WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER 2025
TD TOOLS TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
NOVEMBER 2025
Can Sand Jetting Help
Problem Wells?
Often, new customers come to us after attempting their tried and true methods for communicating with their well. It is only natural to stay with technologies that have proven themselves in the past and have produced a comfort level for success. But what happens when those techniques do not work? Since new customers often bring us their "problem" wells, we have amassed 18 years of experience of looking at wells that do not produce through typical processes. In addition to previous experience, testing can be employed to determine viability for establishing reservoir communication in difficult wells.
Sand Jet Perforation During Testing
One common question for us is whether or not we can perforate for specific well parameters with sand jet perforating (SJP). "Can you perforate 2-7/8, 7, and 11-7/8 at the same time?" Our experience with that specific requirement now tells us "Yes, we can do that" however the first time we were asked, the answer was "We don't know, but we can find out." TD Tools maintains a testing facility that is capable of pumping up to two barrels per minute at 7,000 psi and delivering up to a five pound per gallon abrasive slurry. We have the ability to test sand jet perforators in all sizes, sand jet cutting tools, cleaning tools and any other tools that require fluid flow. During testing for the scenario mentioned above, a procedure was developed that allowed for the successful perforation of the casing strings both for testing and in the field. The customer has now developed a proven track record with the process and has perforated several similar wells with SJP.
PowerJet (2nd Generation) During Abrasive Jet Testing
Testing is also very valuable to compare the effectiveness of changes to a sand jetting program. For example, wells with low bottomhole pressure might need lift to return sand and fluid to the surface. How would the addition of nitrogen to the abrasive slurry effect the perforation? We have tested variations of this scenario for multiple customers and found that nitrogen can actually accelerate the perforation process but also has some limitations. Our customers have successfully perforated and started well production with nitrogen incorporated into the fluid stream.
Testing With Abrasive Slurry and Nitrogen For Perforating
Testing changes in materials also has significant value for upcoming projects. Does an exotic liner material or high chrome content production tubing affect abrasive perforating or cutting times? What if I want to use an abrasive other than natural sand or different sizes of sand? These different parameters can all be tested versus a baseline of more standard SJP scenarios to better understand the differences in programs.
Having the ability to test can help create the most efficient well programs and help ensure success in the field.
Abrasive Addition to a SandStream™ Unit During Testing
As we have the end of 2025 in our sights, we would like to say thank you to our friends for helping us have another successful year. From the team at TD Tools, we would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
For more information about testing opportunities contact:
Thomas Dotson at tdotson@tdtoolsinc.com
