Digital Monitoring of Coiled Tubing Cleanout in Extended-Reach Horizontal: Case Study in Real-Time Intervention Efficiency

Abstract This paper presents the real-time remote monitoring of three coiled tubing cleanout operations performed in Argentina's longest lateral wells completed with this method. The objective was to reduce visibility gaps and inefficiencies during extended-reach CT interventions. This was supported by using a lightweight, cloud-based monitoring system that integrates prior drilling, completions, and intervention data relevant to cleanout planning. The project demonstrated how real-time data and visualization can enhance performance, collaboration, and decision-making in horizontal cleanouts while supporting digital transformation of well intervention workflows. A modular set of digital tools was deployed to stream surface data into dashboards accessible by both field and the Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) teams. Designed for CT operations, these included trace monitoring, phase detection such as Run in Hole (RIH), Pull Out of Hole (POOH), cleaning, pull tests, etc along live pressure, pump rate, velocity gauges, and speed compliance dashboards. Real-time KPIs tracking was also key, monitoring footage washed, sand volume removed, time-to-depth, and lateral footage remaining. RTIC personnel could view data of every cleanout operation live and over multiple timeframes, visualizing bit position relative to stages. Beyond real-time monitoring, the workflow also incorporated critical historical well information, including Kick off Point (KOP), Landing Point (LND), Dogleg Severity (DLS), casing diameters, plug depths, perforated clusters, Instantaneous Shut-In Pressure (ISIP), casing deformations from casing collar locator logs (CCL) run during Plug and Perforation (P&P) operations, and records of prior frac interventions. Minimal setup was required, serving as proof of concept for scalable digital workflows. Alerts and time-series tools supported early detection of abnormal patterns such as excessive dwell time, slow progress, or unexpected pressure changes. The wells reached total depths of 25,543, 25,506 and 24,939 feet (4.84, 4,83 and 4,72 miles), with lateral lengths of 14,732, 14,627 and 14,158 feet, successfully cleaned in 6.51, 4.09, and 3.07 days, respectively. The platform enabled uninterrupted remote visibility, accelerated anomaly detection, and faster response time. Compared to prior similar interventions, execution time was reduced by as much as 32%. Operations were monitored across wells without relying on previous stages manual reports or post-job spreadsheets. Real-time speed standards reinforced efficient operating envelopes, while depth-based visualizations supported operational planning. The digitized workflow enabled a significant shift in how monitoring rooms managed information during live operations. Even with basic digital infrastructure, the system delivered measurable gains in execution quality and situational awareness. This project marks the first full-cycle deployment of a real-time CT monitoring system in Argentina, enabled by a modular, low-overhead platform requiring no additional hardware. The approach created a replicable framework for digital-first CT operations, integrating well construction data (lithology, geometry, drilling, and completions) into a unified monitoring environment. It also laid the foundation for automated KPIs, performance benchmarking, and predictive analytics. As CT interventions become more complex, this model demonstrates how digital workflows can enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce operational footprint.