RIASSUNTO
Abstract
This paper examines producers' success in application of some new and some old workover technologies on 70 idle and orphan wells in California. Wells selected represent different producing regions in California. The study shows, while economic incentives have played a key role, the guiding light has been focusing on the in-place oil rather than dismal production records, before wells were placed on idle or orphan conditions. For each of the wells, we reviewed the well production potential including water production, well completion data and remedial actions taken after putting the wells back on production.
Using publicly available data sources from DOGGR, we traced the workover history of 70 wells in different producing regions of California that were shut down or became orphan wells during the last 20 years mostly because of poor economics. These wells during the last 1-15 years have been revitalized by small producers and in many cases have shown significant rebound in productivity of oil with also reduced water production. Our observation highlighted the significant of weighing the remaining oil in place over poor well productivity as a basis for well abandonment and or work overs on idle wells. But we also noted cases that attending to wellbore cleanup, and/or fixing the lifting mechanism and/or re-perforation of neglected intervals resulted in rehabilitation of poor wells.