Recommended Design and Field Practices to Maximize the Value of Degradable Completion Systems

Abstract

The introduction of new technology is critical for operators to expand their completion options, increase efficiency, and drive profitably in challenging environments. For unconventional reservoirs, hydraulic fracturing in cased or open hole has been key for the economic success of new ventures. The continuous evolution in Completion technology has led to many advances in efficiency by the inclusion of degradable technologies. These technologies, when properly implemented, can reduce or even eliminate mechanical interventions, both during operations and post-stimulation. However, simply replacing current isolating technologies, balls or plugs, with one that will dissolve is not enough to capture the full value of these systems. Many operators have decided to experiment with degradable technologies without adjusting their current completion strategies. This approach can result in mixed success. For those operators who did not achieve the potential of the technology, a closer look is needed to decide if the degradable technology is compatible with the operator's drivers and overall strategy. A thorough review of current operating practices and environments is essential to understand how degradable technologies may be utilized to reduce cost, risk, and time associated with completion activities. In addition, the dissolution mechanisms must be understood to best decide how and when to use degradable devices. Environmental, procedural, and design considerations need to be evaluated to have a successful implementation of degradable technologies. These include: A) Environmental (e.g. reservoir pressure, BHST, etc.), B) Procedural (e.g. pump down fluid, stimulation fluid, etc.) and C) Design (e.g. tool design, degradation mechanism,etc.) This paper will provide a set of comprehensive recommendations to assist in job planning and execution. Examples will be drawn from various operating environments with their unique challenges discussed and analyzed. Following these recommendations, degradable technologies can more successfully be implemented and the reduction of costs, risks, and time associated with mechanical interventions can be achieved.