TCP

Tubing Convey Perforation

 Objectives :-
 TCP History.
 Introduction Of TCP.
 The primary advantages & weaknesses in the TCP technique.
 Underbalance VS Overbalance
 Tubing Conveyed Perforating Equipment's
 Down hole Assembly and function
 TCP Calculation.
 TCP Procedures.
 TCP Witness
 TCP History
 The technique of delivering the perforating charges on the bottom of a
tubing string and producing the well through the tubing immediately
upon perforating was considered when shaped charges first became
known in the oil field, Because of safety concerns and little real interest in
improving perforating performance.

 The technique was not applied. The Vann Tool Company introduced an
updated version of the technique in 1970, and its use grew over the next
10 years. The U.S. drilling boom of the late 1970s and 1980s saw an
increase in TCP completions, particularly for high shot density, large-
diameter perforating in Gulf of Mexico with gravel packed completions
and for long completion intervals in West Coast wells.
 TCP History
 TCP is the term used for lowering of guns into the well through either tubing or
drill pipe. The guns, usually of HSD type, are positioned across the zone of
interest and fired while still attached to the pipe.
 TCP guns are used in situations where either under balance perforation is
desired over a long interval or where there is a high well deviation.
 From an operational point of view, wire line perforating operations are usually
faster when there are a few short intervals to perforate. TCP operations are
more efficient for long, multi zone perforation intervals, because of the higher
operating speeds of wire line perforating, explosives are exposed to high down
hole temperatures for a shorter time than with TCP. This is an important
consideration in high temperature wells.
 Since 1970, Halliburton, originally Vann Systems, has performed more than
36,000 perforating jobs.
 Introduction for TCP
 As the name implies, involves the assembly of a perforating
gun on the end of drill pipe string or production tubing and its
lowering and positioning in the well bore prior to detonation.

 After detonation, the guns can either be pulled from the well
(Shoot & Pull) or drop into the well bore below the perforated
interval (Shoot & Drop)
 The primary advantages of TCP
 The well can be perforated with large diameter, high performance, high
shoot density casing guns with the wellbore pressure lower than the
formation pressure (underbalanced) allowing instantaneous clean-up of the
perforations.
 Large intervals can be perforated simultaneously on one trip into the well.
 Highly deviated and horizontal wells can be perforated by pushing the guns
into the well.
 It permits the perforation of H2S bearing formations with a greater degree
of safety.
 Accurate gun positioning by running a through tubing log “GR-CCL”
before setting the packer (W/L stretch avoided).
However, there are some weaknesses in the TCP technique, specifically
 The impossibility of confirming individual charge detonation without
removing the string (current research efforts are addressing this
problem)

 Explosives degrade when exposed to elevated temperatures, reducing

shaped charge performance. It takes longer to run a TCP string into
the hole than a wire line gun.
 Accurate depth positioning of the gun string is more difficult and
time consuming than wire line depth positioning

 The cost of TCP is higher than conventional W/L perforating (Rig).

However, there are some weaknesses in the TCP technique, specifically
 The degradation of explosives with the additional time the charges
must spend at wellbore temperatures while the tubing string is run.
On the whole, TCP may take considerably less rig time than
conventional perforating, when time for multiple wire line runs,
rigging up and rigging down is considered. However, the charges
are exposed to elevated well temperatures for up to 100 times
longer than wire line guns and there is a chance of losing explosive
power. For this reason, higher-temperature explosives have been
developed for TCP applications.

 Selective perforating options with TCP are limited.

 Underbalance VS overbalance
Underbalance Technique:
 when the pressure in the well bore is lower than the pressure in the
formation.
Underbalance perforating clean up the formation tunnel from
crushed formation material and charge debris which is happened
after perforation.
 Used to improve the well productivity without any damage in
perforations.
 Used in thinner zones with high reservoir pressures.
 Used in competent sandstones.
Underbalance VS overbalance
Overbalance Technique
 Overbalanced perforating without flow typically results in a perforation tunnel with
severe tunnel plugging due to crushed formation material and charge debris.
 Overbalanced shoot and pull assemblies are generally used in highly deviated or
horizontal wells where long gun sections are run and the customer does not feel that.
 Overbalance depends on well conditions and the client operating procedures.
 This type of job can be run with or without service tools such as a retrievable packer
and circulating valve.
 Overbalanced perforating with cleanup flow reveals that typically most of the charge
debris is removed. However, a low permeability zone due to perforation jets remains.
 Used overbalance When perf tunnels can collapse at the slightest underbalance.
 Overbalance will affect the productivity of the well.
Extreme Overbalance Perforating & Balanced
(EOP) is a process that breaks down perfs by high pressures generated by high gas
pressures or gas generating charges, The gases have a high level of stored energy. Upon
expansion at the instant of gun detonation, the gases are used to fracture the formation and
divert fluids to all intervals. The high flow rate through relatively narrow fractures in the
formation is believed to enhance near-well conductivity by extending the fractures past any
drilling formation damage.
EOP used when
1. Where perf. breakdown is very difficult or expensive (pumping equipment)
2. When the permeability is low (<1 md) and typical perf with underbalance is not effective.
3. When the permeability is high (k >100 md) and no fracturing planned, but damage
bypass is needed.
(Balanced)
1. when the wellbore fluid is non-damaging and low particulate
2. When fracturing (overbalance may make breakdown more difficult).
 Shoot& pull VS Shoot & drop
Shoot & drop
 RIH with completion string (decrease rig time & well cost)
 Need enough rate hole. (Rig cost)
 The well head is in place and prod. PKR is set before the guns are
fired.
Perforate underbalance with no formation damage.
 Some problems coming while W/L RIH to drop it.
 After perforation no chance to check the guns complete firing or not.
Shoot & Pull
 It is common type which is applied in the world
 No high length of rate hole needed
Perforate underbalance with possible formation damage due to killing.
 It is expensive but it is more effective
Tubing Conveyed Perforating Equipment's

B:- Down hole Assembly (BHA)

A:- Perforation guns (TCP guns)

TCP in horizontal wells
 Tubing Conveyed Perforating Equipment's

Note: (See the installation Sheet, guns loading sheets & Show video No 2 )
Arming TCP in the workshop
TCP Configuration
Down hole Assembly and function

1:- Firing Head

A:- Drop Bar actuated hydraulic firing head (BHF)

B:- Hydraulic delay firing head (HDF)

C:- Differential pressure firing head (DPF)

D:- Extreme overbalance firing head (EOF)

E:- Coil tubing firing head (CBF)

F:- Trigger charge firing head (TCF)

 1:- Firing Head
A:- Bar Actuated hydraulic Firing Head System (BHF)
The Bar actuated firing head system (BHF) is actuated
by a drop bar in the release sleeve, Once actuated
hydrostatic pressure drives the firing pin into the
detonator, allowing the firing mechanism to operate.

The BHF head includes the following features:

• A minimum of 150 to 300 psi hydrostatic pressure is
required to activate the firing pin, there by making
the gun string safe on and near the surface.

• The device is simple in design and operation.

• Pressure equalization prevents firing flooded guns.

 1:- Firing Head
B:- Hydraulic delay firing head (HDF)
The Hydraulic delay firing system is triggered by raising
the hydrostatic pressure to a pre-determined level to
break the shear pins. A variable firing delay allows time
for the hydrostatic pressure to be bled off to the desired
underbalance.
The HDF head includes the following features:
• A minimum of 150 to 300 psi hydrostatic pressure is
required to activate the firing pin, there by making
the gun string safe on and near the surface.
• The adjustable firing delay makes the head suitable
for operations with nitrogen.
• Precision shear pins ensure accuracy in the firing
pressure.
• Pressure equalization prevents firing flooded guns.
 1:- Firing Head
C:- Differential pressure firing head(DPF)

The Differential Firing Head was designed to allow

underbalanced perforating with a differential pressure
actuated firing system.
The DFH works by requiring the internal pressure to be
greater than the external pressure.
This condition can be created when pressure is applied
to the ID or when the OD pressure is reduced.
The pressure required to actuate the DFH may be
lower than that used for other pressure operated firing
heads because it is operated by differential pressure.
1:- Firing Head
C:- Differential pressure firing head(DPF)
Features and Benefits
Allows underbalanced perforating in horizontal wells without a packer
 Is ideal for perforating with a sucker rod or submersible pump in
place
 Offers added safety because it is pressure-balanced when being
run into the well
 Allows maximum underbalanced pressure in low pressure wells
when mechanical firing is not desirable
 Can be used when equipment or well conditions will not permit the
use of high pressures

Operation
The DFH is actuated after a predetermined differential pressure is
created in the firing head ID. This differential pressure can be
created when surface pressure is applied to the tubing or by
reducing the hydrostatic pressure in the annulus. When the
predetermined differential pressure is reached, the shear pins
holding the dog retainer piston will shear, allowing the dog retainer
to move up. The upward movement releases the dogs holding the
firing piston in place, and the internal pressure drives the firing
piston into the initiator or primer.
 1:- Firing Head
D:-Extreme overbalance firing head (EOF)
The Extreme overbalanced firing system or EOF is used when
no delay is required, For example, in extreme overbalanced
perforating operations the EOF works just like the HDF but has
no time delay; it does have pins but no hydraulic oil and
orifice.

E:- Coil Tubing Ball Actuated Firing Head

The coil tubing ball actuated firing head is designed to work in
coil tubing operations allowing circulation and reverse
circulation both prior to and after gun firing. Use of the CBF
head permits the operator to circulate, perforate then
continue circulating all in a single trip in the well. The head
functions when a ball dropped down the coil tubing diverts
circulating fluid so that it acts on the operating piston. The
pins break allowing the piston to move releasing the firing pin.
Circulation is re-established when the piston moves past the
circulating port.
2:- Vertical Shock Absorber

Description & Operation

 The VSA is designed to protect pressure measuring

equipment from vertical shock loads transmitted
through the work string by the firing of TCP guns.

 The VSA can be used to protect other sensitive

components in the tool string.

 The VSA is normally run below the packer and is

always run between the gauge carrier and the TCP
guns.

 The VSA should be run in conjunction with a drag

block assembly for effective shock absorption.
 3:- Lower Ported APCA
(Annulus Pressure Crossover Assembly)
Description
The Annulus-Pressure Crossover Assembly (APCA) allows the use of
annulus pressure to actuate any one of several firing heads. This assembly
is compatible with retrievable packers of all types and sizes.
Features and Benefits
 (APCA) May be used as the annulus firing system on wells with non full
opening test tools and a partially filled drill string.

 (APCA) May be used as the annulus firing system on horizontal wells

 Allows the use of below packer venting devices along with this
assembly
Operation
The APCA creates a pressure chamber above the firing head that is
equalized with the pressure in the casing annulus. Once the packer has
been set, the pressure on the annulus can be increased to actuate a
pressure actuated firing head. The pressures in the annulus and the
tubing can also be manipulated to create the differential pressure
necessary to actuate a differential type firing head
 3:- Lower Ported APCA
(Annulus Pressure Crossover Assembly)

TBG
CSG

LPR-N Upper APCA

PKR

Lower
Firing Head
APCA

Gun

Perforation
 4:- Below Packer Hydraulic Safety Joint
Description
The Below-Packer Hydraulic Safety Joint is designed for
use in DST test strings to allow a packer to be unset
and disconnected from tubing-conveyed perforating
guns if the guns become stuck following perforation
and testing
Operation
This tool is operated by pulling a preset amount on the
work string until the tool is actuated to provide 36 in. of
travel to unset the packer. Rotating the safety joint to
the right 30 turns releases the tool from the perforating
guns and leaves a 4 3/4-in. OD nipple on top of the
guns. Inside the nipple is a 31/2-in. IF tool joint box
that is facing upward. This allows the guns to be picked
up with either a standard overshot or a 3 1/2in. IF pin
thread.
 5:- RTTS Packer
Description
 The RTTS Packer is a full opening, hook wall packer used for
testing, treating, and squeeze cementing operations.
In most cases, the tool runs with a circulating valve assembly.
 The packer body includes a J-slot mechanism, mechanical slips,
packer elements, and hydraulic slips. Large, heavy duty slips in
the hydraulic hold-down mechanism help prevent the tool from
being pumped up the hole. Drag-springs operate the J-slot
mechanism on packer bodies, while larger packer sizes use drag
blocks. Automatic J-slot sleeves are standard equipment on all
packer bodies.
Features and Benefits
 The full-opening design of the packer mandrel bore allows large
volumes of fluid to pump through the tool. Tubing-type guns and
other wire line tools can be run through the packer.
 The packer can be set and relocated as many times as necessary
with simple tubing manipulation.
 Tungsten carbide slips provide greater holding ability and
improved wear resistance in high-strength casing. Pressure
through the tubing activates the slips.
 An optional integral circulating valve locks into open or closed
position during squeezing or treating operations, and opens
easily to allow circulation above the packer
 5:- RTTS Packer
Operation
To set RTTS packer, operators run the tool slightly below
the desired setting position and then pick it up and
rotate it several turns.
If the tool is on the bottom, only a half turn is required.
However, in deep or deviated holes, several turns with
the rotary may be necessary. To maintain position, the
right hand torque must be held until the mechanical
slips on the tool are set and can start taking weight.
The pressure must be equalized across the packer to
unset it.
As the tubing is picked up, the circulating valve remains
closed, establishing reverse circulation around the lower
end of the packer. The circulating valve is opened for
coming out of the hole when the tubing is lowered,
rotated to the right, and picked up.
 6:- Uppers Ported APCA
(Annulus Pressure Crossover Assembly)
TBG
CSG

LPR-N Upper APCA

PKR

Lowe
Firing Head
r
APCA

Gun

Perforation
 7:- RTTS® Safety Joint
Description
The RTTS safety joint is an optional emergency back off device.
A safety joint releases the work string and tools above the
packer if the packer becomes stuck during operations. a design
of the RTTS safety joint makes unintentional operation difficult.
Features and Benefits
 Positive sequence of operation helps prevent premature
release.
 Tools above the safety joint can be retrieved when string is
stuck.
Operation
The RTTS safety joint is run immediately above the RTTS packer
so that the greatest number of tools above the packer may be
removed.
Before using the safety joint, operators must part a tension
sleeve located on the bottom of the lug mandrel by pulling up
on the work string.
After the tension sleeve has parted, the safety joint is
released by right hand torque while the work string is
reciprocated a specified number of cycles.
8:- BIG JOHN® Hydraulic Jar
Description
The BIG JOHN Jar is included as part of a tool string to help
remove stuck tools. The jar helps free a stuck tool by resisting a
pull on the work string.
Features and Benefits
 The design of the hydraulic system ensures long life with little
maintenance.
 Rig time is reduced.
 The jar can be relocked rapidly.
 The jar’s time delay is adjustable.
 The amount of pull to trip the jar can be varied within the
limits of the time delay system
Operation
The temporary resistance that powers the jar is provided by hydraulic
time delay system. Resistance is released when the metering sleeve
inside the jar moves into a bypass section of the outer case. This
action allows the special hydraulic oil to bypass rapidly. The time delay
required to release the temporary resistance varies in relation to the
weight of the pull. For example, a light pull requires more time for
release than a hard pull. When tools below the jar are stuck, a steady
pull applied to the jar creates an upward impact blow to the string.
The jar can be relocked when the string is set down.
9:- (FUL-FLO) Hydraulic Circulating Valve
Description & Operation
 The (FUL FLO) Hydraulic Circulating Valve used as a bypass
around the packer or used a circulating valve to circulate
the well after testing or when the work string is picked up.

 Bypass ports close when weight is set down (under slack)

and reopen when weight is lifted (string under tension).

 A hydraulic metering system provides 2 to 3 minutes delay

in closing after weight is applied. This delay allows either
the RTTS Packer to be set or the test string to be stung into
a permanent packer before the bypass ports close and the
ports reopen without a time delay.

 Requires no pipe rotation to operate it and No torque is

required
10: External Bundle Carrier Gauge Carrier

Description & Operation

The 3-1/4” Gauge Carriers houses two miniature electronic

Pressure and Temperature
Memory Recorders, capable of recording either internal
tubing pressure or external annulus pressure, or a
combination of both.
 This system is used in various testing and data
acquisition systems.
 The small O.D. coupled with a large effective I.D.
provides an effective data acquisition system for various
slimhole applications.
 It is connected with TCP assemble above packer and
blew LPRN T Valve
Applications
 Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP)
 Drill Stem Test Operations
 Gravel Pack Data Acquisition
11:- LPR™N Tester Valve (Low Pressure Response-N2)
Description
The LPRN Tester Valve is a full opening, annulus pressure operated valve.
The N2 chamber is charged at the surface to selected pressure
determined based on (surface temperature, bottom hole temperature &
bottom hole pressure).
If the test requires a permanent packer that uses a stinger mandrel or
seal nipple,
a variety of Halliburton bypass tools are available, depending on field
application, to help ensure that the formations and down hole equipment
are protected from excessive pressure buildup

Features and Benefits

 The LPRN tester valve has been through an extensive 5 day
qualification testing at 400°F (204.44°C) and 15,000 psi
(1034.21-bar) burst and collapse pressures.
 A double nitrogen chamber can be added to the LPR™ N for use
in deep, hot, high-pressure wells to reduce the operating
pressure.
 Fluids can be spotted or circulated through the LPR™ N Tester
with the packer unseated.
 11:- LPR™N Tester Valve (Low Pressure Response-N2)

Operation
The LPRN Tester Valve is composed of a ball valve section, a
power section, and a metering section.

The ball valve section seals the pressure to perform the

required test. It is turned by operating arms.

The power section has a floating piston that is exposed to

the hydrostatic pressure on one side and exposed to
pressurized nitrogen on the other side.

When the packer is set, pump pressure applied in the

annulus to moves the piston downward then activates the
operating arms and opens the ball valve.

When the annulus pressure is released the pressurized

nitrogen returns the piston to upward and close the ball
valve.
12:- Internal Pressure Operated (IPO) Circulating Valve

Description
The IPO (internal pressure operated) allows circulation through the
work string before trip out and serves as a drain during trip out.
The IPO circulating valve is used in the following situations:
 when a full opening string is needed
 when annulus pressure operated circulating valves is needed
 when a limited amount of annulus pump pressure is available to
operate annulus pressure tools
 It is used in reverse circulation after fire the gun.

Operation
The IPO circulating valve is operated by internal pressure (500 to 10,000
psi above hydrostatic).
The Pressure required to operate the tool is determined by shear pins,
which hold the sliding valve in the closed position.
For the valve to open, tubing pressure is increased to a pressure above
annulus hydrostatic equal to the shear value of the shear pins. Once
operated, the IPO circulating valve is open.
13:- Radioactive Marker Sub
Description
 The R/A marker sub is run in line with string
above the packer, or can simply be a tubing
collar or a drill pipe tool joint where one or two
small cavities have been drilled and threaded
to receive a sealing plug.
 The R/A pipe tag is installed in each cavity. a
pipe tag is a very weak gamma ray source
 It is fully recovered when the string is pulled.
 A Radioactive source, which used in TCP gun
depth control by (GR-CCL) correlation.
 TCP Calculation
EX: Under balance calculation or (over balance)

 Reservoir pressure = 2980 psi @ 10690’ TVD (5.4 PPG)

 Mid Perf. @ 14,556’ M.D (10,922’ TVD)
 R. pressure @ Mid perf. = 0.052*5.4*10,922 = 3067 psi
 Required underbalance pressure = 400 psi
 Required U.B 3,067 – 400 = 2,667 psi
 Fluid to fill string while RIH for under balance = 8.9 PPG (data)
 Length of tubing for hydrostatic pressure 2,667 = 0.052 x 8.9 x h
 h = 5,762.5 TVD
 Section between Mid. perf. & length of tubing = 10,922 – 5,762.5
= 5,170 TVD = 6,175 M. D
 The free length haven’t any fluid = 6,175 ft to the surface.

See Sheet No: 1

 Shear pin calculation
 S. P value = 762 psi / pin (data)
 Reduction Temp. = 8.4 % (data)
 Reduction due to BHT = 8.4 /100 x 762 = 64 psi / pin
 S.P after reduction = 762 – 64 = 698 psi / pin
 Max. S.P value = 698 * 1.1 = 768 psi / pin
 Min. S.P value = 698 * 0.9 = 628 psi / pin
Diff. firing head @ depth = 13,973 M.D (data) = 10,530 TVD
 Hydrostatic head @ firing head =10,530 x 0.052 x 8.9 = 4,873 psi
 Hydrostatic pressure @ firing head =4,873 + 1500 = 6,373 psi
(LPR-N tester valve) = operating pressure
Diff. pressure @ firing head when set packer = 6,373 – 2,667 (R.P@ M.D) = 3,706 psi
 Max. No of S.P = 3,706 / 628 = 5.9 ≈ 6
 Min. No of S.P = 3,706 / 768 = 4.8 ≈ 5
 Take No of shear pin = 6
 Max. Acting pressure = 6 x 768 = 4,608 psi
 Min. Acting pressure = 6 x 628 = 3,768 psi
Max.Firing pressure @ surface in annulus side =Max. Acting pressure + R.P – Hyd. Pressure
@F.H
= 4,608 + 3067 – 4,873 = 2800 psi
Min.Firing pressure @ surface in annulus side = Min. Acting pressure + R.P – Hyd. Pressure
@F.H
= 3,768 + 3067 – 4,873 = 1960 psi
 TCP Procedures
1:- RIH with TCP gun assembly as TCP sheet.
2:- Fill 100 ft (one stand) above firing head with clean HVP
3:- RIH with TCP Assemble
4:- RIH with D/P string to surface
5:- put all string under tension.
5B:- RIH with GR-CCL log inside D/P to detect R.A marker depth and
correlate with Correlation log, POOH
6:- Set the RTTS packer by rotating D/P & slack to confirm proper set
of the packer ( half right turns for 1000 ft.)
6B:- Check the annuls side was completely full by fluid and check
7:- Pressure up on the annulus to open the LPR-N valve& fire the guns.
8:- Start bleed off the annuls pressure to close LPR-N tester valve
and open THS wing valve to be ready for reverse circulation
 TCP Procedures
8:- Fill the D/P with completion fluid.

9:- Pressure up TBG side to open IPO (circulating valve) to use for

reverse circulation from annuls to tubing and reverse circulation until

returns are completion fluid .

10:- Pull the string to un-set RTTS packer and wait 15 minutes to

allow the packer rubber element to relax completely and observe the

well 30 minutes to ensure the well was dead

11:- Start POOH the D.P

 TCP Witness
1:- D/E Make a good communication with D/E R/SH team, check TCP Guns before
RIH and see the gun sheet for surface company and calculate total length of guns and
(check loaded & blanked guns), Check all D/P are used (rabbit & clean), completion fluid
is clean (check tanks, lines & filter unit) and Measure TCP assembly lengths as per sketch
(including D/P used) so, R/A marker-top shot distance is known.
Show video No 3

2:- (High Viscous Pill) to suspend any impurities may be accumulated above firing head.
3:- BHA (vertical shock absorber, blow packer safety joint, lower ported APCA, RTTS
packer, upper ported APCA, RTTS safety joint, big john jar, FULL FLO circulation
valve, LPR-N tester valve, length of D.P below Radio active Marker)
4:- D/E be sure the length of D/P which was fill and which was empty to create U.B ore
over balance
5:- D/E contact with R/SH team again before set RTTS packer and keep the enough
length of D/P free above rotary table to used it for set packer (xxx ft for slack weight on
low side, xxx ft for slack weight above BKR after BKR set) Show video No 5
 TCP Witness
6:- D/E Check circulating head , TIW valve, pump in sub & surface lines are fix and
close the TIW valve then test lines to 3000 psi (test OK), prepare line to reverse
circulation to production line on the P/F, Fixed sound detector device on D.P to sound
firing guns, connected line from D.P side on surface and put it in bucket was filling by
water to check the guns firing & check WHP before firing, advice all personal on the Rig
No any sound and any troubles while guns were firing to check firing action.
7:- Close pipe rams and start apply pressure on annuls side (without stopping) to
Max. Firing pressure to open LPR-N tester valve & fire the guns (try to take some sound
by sound detector, put your hand on D/P to felling any vibration, check bubbles & check
WHP after firing) and holed annuls pressure at less half hour for allow formation to
stabilization .
8:- D/E know the capacity for the empty D/P if the D/P was fill less the number this
give us good indicating for formation influx and good firing

9:- While TCP assemble on the surface check for them and check TCP guns
TCP depth control & correlate
Firing Mechanism
External Bundle Carrier analysis
External Bundle Carrier analysis
TCP problems in GOS