Well Intervention Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Mayor Tor, senior Gaz and petrochemicals engineering student at ASP Egypt
• Event: Summer Internship Program by Biopet and Military Research Hub
• Guest: Engineer Ahmed Zwi
• Topics Covered: Introduction, Well Intervention, Pressure, Barriers, etc.

Guest Biography

• Name: Engineer Ahmed Zwi
• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Kaider University (1983)
• Experience: 37+ years in the oil industry, Middle East
• Expertise: Coil Tubing, Nitrogen Services, Wireline Operations, and more
• Skills: Marketing, Sales Planning, Project Coordination, Site Management
• Contribution: Advancing mechanical engineering and oil sector standards

Lecture Overview

Introduction by Engineer Ahmed

• Teaching Since: 1995
• Experience: Hands-on experience from sweeping yards to becoming a director
• Courses: 6 lectures on Well Intervention, each 1 hour long
• Audience Interaction: Questions at the end of the lectures

Well Intervention Basics

• Definition: Science of dealing with an oil well
• Purpose: Avoid disasters by providing adequate knowledge

Course Topics

• Well Control: Control measures to prevent blowouts
• Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating risks
• Hydrates: Understanding gas hydrates and their formation
• Well Killing: Methods to safely kill a well
• Pressure Calculations: Calculating pressure and volume
• Completion Operation: Focus for the first two lectures
• Completion Design: Philosophy and function
• Well Intervention Services: Wireline and Coil Tubing

Why Well Intervention?

• Prevention of Disasters: Life loss, environmental harm, financial loss, reputation damage, and extra regulations
• Well Integrity: Reducing the risk of uncontrolled hydrocarbon release through technical, operational, and organizational measures

Practical Drills and Procedures

• Simulating Drills: Regular exercises to ensure readiness (at least once a week)
• Gas Behavior: Impact of well status (flowing or shut-in) on gas volume and pressure
• Pressure Calculation: Relation between bottom hole pressure, hydrostatic head, and shut-in pressure
• Surge and Swab Pressure: Dangers of running in or pulling out too fast

Pressure and Equipment Testing

• API Standards: Minimum test pressures (1.5 times working pressure)
• Pressure Limitations: Equipment should not exceed specified working pressure
• Categories of Pressure Control Equipment: Varying ratings (e.g., 5,000 psi, 10,000 psi)

Barriers in Well Operations

• Definition: Devices/fluid preventing hydrocarbon flow
• Types of Barriers:
  • Primary Barrier: Active during operation (e.g., stuffing box)
  • Secondary Barrier: Engaged if primary fails (e.g., blowout preventer)
  • Tertiary Barrier: Last resort (e.g., Christmas tree)
• Emergency Devices: Lower Master Valve and Downhole Safety Valve

Testing and Monitoring Barriers

• General Rules: Test barriers from the direction of flow, avoid using gas for testing
• Mechanical vs. Hydrostatic Barriers: Different types and their applications

Conclusion

• Future Sessions: Next lecture on Tuesday
• Importance of Safety: Emphasis on life over financial gains
• Question and Answer Session: Addressing various queries from participants

Closing Remarks

• Importance of well intervention in the oil industry
• Reiterated the significance of safety and proper procedures