C-FER TECHNOLOGIES

20 01, 2021

Laboratory Testing of Artificial Lift Systems Joint Industry Project
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Laboratory Testing of Artificial Lift Systems Joint Industry Project

Challenges with Artificial Lift Systems Thermal recovery techniques, like Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD), are now very common in Western Canada. Over the last 20 years, thermal operators have gained access to specialized technology and best-practices that make it possible to produce under these very challenging conditions. Despite these advances, there are still some major challenges associated with the Artificial Lift (AL) systems tasked with pumping fluids to surface. The presence of a depleted or low–pressure formation above the reservoir (or the operators desire to optimize the level of sub-cool) often makes it necessary produce SAGD wells at very [...]

4 12, 2020

Risk Assessment of Underground Gas Storage Wells Subject to Well Entry
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Risk Assessment of Underground Gas Storage Wells Subject to Well Entry

A new set of guidelines has been released for conducting risk assessments of underground gas storage (UGS) wells that are subjected to periodic well entry. These guidelines were developed by C-FER Technologies for The US Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and are publicly available: Risk Assessment and Treatment of Wells. Webinar Part 1: Overview of the New Guidelines In Part 1 of this two-part webinar series, C-FER project lead Mark Stephens will provide an overview of the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) process that forms the basis for the guidelines, with [...]

4 06, 2020

ICD Erosion Simulation
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ICD Erosion Simulation

Erosion Effects on Flow Control Device (FCD) Performance A major thermal operator contacted C-FER to investigate the effects of erosion on Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) and how their performance may change over +20 years in a SAGD well. The long-term performance of these ICDs heavily influences the economics of SAGD production and is a key design consideration for all thermal operators. Unfortunately, erosion mechanisms (and erosion testing) can be quite complex, and trying to evaluate erosion under the high temperature multiphase flow conditions in a SAGD well is even more challenging. In-Flow Control Device (ICD) In-situ Erosion Simulation C-FER [...]

4 06, 2020

Custom Flow Loops and Standards
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Custom Flow Loops and Standards

Custom Flow Loop Testing In addition to C-FER Technologies’s existing flow loops, C-FER has the capability to provide custom testing solutions. C-FER has extensive experience in the design, construction and operation of experimental flow loops tailored to meet specific testing needs. All flow loops incorporate C-FER’s custom data acquisition and control systems. C-FER’s custom flow loops can utilize other facilities including: Deep Well Simulator - a 46 m deep well located directly within C-FER’s laboratory; and Special Environments Laboratory - for tests that simulate corrosive, toxic or explosive environments. Testing to Standards Flow testing to existing standards and recommended [...]

4 06, 2020

Gas Well Deliquification Flow Loop
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Gas Well Deliquification Flow Loop

C-FER designed and built the Gas Well Deliquification Flow Loop (DFL) to perform qualification and performance tests on novel gas well deliquification technologies. The loop uses water, oil, air, or a water/solids mixture as the test fluid. This flow loop provides the client with a low risk, affordable opportunity to learn how their system functions under specific test conditions prior to deployment in the field. The instrumentation is also easily movable off-site to a controlled “test well” for testing under more realistic conditions. C-FER currently has the majority of the necessary wellhead equipment, 4.5 inch casing, and coiled tubing [...]

4 06, 2020

High Temperature Pump Testing
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High Temperature Pump Testing

The High Temperature Flow Loop is used to carefully test the performance of downhole pumping systems over a range of operating temperatures, pressures, flowrates and gas/liquid ratios. This custom loop includes an 90-ft-long, 244.5 mm OD (9.625 in, 40 lb/ft), casing section. The section is orientated at 3° off horizontal to mimic a “typical” SAGD production well where the artificial lift system can be positioned. Over the years, the flow loop has been upgraded numerous times. It is used to independently test the performance, reliability, and degradation of some of the newest forms of high temperature artificial lift systems [...]

3 06, 2020

Seal Evaluation for Premium Connections
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Seal Evaluation for Premium Connections

Torque-turns Measurement during Makeup is Insufficient to Indicate Seal Integrity Operators require gas tight connections for a variety of applications including thermal, HPHT and tight oil wells. Premium connections that incorporate a metal-to-metal seal near the nose of the casing pin end can provide this level of seal performance. Premium connections do not follow a specific design code. Their performance can vary considerably among manufacturers and even among different casing sizes. Conventional torque-turns measurements during connection assembly are not adequate to confirm proper metal-to-metal seal engagement. Ultrasonic Inspection of Seal Surface Indicates Seal Quality C-FER has developed a [...]

19 05, 2020

Collapse – When You Can’t Take the Pressure
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Collapse – When You Can’t Take the Pressure

Exploring Factors that can Influence the Collapse Resistance of the Casing Casing collapse can occur when external pressure or load exceeds the collapse resistance of the casing. Factors that can influence the collapse resistance of the casing include: Pipe ovality – the initial ovality of the pipe from the manufacturing process or due to damage during installation such as bending or crushing, can reduce the collapse resistance; Axial loading – loads induced in the casing during operation due to temperature changes, subsidence and improper pre-tensioning can affect the collapse resistance. Increased axial tension can reduce the collapse [...]

19 05, 2020

Shear – When the Earth Moves
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Shear – When the Earth Moves

Exploring Well Operations and Reservoir Processes Affecting Shear Movement along fault zones and slip planes may cause significant shear deformations of wellbores that appear as lateral displacement of the pipe. These often form an “S” shape with two distinct bends in opposite directions. Faults may move due to: Ongoing tectonic activity; Changes in the in-situ stresses caused by pore pressure depletion during production operations; and Pore pressure increases that can occur due to well drilling, stimulation or disposal of produced water. The width of the fault zone can vary from less than a metre to several tens [...]

4 05, 2020

Evaluating the Benefits of Solvents and Flow Control Devices (FCDs) for Thermal Production
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Evaluating the Benefits of Solvents and Flow Control Devices (FCDs) for Thermal Production

Evaluating Solvent-enhanced Thermal Processes to Replace or Supplement Recovery in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) Operations Downhole Flow Control Devices (FCDs) installed in SAGD wells have been shown to reduce the Cumulative Steam Oil Ratio and increase net oil recovery. When used correctly, FCDs can provide improved efficiency over "traditional" SAGD and a lower GHG intensity per unity of production. At the same time, the industry has been evaluating a variety of solvent-enhanced thermal processes to replace or supplement recovery. These processes typically use various combinations of hydrocarbon solvents and Non-Condensable Gases (NCGs) to replace some or all of [...]

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