Application of New Technologies to GoM for a Successful Open Hole Gravel Pack

Abstract

This paper highlights the new drilling and completion technologies used in the delivery of the company’s first successful horizontal open hole gravel pack (OHGP) in the deep-water Gulf of Mexico (GoM). The well was drilled and completed with well performance exceeding the planned objectives. A new drilling fluid system was needed to address the high depletion, minimize formation damage, and manage the wellbore stability challenges associated with depleted horizontal drilling stress anisotropy. A brine-based system inclusive of a reservoir drill-in fluid (RDIF), solids free screen running pill, and displacement push pill, were qualified. Managed pressure drilling (MPD) was employed to manage the drilling of depleted sands, and managed pressure cementing (MPC) was used for cementing across narrow frac gradient (FG) windows, a new application for the company. New real time drilling surveillance was also applied to allow for trajectory optimization and maximining the open hole (OH) length. For the completion, a new high temperature gravel pack (GP) carrier fluid was developed to meet the high reservoir temperature and pressure requirements. This GP fluid was also designed to break on surface using an optimized breaker system, allowing for full capture with zero discharge. The sandface completion system included a new to GoM shunted wire wrap screen (WWS), y-manifold, and new lower completion hardware including an anti-swab GP service tool. New completion open hole displacement and GP procedures, to include a new skid-based GP pumping technique, were also implemented successfully.