Rigless Operations

The FPDO operation is an essential phase in the completion of unconventional horizontal wells (shale or tight). Its objective is to mechanically remove the isolation plugs installed during staged stimulation, unifying the wellbore to allow free circulation of hydrocarbons to surface.

Why is it necessary?

During the Plug & Perf technique, the well is divided into sections that are fractured sequentially —from 20 to more than 60 stages. At the end of fracking, the well is completely obstructed. FPDO is the technical bridge between stimulation and actual production.

Methodology and technical workflow

• Downhole intervention: Mainly Coiled Tubing equipped with a downhole motor and a mill bit driven by fluid pressure. In high-pressure wells or complex sections, workover or snubbing systems with rigid pipe are used.
• Surface management: Equipment certified for 10,000 or 15,000 PSI. Plug fragments —resin, fiberglass or degradable metals— are carried to surface by the circulation fluid.

A controlled process to remove all fluids, solids and contaminants accumulated during drilling, completion or stimulation. It is executed right before commercial production start-up to maximize reservoir productivity and protect surface equipment.

Critical importance

Without proper cleaning, elements such as drilling muds, completion polymers, fracking chemical water and proppant residues can generate plugging (skin effect), damage valves, obstruct pipelines and irreversibly reduce the productive capacity of the well.

Operational phases

• Mechanical displacement and chemical injection: Pumping of surfactants, solvents or acids followed by clean fluids at high velocity to wash the casing and dissolve residues adhered to the formation.
• Flow induction: If the well does not flow on its own, gaseous nitrogen is injected via coiled tubing to reduce the weight of the liquid column and activate the natural reservoir pressure.
• Surface return management: The fluid exits at high pressures and passes through a choke manifold for progressive regulation and sand traps/cyclones that separate sand and heavy solids by centrifugal force.

A modular high-pressure operating scheme designed to manage pressure control, safe fluid routing and surface containment during critical stages such as fracking, plug & perf and FPDO.

Equipped with remote-shutoff SSV, high-pressure choke manifold, plug catchers, shale shakers and remotely ignited flare systems.

Strategic functions

• Extreme pressure control: Monitors and regulates wellhead backpressure with API 6A configurations for 10,000 or 15,000 PSI.
• Support for Rigless operations: Enables safe deployment of coiled tubing, slickline or wireline without the need for a drilling rig.
• Closed-circuit management: Connects return lines to purge systems, preventing uncontrolled emissions.
• Direct FPDO assistance: Receives and handles returns loaded with gases and abrasive solids during plug milling.