Pressure build up between cemented casings — in drilling and production wells — has been a major challenge all around the world. The cause, in most cases, is a poor cement job that allows fluids to migrate through micro channels from the formation all the way to the surface. This problem has been solved by pumping or squeezing a polymeric based resin — with major bonding properties — that can be accurately designed for a specific setting or curing time, based on the application temperature. This resin is pumped through annular injection ports in the well head. Due to the resin's particle free characteristic, there is no restriction or plugging risk while pumping. Once the resin is pumped down the annuli into the micro channels, it will set or cure and isolate the pressure build up from the source, providing a safe working environment at the surface. Thermal activated resin is a new technology that has overcome a lot of traditional cementing problems. The resin acts as a fluid and can be designed on a wide range of weights and viscosities, and it can also be adjusted to react at a specific formation or ambient temperature. This paper presents case histories on field applications and lab tests to support the efficiency and liability of solving Casing- Casing Annulus pressure build-up scenarios in the Middle East.

Objectives/Scope: Sidetrack drilling in depleted unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs with overlying reactive shale faces many engineering and operation challenges. Depleted reservoirs require a low mud weight to avoid stuck pipe due to differential sticking. Reactive unstable shale requires a higher mud weight to provide hole stability. Installing sand screens across the reservoir adds additional complication to drilling operations. Proper planning is key to overcoming drilling challenges. Planning includes selection of well design, directional trajectory planning and mud selection. The selection of casing design depends on reservoir pressure and logging requirements. The requirement for a dual lateral completion also affects the hole configuration. The optimum kickoff point, maximum dog leg severity, inclination across the shale zone, shale footage and trajectory azimuth play important roles in the success of sidetracking operations. Mud weight and mud rheology are thoroughly planned and closely monitored during the operations. Drilling with a rotary steerable Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) and deploying sand screen completion, such that it reduces chances of differential sticking, are also critical parts of the planning. Many wells have been successfully sidetracked and completed to meet reservoir management objectives. The casing design of reentry wells has evolved from two (2) hole sections to one (1) hole section and has saved 32% of the drilling time and has reduced the well cost by 23%. Appropriate well direction (azimuth) and correct mud weight related to maximum or minimum stress direction have been identified utilizing special geomechanics software. The salinity of an oil-based mud (OBM) is critical while drilling through reactive shale. Water activity tests on shale samples is used to design the proper OBM and special monitoring protocols were established to ensure the rheology of the OBM. A modified sand screen completion has been proven to reduce the potential occurrence of stuck pipe. Most of key factors in planning can be applied in all wells to some extent. Each well is uniquely based on its subsurface targets and reservoir pressure.

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper discusses the first well in which an expandable screen and expandable liner hanger were installed

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper discusses the first well in which an expandable screen and expandable liner hanger were installed