The Operator faced challenges in maintaining well control during high-pressure annular gas lift installations in the Delaware Basin. Traditional methods like flowing and killing wells with heavy brines were costly, risked formation damage, and delayed production due to pressure balancing and extended downtime. Mechanical packers (e.g., AS1 X Packer) were expensive, required retrieval interventions, and limited well accessibility. Snubbing units, while avoiding downhole jewelry, were costly and complicated for achieving optimal gas lift valve designs, posing risks during pressure balancing.

The Atlas Dissolvable Packer was implemented to address these challenges. Composed of magnesium alloy, it provides an 8K psi differential rating and dissolves fully within approximately 14 days of production, leaving minimal residue. The packer’s integral pump-out plug ensures immediate flow-through capability without waiting for dissolution.

The Atlas is set using wireline or hydraulic methods, offering flexibility, and requires no heavy kill fluids or mechanical retrieval, reducing non-productive time (NPT). Best practices include flushing wells with fresh water, maintaining backup packers and brine, and ensuring proper spacing when setting multiple packers.

The Atlas Dissolvable Packer delivers operational efficiency by enabling faster artificial lift installation, often while workover equipment is still on-site, reducing logistical complexities. It is cost-effective, eliminating the need for expensive snubbing units, heavy brines, or retrieval/milling interventions.

The solution enhances production by allowing earlier conversion from natural to artificial flow, minimizing downtime. Pilot trials confirmed reliability, with over 60 successful installs in nine months, holding pressures up to 4500 psi for 240 hours and enabling safe, reliable well control during BOP nipple-up operations.