TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
AbstractWhen operating companies and the service companies combine teamwork and technology development with cohesive communication and planning, the result is proper integration of multi-discipline technologies to ensure successful field applications. The authors will outline some of the obstacles encountered and describe how the tools and procedures were designed to optimize reliability and achieve completions with better well life.Completion case histories are reviewed for wells in Brazil's offshore and deepwater Campos Basin, and deepwater Gulf of Mexico. The discussion addresses well planning, pumping operations, frac-pack design, selection of well screens with extended longevity and fluid systems that prevent formation damage.Openhole deviated and horizontal completions continue to be a primary method for reducing cost and improving recovery by maximizing reservoir contact. Integrating this technology with Intelligent Well Systems achieves a significant reduction in the number of wells required to maximize well productivity and reservoir drainage. Openhole completions have been utilized to successfully develop many of the reserves in offshore Brazil. These completion types include horizontal producers and injectors, gravel packs, stand alone screens, openhole gravel packs with annular isolation and integration of Intelligent Well Systems.Globally, technology has enabled the successful application of gravel packs in lateral lengths exceeding 8,300 feet, and water depths exceeding 6,100 feet. The growth of frac packing in deepwater Gulf of Mexico has intensified engineering efforts to meet the demands specified by the operating companies for fracturing formations with high permeability. Frac-pack applications in deep water can require pump rates exceeding 60 barrels per minute and proppant concentrations of 15 ppa. Specialized tools and performance software have advanced to address the increasing demands and risk management required in today's deepwater market. The evolution of technology is enabling reduced operations risk, better reliability and enhanced oil recovery.
