Field trial of expandable profile liners in a deep sidetrack well section and optimizable schemes approach for future challenges

This study discusses challenges of running expandable profile liners (EPLs) to isolate trouble zones in directional section of a deep well, and summary the expandable profile liner technology (EPLT) field trial experience. Technically, the trial result reveals that it is feasible to apply the EPLT solving lost-circulation control problem and wellbore instability in the deep directional section. Propose schemes for optimizing the EPLT operation procedure to break through the existing bottleneck of EPLT in the deep directional section. Better-performing transition joints are developed to improve EPL string reliability in high borehole curvature section. High-performing and reliable expanders reduce the number of trips, offer excellent mechanical shaping efficiency, simplify the EPLT operation procedure. Application of the expansion and repair integrated tool could minimize the risk of insufficient expansion and increase the operational length of the EPL string. The new welding process and integrated automatic welding equipment improve the welding quality and EPL string structural integrity. These optimization schemes and recent new advancements in EPLT can bring significant economic benefits and promote the application of EPLT to meet future challenges.