Sproule has been a steadfast partner to Aardwarmte Vierpolders and Operator Aardyn, providing continuous well production management services. Recently, we faced challenges due to sand fill and a previously repaired screen, which resulted in diminished productivity and reduced production temperatures. To reclaim the asset’s full production capacity, we strategically decided to drill a sidetrack and re-complete the reservoir section. We employed a Hydraulic Workover Unit equipped with a downhole motor and a tailored fluid package to execute a cost-effective and low-impact drilling operation. Following successful project execution, the geothermal asset is back to optimal production levels.
Project Highlights
- Sidetrack drilling operation
- Low footprint mining location
- Permitting and social acceptance
- Operations efficiency
Challenge
Sand Infill and Production Limitations: The production well suffered from damage to the sand screen, leading to sand infill. This not only reduced the well’s capacity but also increased energy consumption, posing a threat to overall efficiency.
Anticipated Production Downtime: Previous material choices hinted at an impending complete production stop.
Social Acceptance: The geothermal asset faced social acceptance challenges necessitating careful management of community relationships to ensure project support.
Space Constraints at a Small Mining Site: Conducting drilling operations at a relatively compact mining location presented logistical hurdles.
Solution
Integrated Drilling and Completions Team: Sproule set up an integrated team of drilling and completion specialists, complemented with competent service companies and permitting officers.
Efficient Drilling Strategy: We implemented sidetrack drilling using a Hydraulic Workover Unit and a downhole motor. This equipment’s quick mobilization and low operational footprint allowed us to perform the drilling operation in a highly cost-effective manner, minimizing disruption to the site.
Optimized Wellbore Commissioning: The commissioning of the new wellbore was executed with maximum efficiency, leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize costs associated with water disposal and data acquisition activities.
Value
Long-term Production Assurance: The new well design, crafted with high-quality materials, offers reassurance of screen integrity for the next 30 years, safeguarding the asset’s future. In addition, the geothermal asset has not experienced any sand production since the installations of the new screens.
Substantial Energy Savings: With improved inflow performance, the energy consumption of the production process has been reduced by over 50%, contributing to greater efficiency and sustainability.
Strengthened Community Relations: Throughout the drilling operations and subsequent production phase, we have maintained a positive relationship with the local community, evidenced by the absence of complaints, thereby securing our social license to operate.
