TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper describes 12 history cases of the successful applications of Alternate Path (shunt tube) Technology in wells in Bachaquero Lago, Tía Juana Lago and Lagomedio fields, in Lake Maracaibo.The use of divergent tubes combined with packoff in these wells, allowed to complete two zones in a single trip (stimulation or packing in the superior zone and packing in the inferior zone), reducing the number of pipe trips in each well and therefore, reducing the operational risks and drilling costs. This type of completion will also allow independent isolation in anyone of the zones in the event of watering problems, allowing selective production.In all the cases, successful gravel packing were achieved as well as 45% saving in drilling time, compared with conventional completion. In all the cases productivity was higher than the i nitial estimate, without formation sand production, confirming the success of the application.This technology provides a reliable and profitable alternative for the completion of two or three simultaneous zones.

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper describes 12 history cases of the successful applications of Alternate Path (shunt tube) Technology in wells in Bachaquero Lago, Tía Juana Lago and Lagomedio fields, in Lake Maracaibo.The use of divergent tubes combined with packoff in these wells, allowed to complete two zones in a single trip (stimulation or packing in the superior zone and packing in the inferior zone), reducing the number of pipe trips in each well and therefore, reducing the operational risks and drilling costs. This type of completion will also allow independent isolation in anyone of the zones in the event of watering problems, allowing selective production.In all the cases, successful gravel packing were achieved as well as 45% saving in drilling time, compared with conventional completion. In all the cases productivity was higher than the i nitial estimate, without formation sand production, confirming the success of the application.This technology provides a reliable and profitable alternative for the completion of two or three simultaneous zones.