing
head have added safety over just a straight mechanical
firing head.
– Pressure Actuated (Tubing and Annulus) – Uses hydrostatic
pressure to drive the firing pin down to detonate the
explosive train
Firing Heads

Mechanical Pressure Actuated

Actuated

Straight Pressure Annulus Tubing

Mechanical Assist

TDF
Model II D APFC Model K
MFH Model III D Model KV II
Mechanical Firing Head

Operation
– The operation of the MFH depends on
the amount of force delivered to the
FIRING PIN firing pin by the detonating bar. The
firing pin must be hit with enough force
INITIATOR to shear the spiral pin, which holds the
firing pin in place, and to detonate the
initiator. The firing pin is driven into a
percussion detonator, which fires the
guns. The Detonation Interruption
Device (DID) and a minimum of 10 ft of
safety spacer must always be used
with the mechanical Firing Head.
Model II-D

Operation
− The Model II-D Firing Head requires a
minimum of 1,500 psi hydrostatic pressure
in the tubing to actuate the firing head
properly. Adding more pressure to the
tubing after the detonating bar has struck
Locking dogs
the firing pin will not actuate the firing
head.

FIRING PIN

Model III-D
Works the same way only it requires a
INITIATOR minimum of 250 psi hydrostatic
Time Delay Firing Head

Operation
The TDF is run with a predetermined
number of shear pins for specific well
conditions. The tubing is pressured to
the maximum actuating pressure
slowly. The maximum pressure shears
the pins in the shear set and forces the
FIRING PIN firing piston into the primer. The primer
ignites the pyrotechnic delay fuse. The
PRIMER delay fuse burns for a predetermined
time (between 5 and 7 minutes)
depending on the bottom hole
PYROTECHNIC temperature, and then detonates the
DELY FUSE perforating, assembly
Model K Firing Head
Operation
The model K Series Firing Head is
designed to provide a reliable and cost
effective method for firing guns using
hydrostatic pressure. Each firing head
contains a firing piston that is shear-pinned in
place above an initiator. The number of
shear pins used varies for each well situation.
When enough hydrostatic pressure is applied
FIRING PIN to the piston, the shear pins shear, thereby
allowing the firing pin on the lower end of the
INITIATOR
Piston to be driven into the initiator. This
action detonates the guns. These firing
heads do not have a built-in delay.
KV II Firing Head

Operation
The KV II firing Head combines a
firing head and a vent assembly.
In the Model KV II Firing Head, a
piston is sheared to cause the guns
to detonate and the ports to open
and equalize (or vent) pressure.
This venting feature allows
FLOW PORTS
operators to run the tubing in the
hole dry if needed in the standard
KIV II Firing Head the ports in the
tool open the instant the firing head
is actuated and the guns detonate.
To delay the gun detonation, one or
more delay devices may be added
FIRING PIN
to the assembly
INITIATOR
APF-C

Operation
The APF-C System depends on the
transfer of annular pressure through the
CONTROL LINES
packer down to the APF-C firing head.
This pressure creates a differential
pressure across the mandrel where the
firing piston is housed. When the
predetermined differential pressure is
reached, the pins shear and the
mandrel moves up and releases the
firing piston, which is driven down by rat
hole pressure. The piston strikes the
firing pin to set off the initiator.
Detonation Interruption Device
RETAINING PINS
• Safety Device
EUTECTIC • Isolates Firing Head from
MATERIAL Guns
FIRING PISTON
• Compatible with all Firing
Heads
• Safe in and out of Hole
INITIATOR
Operation:
The eutectic metal will remain solid as
the assembly lowers into the hole
(assuming the tool temperature is
below 117°F). When exposed to the
bottomhole temperature (minimum
135°F for operational purposes), the
metal becomes liquid, allowing the
transfer of the explosive train from the
firing head to the gun. To help prevent
accidental gun fire when lowering or
retrieving unfired guns, the metal
returns to a solid state upon reaching a
cooler surface temperature.
Gun Release Devices

• Mechanical
• Pressure
• Automatic
Mechanical Tubing Release

• Operation
The MTR consists of three main components:
the upper housing, a lower finger release sub,
and a latch. The latch retains the finger
release sub in the housing. To operate the
MTR, the user must do the following:
– 1. Select the proper shifting tool and run it
into
– the hole on slickline through the MTR.
– 2. Pick back up to engage the latch and
lightly
– jar the latch four or five times.
– 3. Go back down to verify the release of
the VANNGUNÆ assembly.
Pressure Tubing Release

• Operation
The PATR consists of four main
components: an upper housing, lower
finger release sub, inner sleeve, and
retaining latch. The PATR is pressure-
balanced until the standing valve is
dropped into the inner sleeve.
Tubing pressure is applied to shear
the retaining pins in the latch. Once
the latch has been shifted, the finger
release sub with the sleeve releases
from the housing and drops the
perforating assembly into the rathole.
Automatic Tubing Release

Operation
The AR allows for dropping the
perforating guns after they are fired. The
guns may be fired either mechanically
or by pressure. The releasing device is
actuated by the pressure generated
outside the perforating guns upon
detonation, so the guns are released as
soon as they fire.
Safety Precautions While Rigging Up
Tubing Conveyed Perforating Systems
• General Safety Precautions
– There is to be no smoking, fire, open flame, or welding within 50 feet
of any explosive.
– All non-essential personnel need to vacate area where perforating
gun handling, assembly, and arming will take place.
– No other work will be performed above, on, or below the rig floor
while making up guns and firing heads.
– The top of the tubing/drill pipe will be covered or bull plugged
whenever there is a delay.
• Safety precautions when handling a mechanical actuated firing
head.
– Do not drop anything into the tubing the guns can go off prematurely.
– The steel bull plug on the handling sub is not to be removed until the
firing head is ready to be connected to the tubing.
– The steel protector on the firing head body will not be removed until
it is ready to be connected to the guns in the rotary.
Safety Precautions While Rigging Up
Tubing Conveyed Perforating Systems
– When filling the tubing/drill pipe, make sure that nipples used on the
fill hose have an O.D. larger than the 1.56" No Go.
– All logging and test tools must be checked to ensure that they will
not pass through the No Go.
– When drifting the pipe, make sure that the drift is out of the pipe
before raising it above the tool joint or connection in
• Safety precautions when handling pressure actuated firing
heads.
– Discuss and verify the fluid weight, depth (TVD), BHT, and review
calculations and pinning procedures with company rep.
– Discuss all pressure test operations prior to picking up guns. Make
all personnel aware that no operation, which requires putting
pressure on the well, will take place while guns are in the hole
unless the TCP Service Specialist is involved.
Safety Precautions While Rigging Up
Tubing Conveyed Perforating Systems
– The pipe running speed will be limited to 15 seconds per 30' joint to
prevent surge pressures.
– Discuss rig operations which may adversely affect the firing
head/guns (i.e. tubing must be open when stabbing seals into the
bore of a permanent packer to prevent a pressure increase that
could result in firing head detonation or collapse of the guns).
 Drill Gun™
Perforating Solutions
Features

• All drillable materials including an

aluminum perforating gun
• High performance perforating charges
• Utilizes our field proven cement retainer:
the EZSVB packer
• Unique design specific firing head
• Adjustable operating pressure
• Underbalanced perforating to 5000 psi
• Tandem guns available - 2 ft. lengths
• Gun spacers available
Advantages
• One-Trip Perforating, Packer Placement,
And Cementing On Tubing
• Provides For Block Squeeze Cementing
In Underbalance Conditions
• Clear Well Fluids Could Remain In Place
For Workover Operations
• Centralized Perforating Gun
• No Rat Hole Pressurization Required
• Correlation With Wireline If Necessary
• Could Be Used For LOW Volume Drill
Stem Testing
Drill Gun™

Going In The Hole

Drill Gun™

Setting The EZSVB

Drill Gun™

Perforate With
Tubing Pressure
Drill Gun™

Detach From EZSVB

Drill Gun™

Perform Cement Job

Drill Gun™

Cementing Complete
Drill Gun™

Drillout Retainer/Gun
Drill Gun™

Perforate w/ Tubing
Pressure

No Pressure In
The Rat Hole
 Section III

Tubing Conveyed Underbalanced Perforating

and Surging
Under Balanced Perforating

What You Get

What You Want

CN03159
What Is Underbalanced Tubing Conveyed
Perforating.

• Underbalanced Tubing conveyed perforating is a

operation performed during the perforating event to
remove the crush zone and debris from the charges
from the perforation tunnels.
– Under balanced perforating uses the reservoirs own
natural pressure to clean out debris when perforating.
Why Underbalanced perforating?

• Increased productivity
– Removing the damage caused by perforating will allow for
better communication between the formation and well bore,
increasing productivity.
• Necessary for better sand control
– Not effectively cleaning the perforations can prevent gravel
placement in the tunnels resulting in a potential pack failure
• Proven to help productivity
– The top 10 cased hole producing wells in the Gulf all were
perforated underbalanced.
– Lab test have shown underbalanced perforating to improve
production by as much as 61% when perforating
underbalanced and as 140 % when underbalanced and
surged.
Why Underbalanced perforating?

• Increased tunnel volumes

– The core on the right was created by a underbalanced surge and
the core on the left was shot balanced.

Balanced underbalanced
Methods Of Perforating

• Balanced - The hydrostatic pressure of the fluids in

the well bore are equal to the bottom hole pressure
during the perforating event .
• Overbalanced – The hydrostatic pressure of the fluids
in the well is more than the bottom hole pressure
during the perforating event.
• Underbalanced – The hydrostatic pressure of the
fluids in the well bore less than the bottom hole
pressure during the perforating event.
How Much Underbalanced ?
Consolidated Formation
A. Sonic Log Shale = 100 ms/ft. or Less
B. Density Log Shale = 2.4 gm/cc or More

00
58
100

150 100 50
Microsec/Ft.
Unconsolidated Formation
A. Sonic Log Shale = Greater than 100 ms/ft.
B. Density Log Shale = Less than 2.4 gm/cc

120
00
54

110
150 100 50
Microsec/Ft.
 How Much Underbalanced ?
VannSystems
Chart-Density Data
USING DENSITY DATA TO DETERMINE
PERFORATING UNDERBALANCE PRESSURE
BULK DENSITY OF ADJACENT SHALE -

170

180 1.80

1.90
grams/cc.

2.00

2.10
Gas Sand
2.20
Oil Sand
2.30

2.40
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500

MAXIMUM PRESS. UNDERBALANCE - PSI FOR

UNCONSOLIDATED SANDS
CN03204
 How Much Underbalanced ?
VannSystems
Chart-Acoustic Data
USING ACOUSTIC DATA TO DETERMINE
PERFORATING UNDERBALANCE PRESSURE
MICROSECONDS PER FOOT

170 170
²T ADJACENT SHALE -

160

150

140
130
130 Oil Sand
120
Gas Sand
110

90 100
0 250 500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000 2250 2500

MAXIMUM PRESS. UNDERBALANCE - PSI FOR

UNCONSOLIDATED SANDS
CN03205
How To Lighten Up the Fluid Column

The two most common methods of lighting the fluid

column are:
− Circulating a lighter fluid on top of the completion fluid to
achieve the desired equivalent fluid weight,.
 Note: This method will decrease chances of sticking
perforating guns but this method is not quite as effective
as surging with an air chamber.
− Air Chamber method, this is done by partially filling up tubing
so that the fluid in the tubing equals the equivalent fluid
desired fluid weight
Underbalanced By Circulating In A Lighter
Fluid
The following well is 15,000 ft deep,
BHP=10,000psi and has 12.8lb completion fluid in
the well. If the desired under balance is 500psi
how much water needs to be pumped.
Work string 3 ½ in 12.95 lb tubing
Water
Water = 8.33 lb/gal
Height
Initial hydrostatic pressure= 12.8 lb/gal X .052 X Water
15,000 ft= 10,060
Desired underbalanced weight = 9,500psi
Completion
9,500= 8.33 lb/gal X.052 X WH ft + 12.8 lb/gal Fluid
X .052 X (15,000 - WH)
WH = 2082 ft
Omni
Capacity of 3 1/2 in 12.95 lb tubing = .00735 bbl/ft
Total water = 2082 ft X .00735 bbl/ft
Total Water = 15.3 bbl
BHP =10000psi
Underbalanced By Circulating In A
Lighter Fluid
RD Safety Circulating valve

Typical Bottom whole Omni Circulating valve

assembly for underbalancing
Gauge Carrier
by circulating in a lighter
fluid.
RTTS Safety joint
Champ Packer

Below packer Safety joint

Fill Disk Assembly
(ported Sub)
Champ IV Packer

•Rated to 10,000 psi differential and

up to 400 deg F Hydraulic hold
•Available in sizes 4-1/2 in. to 13- down buttons
3/8 in.
•Compression set packer
•Full opening
Packer Rubbers
•Concentric bypass
•Resettable Mechanical Slips

•Suitable for multizone applications

Drag blocks
Omni Circulating Valve
Features and Benefits
• Permits well testing, pressure testing, and fluid circulation
• Allows unlimited number of pressure cycles

Ball closed, circulating

ports closed

Ball open, circulating

ports closed

Ball Closed, circulating

ports open
Rupture Disk Safety Circulating Valve

Features and Benifits:

− Backup Safety circulating valve, allows
circulation when omni fails due to well
conditions.
– The circulating section consists of a set of
ports that are initially sealed by the power
mandrel. When the rupture disk bursts, the
power mandrel moves down, exposing the
ports that allow communication between the
annulus and workstring.
Underbalanced By Air Chamber
The following well is 12,000 ft deep,
BHP=6,000psi and has 9.7 lb completion fluid in
the well. If the desired under balance is 1000psi
how much air chamber is needed.
Work string 3 ½ in 12.95 lb tubing
Water = 8.33 lb/gal Air
Initial hydrostatic pressure= 9.67lb/gal X .052 X Chamber
12,000 ft= 6052 Air
Desired underbalanced weight = 5000psi
5000= 9.7 lb/gal X.052 X FH ft Completion
Fluid
Fluid Height = 10,016
Fluid
Air Chamber = 12,000-10,016=1,984 Height Fas Fill

BHP =6,000psi
Underbalanced By Air Chamber
IPO Circulating Valve

Typical Bottom whole Fas-Fill Valve

Multi-Service Valve
assembly for Air Chamber Omni Circulating valve
Underbalancing.
Gauge Carrier

RTTS Safety joint

Champ Packer

Fill Disk Assembly Below packer Safety joint

(ported Sub)
Multi Service Valve

Features and Benifits:

− Adjustable operating pressure with shear
pins.
− Annular pressure operated. (Differential)
− No Pipe manipulation
Fas-Fill

Features and Benifits:

− Allows pipe to fill while tripping into the well
and closes ports at a predetermined
hydrostatic pressure.
− No Pipe manipulation
− Saves rig time compared to other methods of
filling pipe.
Resurging Perforations
Why Resurge?

• Perforating a well underbalanced and resurging the well

more effectively removes “crushed zone” created by
shaped charges.
• If sand production is a major concern and shooting the well
underbalanced is too risky then resurging will be a good
option.
• Reduce pressure drop through perforations while
flowing.
General Comments

Lab test done on 100md to 300md Berea cores showed with 40 psi
delta P:
• 58% greater flow rate when perforating with 1000 psi underbalance
• 50% greater flow rate when perforating balanced and 1000 psi
surge.
• 56% larger perf volume after perforating balanced and 1000 psi
surge.
• 61% larger perf volume after perforating 1000 psi underbalanced
• 140% larger perf volume with 1000 psi underbalance and 1000 psi
surge
Methods of surging

• The two most common methods of surging a well are:

– Hard surge – the well is surged into an air chamber near the
perforation.
• The air chamber is created by two multi-Service valves

– Soft Surge (Short tripping) – the well is surged into an air chamber
at the top work string.
• The air chamber is created when a few stands are pulled after
the perforating event and a multi-service valve or a glass disk
is installed and tripped back to in to create the desired air
chamber
 Note: This method is preferred if there is a concern of bringing
in large quantities of sand.
 Date: 24 May 2000

Hard Surge Tool String Prepared For:

Attention Of:

Field Name:
Upper MSV - controls Well Name:
Location:

surge volume Casing:

Liner:
9 5/8" 53.50lb. P-110 ( ID 8.535" / Drift 8.379" )
7" 35.00lb. P-110 ( ID 6.004" / Drift 5.879" )
Workstring: 4 1/2" 19.20lb. PH-6 P-110 ( ID 3.640" / Drift 3.515" )
Workstring:
Surge Volume - Vs
4 3/4" 47lb. IF Drill Collars (ID 2.25") 3 1/2" IF connections
10644v1

Description: I.D. O.D. Length Depth

1. 4 1/2" 19.20lb. PH-6 3.826" 5.125"

Lower MSV - controls 2. 4 1/2" 19.20lb. PH-6

3. Fas-Fil Valve
3.826"
2.250"
5.125"
4.680" 3.56'

surge underbalance psi

4. Upper Multi-Service Valve 2.250" 5.030" 4.13'
5. 4 1/2" 19.20lb. Tubing ( 63 ea. Joints ± ) 3.826" 5.125" 1953.00'
1953' = 25bbls. Chamber
6. Lower Multi-Service Valve 2.250" 5.030" 4.13'
7. 4 1/2" 19.20lb. PH-6 3.826" 5.125" 7206.00'
8. Drill Collars 2.250" 4.750" 186.00'
9. IPO Circulating Valve 2.250" 5.030" 1.85'
10. Omni Circulating Valve ( Well Test Position )
2.280" 5.030" 21.15'
11. Drill Collars 2.250" 4.750" 93.00'
12. Bowen Jars 2.300" 5.030" 5.25'
13. RTTS Safety Joint 2.440" 5.000" 3.33'
14. 7" 35-38lb. Champ Packer 2.370" 5.630" 7.62'

Tail pipe length =

w/ Liner Entry Guide
15. 2 7/8" 6.5lb. EUE Tubing 2.441" 3.660" 150.00'
16. Over Shot to pull plug 1.00'

D SUMP - D TOP PERF End of Tubing String

17. Sump Packer w/ Plug

Surge Volume - Vs Note: Multi Service Valves depths are based on TVD's

Vs = 1 gallon per shot

Hard Surge Procedure
Run in Hole
 1500 psi on tubing

1500 psi on annulus

Set Packer
Surge Well
 Bleed tubing pressure

Wait 2 hours
Open Upper MSV
Cycle Omni to
circulate position
and reverse out
2 tubing volumes
Cycle Omni to
Well Test
Position. Observe
Well. Spot pill if
necessary.
When stable, unset
packer.

RIH and tag fill

Reverse circulate
out sand. Spot
pill if fluid loss
becomes excessive

Pull Plug. POOH

 Date: 17 May 2000

Soft / Surge Tool String Prepared For:

Attention Of:

Field Name: Surge

Well Name:
Location:

Single MSV - Controls Casing: 9 5/8" 53.50lb. ( ID 8.535" / Drift 8.379" )

Workstring: 5" 19.5 lb. w/ 4 1/2" IF Thread
surge pressure and Description: I.D. O.D. Length
11560v3

Depth

surge volume 1. 5" 19.5 lb. to Surface

2. Multi-Service Valve
4.276"
2.250"
5.125"
5.030" 4.13'
3. 5" 19.5 lb. ( 350 Joints +/- ) 4.276" 5.125" 10855.32'
4. RD Circulating Valve w/ RA Sub 2.250" 5.030" 4.56'
5. 5" 19.5 lb. (1 ea. Stand) 4.276" 5.125" 93.00'
6. Omni Circulating Valve ( Well Test Position ) 2.280" 5.030" 21.15'

Separate Wash Trip

7. 5.03" Gauge Carrier w/ 2 ea. Spartek Gauges 2.250" 5.030" 15.85'
8. 5" 19.5 lb. (1 ea. Stand) 4.276" 5.125" 93.00'
9. Bowen Jars 2.300" 5.030" 5.25'
10. RTTS Safety Joint 2.440" 5.000" 3.33'
11. 9 5/8" 29.3-53.5lb. Champ Packer 2.870" 8.150" 9.30'
12. 2 7/8" 8.7lb. EUE Tubing Joints 2.250" 3.660" 558.00'
13. 2 7/8" EUE Fill Disk Assembly 2.440" 3.510" 0.70'
14. 2 7/8" 8.7lb. EUE Tubing Joints ( 1 ea. ) 2.250" 3.660" 30.00'
15. Time Delay Firer ( Pressure ) w/ Vented Closure - 3.375" 3.00'
16. Multi - Action Delay Firing Head ( Press ure ) - 3.100" 3.41'
Top Shot
17 7" 12SPF RDX Big Hole Low Debris - Centralized - 7.000" 120.00'
Bottom Shot
18. Bull Plug Crossover w/ 2 7/8" EUE Pin - 7.000" 2.60'
w/ Snap Latch Locator
Soft Surge Procedure

• The well is shot balanced.

• Start pulling stands
– Pull enough stands to create the desired surge chamber and get
your guns a safe distance from the perforated zone.
• Note: A good safe distance is the height of the surge volume
(Vs) + 100ft.
• Install Multi-Service valve
• Trip back in to well
– The work string will be dry from the multi-service valve on up
• Once desired depth is reached set packer
• Pressure up on the annulus to open multi-service valve
• Surge Well
 Production vs Time

45000

40000

35000
P-400 psi U - Surge 4000 psi

30000

Surge P-200 psi U - Surge 4000psi

25000
BOPD

P-200 psi Underbalance on Open Choke

20000

15000 TA 5
TA 1
TA 3
P- 200 psi Underbalance
10000 TA 4
TA 2
P- Overbalanced
5000

0
Sep-97 Jan-98 Apr-98 Jul-98 Nov-98 Feb-99 May-99 Aug-99 Dec-99 Mar-00
Time (Month)
Frac Pack Flow Study
SPE #31102

% flow from Frac vs Perm

100%

80%
Percent

60%
% flow from Frac
40%

20%

0%
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Perm (md)

K - md % flow from Frac

100 90%
250 85%
500 75%
1000 67%
2000 60%
Good Surge Candidates

• High Perm Oil Wells (kh> 50,000 md-ft)

• High Flow Rate Frac Pack wells
• Unconsolidated sands that can not be underbalance
with much Delta P
 Section IV

Extreme Overbalanced Perforating

(Stim Gun)
Extrem Over Balance Solution

• Wireline
StimGunTM Gun + Sleeve
StimTubeTM Tube

• TCP
StimGunTM Gun + Sleeve
StimTubeTM Tube
PerfStimTM Gun + Liquid +
POWP*PERFTM Gun + Liquid + Bauxite +
StimGunTM
StimGunTM uses propellants (solid rocket fuel) in
combination with conventional perforating guns to
breakdown formation damages
Features & Benefits

• Perforation Breakdown Tool

• Stimulation Preparation.
• Ensure Connectivity to the Formation.
• Reduce Fines when used with the Kiss Charge.
• Surge Existing Perforations
• Excellent Horizontal Well Stimulation Tool.
“Combination” Perf/Propellant Assembly
“StimGun ” Assembly
TM

Conventional
Vanngun
Outer Propellant
Cylinder
StimTubeTM
• Perforating Breakdown
• Low Permeability
• Low Pressure Reservoir
 StimTubeTM
CO2 gas is generated in a few
milliseconds at peak pressures ( up
to 20,000psi) that exceed frac
gradient.
Typically all perfs are broken down
an mini fracturing occurs
StimTubeTM

Tubing is pressurized to high

4000
overbalance levels using
compressible gases (over a small
pad of liquid).

Stored energy in gas is released

upon the perforating event.
StimTubeTM

Perforation fracture occurs

and grows due to the
continuous generation of gas.

Pressure decreases, cleaning

out the perforation tunnel
 Extreme Overbalance (PerfStimTM)

Tubing is pressurized to high

overbalance levels using
compressible gases (over a small pad
of liquid)

Stored energy in gas is released

upon the perforating event, resulting
in a formation fracture
Extreme Overbalance (PerfStimTM)

High instantaneous surge into all

perforations
Extreme pressure creates fractures
extending from tip of the perforation
Effective in:
• Low permeability formations
• Low pressure formations
• Formations with deep damage
Extreme Overbalance (PerfStimTM)
POWER PERFTM
Tubing is pressurized to high
overbalance levels using
compressible gases.
Upper gun carries Bauxite
Upper gun punches holes
when perforation occurs
Bauxite releases with
pressure surge.
Cans & Can’ts
• You Can Perforate Long Intervals.
• You cannot use this for limited entry type perforating.
• You Can run as much as 15 feet of Stimgun on
Electric Wireline.
• You cannot use Stimgun with 0 degree phased
perforators.
• You can run Stimgun at temperatures up to 350
degrees.
• You can run Stimgun with TCP under a packer.
• You can run Stimgun as part of a TCP Extreme
Overbalance Surge.
Applications

• Primary treatment of zones with drilling, cement, and

perforating damage.
• Pre-hydraulic fracture or pre-acid treatment to initiate
formation breakdown, increase injectivity, and
removal of tortuosity.
• Removal of emulsions, wax, and asphaltines.
• Treating zones with near gas / oil / water contacts.
Applications

• Selective stimulation in horizontal wells. Control of

hydraulic fracture initiation.
• In combination with overbalanced stimulation
techniques for increased fracture lengths.
Applications

• Treating fluid sensitive zones or zones incompatible

to acid.
• Minimizing water coning or gas cap pressure loss.
• Effective stimulation of heavy oil zones.
 Section V

Wireline Perforating
Wireline Perforating

Benefits
• Quick – Wireline Perforating is quicker than tubing
conveyed perforating.
• Cheaper – Wireline Perforating is generally cheaper
than tubing conveyed perforation.
• A Rig is not needed to Perforate using wireline
Wireline Perforating

Disadvantages
• Wireline Perforating requires an overbalance – A well
that is shot overbalanced will have more skin damage
(K) and be less productive than a well that is shot
underbalanced
• You cannot perforate long intervals with Wireline
• Cannot be used on highly deviated well.
Wireline Perforating
Capsule Gun
• The perforating charges and gun carriers
used in Wireline perforating is essentially Firing Head
the same as tubing conveyed perforating. Electron
– Scallop Gun Carriers are exactly the same Detonator
– Capsule Gun - this gun is used exclusively with
Wireline for through tubing perforating.
• Capsule guns will leave a lot more debris Shaped
than your typical Scallop gun. Charges

Bottom
Sub
Wireline Perforating

• Wireline Perforating guns use electrical current

to fire the guns
Wireline perforating

Wireline Perorating requires an

overbalance in front of the
perforated interval

Otherwise, the perforating gun

system will be thrown up the hole.
Section IV

Storm Valves
SSC-I & SSC-II
SSC-1
 Description of SSC-1

• The SSC-1 sub surface control valve has a sliding

valve that closes when the stinger (seal mandrel) is
removed (left hand rotation)
• Can be run with a RTTS or Champ packer.
• Can be used on land or offshore abandonment or
wellhead work
• Has a pinned knock out plug that can be released
with wire line jars or pump pressure for wire line
access below the packer assembly.
RTTS /SSC Going in Hole
 Setting Procedures
• Remove wear bushing, determine minimum restriction ID
• Assemble the RTTS Storm Packer and SSC-1, following the recommended
procedures.
• Tighten all service breaks on the tools except for the break “DO NOT TIGHTEN”
• Double check the maximum and minimum hang off weight against the
specification sheet.
• Trip in hole to desired depth below wellhead
• Break circulation
• Obtain pickup and slack off weights
• Pick up 2-3 feet and rotate the work string to achieve ½ round to the right at the
packer
• Slack off, setting the RTTS relieving the pipe weight below the packer
• Test the backside then bled off pressure
• Pick up to the neutral weight above the SSC-1 (mark pipe at rotary)
• Rotate to release from the SSC-1 by rotating 22 rounds to the left. This rotation
closes the sliding valve and leaves the lower portion of the SSC-1, RTTS and
BHA in the hole (after rotating 22 rounds mark pipe, this is tag up depth)
• Pull the Seal Mandrel (stinger) out of the hole
• Test Storm Valve from above up to 3000 PSI
RTTS / SSC Set with Valve Closed
 Retrieving Procedure

• Check the two o-rings on the stinger for damage (change if

needed)
• Make up seal mandrel (stinger) on work string. (a centralizer
must be run on tools 10 ¾” thru 20”)
• Trip in hole and install a closed TIW valve before tagging top of
storm valve.
• Slowly tag up on SSC-1 (If have difficulty tagging on SSC1 you
may have to circulate)
• To re-engage rotate 22 rounds to the right (20 rounds on 3.72”
valve)
• After the SSC-1 valve is fully engaged, open TIW valve slowly
and check for pressure.
• Close the Hydril and pull the packer free and monitor well
• Open the Hydril and pull SSC-1 assembly out of hole
Advantages / Disadvantages SSC-1

Advantages
• For abandonment or wellhead work, most of the work
string may remain in the hole
• Has a long history of high performance
• Most widely used Storm Valve system
• Valve can hold 10,000 PSI from below
• High strength, reliable tools
Disadvantages
• Left hand rotation to detach
• Limited to pressure from above 3000 PSI maximum