Aula 26 - Coluna de Produção

Summary

In this video, Professor Roberto Rosa provides an introduction to the concept of 'coluna de produção' (production tubing) in petroleum geology. He explains the essential role of production tubing in oil wells, covering its installation and functions in controlling and isolating production zones. The video also explores various well completion methods (simple, selective, and dual) and the tools used in the process, such as packers and screens. Designed for beginners, this lesson simplifies complex concepts related to well completion, offering valuable insights into the equipment and techniques used in oil and gas production.

Takeaways

• 😀 Geologists, though not drilling or completion engineers, play a key role in understanding well production and completion techniques.
• 😀 After drilling a well, it needs to be completed with a production casing, which helps ensure controlled production and avoids contact between the produced fluids and the well casing.
• 😀 A production column is essential for controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to the surface, and it is placed after well completion.
• 😀 The production column can be easily replaced, unlike the casing, which is cemented in place and cannot be removed easily.
• 😀 The casing serves to isolate the wellbore from surrounding formations and prevent the collapse of the well while isolating producing zones.
• 😀 A production liner (a type of tubing) can be used in place of the full casing to save costs, as it is cemented in the well without needing to extend to the surface.
• 😀 Artificial lift systems, such as gas lifts, can be added to the well later in its life to boost production when pressure drops.
• 😀 Screens are used in wells to prevent the production of sand or other particles from the reservoir, especially in friable rocks like sands or carbonates.
• 😀 Well completion can involve different methods, such as single, selective, or dual completion, depending on how many zones are being produced simultaneously.
• 😀 In dual completion, multiple production columns are used to isolate different production zones, allowing for measurement of individual production rates for each zone.
• 😀 The use of packers (obturation devices) in well completion ensures zonal isolation and protects the casing and the well from the pressures of the formation, allowing for controlled production.

Q & A

What is the role of the production column in oil well operations?

The production column is crucial for controlling the flow of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to the surface. It isolates the reservoir from the wellbore using equipment like packers, ensuring that production is managed efficiently and safely.

Why is the production column installed after the well's casing?

The production column is installed after the well casing to allow for a controlled flow of hydrocarbons. It ensures that the fluids produced from the reservoir do not directly contact the casing, preventing potential wear and tear or damage to the casing.

What is the significance of the packer in the production column?

The packer is used to isolate different sections of the well, ensuring that fluids from the reservoir do not come into contact with other formations or the casing. It provides a secure seal in the wellbore to control the flow of hydrocarbons and prevent fluid leakage.

What are the main differences between a single and double completion in oil wells?

In single completion, the production column handles the flow from one producing zone. In double completion, there are two separate production columns, allowing for independent control and monitoring of multiple producing zones, enhancing production efficiency.

What is 'canhoneio' (cannoning), and why is it important?

'Canhoneio' refers to the technique of perforating the cement that seals the well, allowing fluids from the reservoir to enter the wellbore. It is crucial for accessing the reservoir's hydrocarbons and ensuring that the production column is properly aligned with the production zones.

How does a production liner reduce costs in drilling operations?

A production liner is a type of casing that is cemented inside the existing casing. By using a liner, the costs are reduced because it eliminates the need to install a full-length casing in certain sections, thus saving on materials and labor.

What is the role of 'artificial lift' in oil well production?

Artificial lift, such as gas lift, is used to enhance the production rate from a well when natural reservoir pressure is insufficient. It involves injecting gas into the well to lift the hydrocarbons to the surface.

Why are special screens used in some oil wells, and what function do they serve?

Special screens are used in oil wells, especially in formations prone to sand production, to filter out sand and other debris from the reservoir fluids. This prevents the sand from entering the well and causing blockages or damage to the production equipment.

What is the purpose of using a 'packer' in the production column?

The packer isolates different zones in the well, preventing the flow of fluid from one zone to another. This allows for selective production and protects the wellbore from corrosion or pressure from other formations.

How does selective completion differ from other completion methods?

Selective completion involves isolating and producing from different zones in the reservoir through the same production column. It provides more control over each zone's production, whereas other methods may produce from multiple zones simultaneously without the ability to monitor or adjust the output of each one independently.