Openhole Gravel Packing - An Evolving Mainstay Deepwater Completion Method

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractOperators have found that by integrating drilling and completion techniques, they can develop a highly reliable openhole horizontal gravel-pack completion that can control sand production and produce hydrocarbons at a high-rate. Because of the success of this methodology, it has become a mainstay completion technique in the deepwater developments in Brazil and has shown the same potential for upcoming deepwater developments in West Africa. This paper will discuss the evolution of the integrated concepts, the "lessons learned" that are being used to increase the scope of application, and how new techniques are enhancing reliability for these completions. Specifics include advances that eliminate openhole tortuosity in openhole drilling techniques, new downhole tools that can reduce risk as well as completion cycle time, and improvements in gravel pack fluids.These advances are continuing to push the technological envelope. The new technological benefits are: 1) Reduced completion cycle time, thereby reducing completion cost 2) Reduced formation damage 3) Improved completion reliability throughout the potential life of the well.

Factors Affecting Horizontal Well Gravel Pack Efficiency

“…The development of the simulator is the subject of paper (CIPC 2006-075) 19 . The simulations of three actual horizontal well gravel pack jobs obtained from literature 20,21 are presented in the following section. The results demonstrate the validity of the solution routine and the capability of the HGPSIM program for simulating the gravel transportation and deposition during the gravel pack process and determining critical job parameters.…”