Successful Utilization of Fiber Optic Telemetry

Enabled Coiled Tubing for Water Shut-off on

a Horizontal Oil Well in Ghawar Field
Authors: Ahmed K. Al-Zain, Jorge E. Duarte, Surajit Haldar, Saad M. Driweesh, Ahmed A. Al-Jandal, Faleh M. Al-Shammeri,
Vsevolod Bugrov and Tashfeen Sarfraz

ABSTRACT
Water control is the key to prolonging well life for economical
and efficient oil recovery. When water reaches certain levels,
oil production profitability decreases dramatically and even
goes to negative. One feasible option in this case is a rigless
water shut-off (WSO) treatment, which involves an intensive
process, starting from candidate selection and finishing with
post-treatment well performance analysis. This kind of
operation is more challenging for horizontal wells with open
hole completion. Well A, a horizontal open hole producer
with 2,440 ft of reservoir contact, was drilled and completed
in November 2000. The last well production profile was
determined by a Flow Scan Image (FSI) log, which showed
51% of water cut; the entry of most of the water was from
the toe of the horizontal section. Based on economical and
technical feasibility, fiber optic telemetry enabled coiled tubing
(CT) was selected as an accurate and effective way to isolate
the water producing interval, reduce water cut and enhance
oil production.
The advanced and intelligent CT enables real time
downhole measurements via a fiber optic telemetry system.
The system consists of dynamic interpretation software, fiber
optic cable, and bottom-hole sensors, which provides surface
readouts of the Casing Collar Locator (CCL) readings, a

Fig. 1. Fiber optics in a carrier (FOC).

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Distributed Temperature Survey (DTS), temperature, and

internal and external CT pressure measurements. Permanent
zonal isolation, utilizing an inflatable packer with a cement
plug above the packer, was successfully performed using the
CT-conveyed fiber optic system. The availability of CCL,
temperature and differential pressure readings enabled precise
depth control, proper packer inflation and optimization of the
cement design.
This article highlights the application of a CT equipped
with fiber optic advanced technology on a rigless WSO job.
This article also discusses the WSO job design and execution
challenges.

INTRODUCTION
Drilling horizontal wells has become the norm in many Saudi
Aramco fields. As horizontal wells mature, the oil rate is reduced
due to increasing water production, which dictates the need to
perform water shut-off (WSO) jobs to sustain oil production.
Performing a WSO on a horizontal well is considered a
challenging task in the Ghawar field, the largest field in the
world. Production profiles are run to determine the water
producing intervals and to come up with the best methods
to shut-off the watered out intervals. Inflatable packers
provide a means of plugging off a well without the necessity

of pulling out its production tubing. Due to the minimum

restriction in the tubing, the selection of an inflatable packer
is always limited1, 2.
Traditionally, the WSO on a horizontal well requires coiled
tubing (CT) intervention to isolate the water producing zone,
using a through-tubing inflatable packer, and a cement cap with a
spacer to reduce the cement slumping effect. When setting the
packer, surface data has been deceptive. What actually happens
downhole remains unknown. The uncertain results when bottomhole pressure (BHP) is estimated from surface pressure and depths
measured from the CT surface mechanical counters are some
common problems. The recent invention of optical fiber enabled
CT allows us to mitigate these problems to a great extent3, 4.

WATER SHUT-OFF CASE HISTORY

Well A was drilled as a slanted open hole horizontal producer
in 2000. The well is completed with a 6.125 horizontal
section from 7,550 ft to a total depth (TD) of 9,900 ft. The
production test obtained before performing the WSO job
showed 7,200 barrels per day (BPD) total liquid with 51%
water cut. A production profile indicated most water
production was from 9,650 ft and below. Figure 3 shows the
well production profile and well trajectory.

DESCRIPTION OF FIBER OPTIC ENABLED COILED

TUBING
Optical fibers are widely used in communication and other
applications. Fibers are used instead of metal wires because
signals travel along them with less loss, and they are immune
to electromagnetic interference. A fiber optic cable, which acts
as a medium between an engineered downhole tool and a
surface acquisition system, is injected into a CT reel. The fiber
optic cable is enclosed and protected in a flexible yet very
durable carrier, before its injection into the CT, Fig. 1.
The fiber optic carrier (FOC) has an 1.8 mm (0.071) outside
diameter (OD), making it non-intrusion to the CT internal
diameter. It is very lightweight, equivalent to 1/20th of the weight
of an electric cable. The material itself can withstand corrosive and
harsh bottom-hole conditions and temperatures up to 300 F5.
Downhole and Surface Equipment

The system provides a real-time bottom-hole measurement for

CT applications. It consists of a bottom-hole assembly (BHA),
CT string with an internal fiber optic cable, and surface unit for
monitoring and execution. This CT system has drop ball
capability. Figure 2 shows the BHA with the following three
elements that relate to CT fiber optic technology:

Fig. 2. Schematic of CT BHA.

CT head: This section includes an internal dimple

connector.
Electronic Package: This houses the downhole
communications module, the battery to power the system
and the downhole transducers for measuring bottom-hole
temperature (BHT) and BHP, internal and external.
Casing Collar Locator (CCL): The CCL has the ability
to sense casing collars for depth correlation.
Inside the Control Cabin, a surface acquisition unit with
specialized software is utilized to acquire, display, monitor
and record job parameters and assist in executing the job
operations; consequently, enhancing the performance of the
job using the real time data. The surface acquisition unit is
also used to send commands to the tools, such as to change
the sensitivity of the CCL during the job.

Fig. 3. Well production profile and trajectory.

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DISCUSSION OF JOB OPERATIONS

The plan was to plug back the well to 9,200 ft to ensure
proper WSO. A 2 open hole through-tubing inflatable
packer was set at a depth of 9,360 ft and capped with 160 ft
of cement on top of the packer to anchor it. The operations
were performed rigless using the fiber optic CT. Below is a
brief discussion of the operations.
Depth Correlation/Dummy Run

The objective of this run was to ensure wellbore clearance (for

packer setting) and CT accessibility to the target depth. For
this purpose, the BHA of the CT was run with a 2 OD
tool, which is the maximum OD of the inflatable packer
element. Depths were correlated using the CCL readings
provided by the fiber optic CT against a reference log and a
completion report. Another purpose for this run was to verify
simulation results of the CT tubing forces. This enabled the
operator to re-evaluate the friction coefficient of the wellbore,
and determine if a sufficient slack-off weight would be
available at the packer setting depth.
The log in Fig. 4 represents the CCL signal at the tubing
re-entry guide. The re-entry guide was used for depth
correlation as the casing shoe is behind the tubing. The

guide per the completion report was at 7,579 ft; however,

the CCL detected it at 7,586 ft, with a difference of 7 ft.
Accordingly, the depth was adjusted to match the referenced
CCL log and completion report. Following depth
correlation, the CT was run in hole (RIH) to the target
depth and the CT was flagged.
In addition to depth correlation and drifting the well, the
real-time CT weight indicator graph, Fig. 5, was utilized to
evaluate the actual friction coefficients of the well. This
allowed operators to determine whether sufficient weight
could be set on the packer after inflation to ensure that the
packer was properly set before the CT lockup. The actual
weights experienced during this run were used to re-evaluate
the simulated tubing forces and determine the actual
compressive load available at 9,360 ft (packer depth).
According to the analysis of CT forces, a compressive load
of 1,500 lb was available prior to CT lockup. This
compressive load was sufficient to test the anchoring force
of the packer. On surface, this load corresponded to a loss
of 5,500 lb.
Main Job Execution Setting Inflatable Packer

A through-tubing inflatable packer (element OD 2) was

used. The objective of the second run was to RIH to 9,360 ft
and set the inflatable packer. The setting depth was 9,360 ft
and setting the packer at the proper depth was very
important. The CCL tool was used in this run for depth
control. The BHP was evaluated constantly while running in
hole to avoid premature inflation of the packer.
Another important parameter was the differential pressure
at which the packer was set in place. First, the tool settings
were adjusted based on actual BHP and BHT readings, which
were obtained during the drift run. Second, the correct
differential pressure measured by the fiber optic CT ensured
that the inflation process was as per the design and in a
controlled manner. Figure 6 depicts the execution plot while
inflating the packer.
The main highlights of the execution process for setting the
packer at the desired depth were as follows:
1. The CT was run to a depth of 9,360 ft. The CT was
initially run 100 ft below the desired depth and then pulled

Fig. 4. Unadjusted fiber optic enabled CT CCL log.

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Fig. 5. Simulated vs. actual pickup and slack off of CT.

5. The next step was to increase the differential pressure to

disconnect the packer from the CT. The disconnection
occurred at 1,260 psi differential pressure. The
differential pressure of 1,260 psi for disconnection, as
actually measured downhole, was in close agreement to
the designed differential pressure of 1,200 psi (less than
+/- 10% manufacturing tolerance for the brass shear
pins).
6. Once the pins were sheared, the circulation ports
opened allowing the circulation pressure as well as the
differential pressure to drop, indicating that the packer
had been disconnected from the tool string.
Fig. 6. Fiber optic enabled CT execution plot while inflating the packer.

out to the target depth to keep the CT in tension; CCL

was used to correlate depths to the re-entry tubing guide.
2. After dropping a ball down the CT, the differential
pressure at the packer was monitored to track the ball
to its seal. The pressure indicated positively that the ball
was seated. The differential pressure then was raised in
200 - 300 pounds per square inch (psi) increments; once
the pressure was at 700 psi, the packer was allowed to
inflate in its own. While waiting for stabilization for 10
- 15 minutes, the BHT heated the packer and
consequently the pressure inside of the packer continued
increasing, Fig. 7. Realizing this behavior, controlling
packer inflation was very important. Otherwise, the
packer could be inflated improperly. Once the pressure
and temperature were stabilized, the pumping was
resumed carefully at points X and Y to complete the
inflation of the packer.
3. Note: The downhole pressure and temperature data was
also passed to the cement laboratory to verify the
proper cement recipe.
4. To ensure that the packer was set in place, 2,000 lbs of
weight was slacked down on the packer to ensure it was
anchored into the wellbore. The CT did not move, and
this indicated that the packer was set in place.

The CT was then pulled out of hole to change the BHA for
the cement job. By this time, laboratory tests had been
performed and the cement recipe had been adjusted to fit the
actual bottom-hole condition.
Cement Job

The CT was run to the top of the packer and the cement was
spotted as follows:
Spacer (5 bbl each) was pumped ahead and behind the
cement to avoid cement contamination while it passed
through the CT string and also to clean up the wellbore,
where the cement was placed.
Cement (5.5 bbl) was pumped to cover 160 ft in the
open hole.
After the cement was spotted, the well was shut-in for 24
hours. This was to allow the cement to develop sufficient
compressive strength. Following this, the CT was RIH to
confirm the top of the cement. The top of the cement was
found at 9,166 ft (5,000 lb slack-down weight), which was
only 34 ft above the calculated desired depth of 9,200 ft.

BENEFITS OF USING FIBER OPTIC ENABLED CT

Fiber optic technology was utilized to ensure good service
quality of depth control, packer setting and inflation process.
The element design was adjusted as per actual BHP and BHT.

Fig. 7. Pressure and temperature behavior while setting the packer.

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Oil rate, Water,

WC%
Choke
MBD
MBD
Setting, in
Before WSO
3.1
2.9
47.8
50
After WSO
6.6
0.6
8.4
50
Total
Gain= Reduction= Reduction=
3.5 MBD 2.3 MBD
39.4%
Table 1. Post treatment production analysis showed a reduction in water cut by
79% and a gain in oil production of 112%

The real time data and CT weight gave a strong indication that
the packer was set in its place. The BHP was monitored to avoid
pre-mature packer inflation. The cement recipe was formulated
based on measured downhole temperature and pressure.
The most beneficial use of differential pressure was while
setting the packer; the actual differential pressure was relatively
close to that of the design. The CCL was utilized to eliminate
the error of CT mechanical depth measurement. This in turn
helped ensure the depths were accurate and the operation was
performed in the exact same intervals per design. Having the
ability to know accurately the bottom-hole parameters helped
to make better decisions.

POST JOB WELL PERFORMANCE

The well was put back on production and the initial test
results indicated these reductions, Table 1.

CONCLUSIONS
1. Reliable and real time data obtained from fiber optic
enabled CT is a real breakthrough in most CT applications
(WSOs, stimulations, perforations, etc.). Fiber optic
telemetry enabled CT provides real time data for critical
operational parameters. The data includes CCL, BHT, BHP
and differential pressure.
2. This technology is a viable method to communicate directly
and continuously downhole with wellbore, reservoir or
tools conveyed via CT. A direct communication with
downhole conditions avoids relying on calculated
parameters from surface readings, which most of the time,
are far from real downhole conditions. This will help
operators to come up with the right decisions on-site.
3. CCL is a viable and efficient option for depth control as
demonstrated in this article.
4. Real time pressure and temperature data enabled precise
placement and proper inflation of the inflatable packer to
shut-off water production as shown from the WSO case
history. The BHP and BHT data was also used to validate
the cement recipe.
5. Based on this successful experience, fiber optic enabled CT
was used on six other WSO jobs. The technology is being
pilot tested to optimize acid stimulation jobs on long
horizontal and extended reach wells.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank Saudi Aramco and Schlumberger
management for their support and permission to present the
information contained in this article. The authors would also
like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of Rifat Said
of Saudi Aramco, and Wassim Kharrat and Adrian Weiss of
Schlumberger.

SI METRIC CONVERSION FACTORS

bbl 1.5897 E-01 = m3
in 2.540 E-02 = m
ft 3.048 E-01= m
psi 6.894757 E+00 = kPa

REFERENCES
1. Al-Dhafeeri, A.M., Nasr-El-Din, H.A. and Al-Harith,
A.M.: Evaluation of Rigless Water Shut-off Treatments to
be Used in Arab-C Carbonate Reservoir in Saudi Arabia,
SPE paper 114331, presented at the SPE Canadian
International Petroleum Conference, Calgary, Alberta,
Canada, June 2008.
2. Rangel, P.D., Sorman, I., Blount, C.G. and Woods, N.:
Fiber Optic Enabled Coiled Tubing Operations on
Alaskas North Slope, SPE paper 106567, presented at the
SPE International Coiled Tubing Operators Association
Conference, The Woodlands, Texas, March 2007.
3. Al-Umra, M.I., Saudi, M.M. and Al-Tameimi, Y.M.:
Inflatable Enables Successful Water Shut-off in High
Angle Wellbores in Ghawar Field, SPE paper 93261,
presented at the SPE Middle East Oil & Gas Show and
Conference (MEOS), Bahrain, March 2005.
4. Dashash, A.A., Al-Arnaout, I., Al-Driweesh, S.M.,
Al-Sarakbi, S.A. and Al-Shaharani, K.: Horizontal Water
Shut-off for Better Production Optimization and Reservoir
Sweep Efficiency, SPE paper 117066, presented at the SPE
Saudi Arabia Section Technical Symposium and Exhibition,
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, March 2008.
5. Graeme, R., Yusof, M.B., Ghani, J., Mokhtar, S. and
Munro, J.: Improved Method for Underbalanced
Perforating with Coiled Tubing in the South China Sea,
SPE paper 113698, presented at the SPE International
Coiled Tubing Operators Association Conference, The
Woodlands, Texas, April 2008.

BIOGRAPHIES
Ahmed K. Al-Zain currently works as
a Production Engineering Specialist in
well treatments in the Southern Area
Production Engineering Department
(SAPED). He received his B.S. degree
in 1989 in Petroleum Engineering from
Tulsa University, Tulsa, OK. After his
graduation, Ahmed joined Saudi Aramco as a Production
Engineer and worked in various sandstone and carbonate
major fields in the Southern area. He now has over 20
years of experience, mainly in production engineering as
well as in reservoir and drilling engineering. Ahmed has
published several technical papers on various topics, such
as acid stimulation, scale inhibition, water compatibility,
coiled tubing applications and automated well data
acquisitions.
Jorge E. Duarte is a Production
Engineer working in the Gas
Production Engineering Division. He
has 13 years of oil field experience.
In 1996, Jorge received his B.S.
degree in Petroleum Engineering
from the Universidad America,
Bogota, Colombia.
Surajit Haldar received both his B.S.
degree in Chemical Engineering in
1989 and his MBA in 2006 from the
Indian Institute of Technology,
Kharagpur, India. He has 20 years of
work experience in the petroleum
industry, including 8 years in research,
development and consultancy work on well stimulation and
water shutoff technology. Currently, Surajit is working as a
stimulation and water shutoff champion for water and oil
wells in the Southern Area Production Engineering
Department (SAPED).
Saad M. Al-Driweesh is a Production
Engineering General Supervisor in the
Southern Area Production Engineering
Department (SAPED), where he is
involved in gas and oil production
engineering, well completion and
stimulation activities. He is mainly
interested in the field of production engineering, production
optimization and new well completion applications.
In 1988, Saad received his B.S. degree in Petroleum
Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and
Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. He has been
working with Saudi Aramco for the past 19 years in areas
related to gas and oil production engineering.

Ahmed A. Al-Jandal is a Petroleum

Engineering specialist in the Southern
Area Production Engineering
Department (SAPED). He earned his
B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering
from King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM),
Dhahran, Saudi Arabia in 1986. Ahmed has been with
Saudi Aramco for the past 25 years, where his experience
includes working with production engineering on the oil
and water injection wells in SAPED, and leading the
specialist unit for the Oil and Water Well Treatment/
Stimulation Unit for the Southern Area Oil Operation
(SAOO) fields. Currently, he is the Production Engineering
Supervisor for the north Ghawar water injection wells.
Faleh M. Al-Shammeri joined Saudi
Aramco in 2003 as a Production
Engineer working with the Southern
Area Oil Operation (SAOO)
organization. He has 6 years experience
working in several fields, including
Hawiyah, Shedgum and Ain Dar.
During this time, Faleh handled various projects, such as the
landing base, inactive wells, power saving and the high
shut-in wellhead pressure wells (HIPS) project, in addition
to his routine production operation activities.
Faleh received his B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering
from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2001.
Vsevolod Bugrov received his M.S.
degree in Petroleum Engineering in
2003 from the Russian State university
of Oil and Gas, Moscow, Russia. After
graduation he started his career with
Schlumberger as a Coiled Tubing
Engineer.
He has 6 years of experience in well intervention and
stimulation services, including various applications of
coiled tubing in Arctic and desert conditions. Currently, he
works in Udhailiyah providing technical support for the
Southern Area Production Engineering Department
(SAPED) Coiled Tubing operations.
Tashfeen Sarfraz is an Electronics
Engineer working in Schlumbergers
Coiled Tubing Services, Udhailiyah,
Saudi Arabia. He is responsible for the
technical design and execution of new
technology operations, and was a
member of the team that executed the
first Water Shut-off campaign for Saudi Aramco in 2007.
Tashfeen is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers
(SPE) and has published several technical papers and
articles. He has 5 years of experience, mainly in well
intervention and stimulation services.
In 2003, Tashfeen received his B.S. degree in Electronics
Engineering from Ghulam Ishaq Khan University, Topi,
Pakistan.

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