WorldOil

InterOil, an independent operator in Papua New Guinea, recently prevailed over myriad logistical and downhole obstacles to safely and successfully manage a well control incident, and complete a wildcat well. The sidetracked well was Elk 1 ST #1. This prospect, identified from geophysical and limited offset data, was sited in such a remote area that no roads could be used to transport personnel, equipment or materials to the site. Transportation to the site was via helicopter. Thus, equipment selection was restricted by weight, and the operational schedule was often affected by weather. A plugged bit, a fish in the BHA and severe losses encountered in a fractured limestone formation required mobilization of personnel, materials and equipment necessary for the selected intervention technique—use of reactive materials. A description of the well control operations, as well as explanations of the operational environment, logistical challenges, equipment limitations, and downhole configuration that defined the well control problem, are provided below.

Due to difficult, remote jungle logistics, InterOil’s decision to undergo the expense and risk of a reactive material squeeze protected an important discovery well.