Paradigm Shift in Reducing Formation Damage: Application of Potassium Formate Water Based Mud in Deep HPHT Exploratory Well

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses the outstanding performance achieved in a deep HPHT Jurassic formation drilled using Potassium Formate based fluid. This paper also describes methodology adopted for short term testing and stimulation of an exploratory well and finally the field results. Drilling and completion of deep Jurassic formations in the state of Kuwait is generally done with Oil Base Mud (OBM) weighted with Barite. During drilling, barite causes significant formation damage to the carbonates with natural fractures and it is essential to stimulate the well to evaluate the real reservoir potential. Formation damage is usually treated with matrix acid stimulation, however barite does not respond to acid. Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) was in search for an alternative drilling fluid causing relatively less formation damage and also responds to remedial actions. Potassium Formate brine with suitable weighting agent to achieve sufficient mud weight around 16ppg was selected for field trial in one of the exploratory wells. Formate based brine is a high-density Water Base Mud (WBM) which maintains rheological stability at high temperature and minimizes formation damage. Last 2,000 feet in 6" hole section of 18,000 feet well was drilled using 15.9 ppg Potassium Formate WBM. During short term testing, acid wash alone was sufficient to remove the formation damage and productivity has tripled which is unlikely in case of wells drilled with OBM. This case study shows how Potassium Formate based mud enhanced the productivity and reduced the testing time and cost. Based on the successful field test results, it is planned to drill future Jurassic deep formation with Potassium Formate based fluids in future.