A New Milestone in Open-Hole Gavel Pack (OHGP): World's First Managed Pressure Alternate Path OHGP with a Novel Oil-Based Gravel Pack Carrier Fluid

Abstract

Abstract Open-hole gravel packing (OHGP) with or without alternate path technology is a common completion technique in wells requiring sand control. Prior to this paper, there has been no application of managed pressure alternate path OHGP and use of an oil-based gravel pack carrier fluid. In addition, the location was remote which made it even more challenging. This paper discusses laboratory evaluation of the carrier fluid, yard test qualification, fluid management plan/logistics, job design, and execution. The fluid requirements in terms of density and temperature were 9.7 ppg and 115°F, respectively. The fluid had to pass the following tests a) rheology b) sand settling and c) Production Screen Tester to ensure the fluid does not plug the screens during the job. Due to the location being remote with no mixing facilities, the fluid was mixed several months prior to the job in the US and shipped to location. A stringent fluid QA/QC plan was implemented to ensure fluid quality was maintained during transit and while in storage at location. The job planning included simulations, several pre-job meetings, fluid management plan, modification to lower completion, etc. The job was executed flawlessly as per procedure outlined during pre-job meetings. The fluid evaluation work took 6 months due to extensive testing requirements and all key criteria were met. There were no technical or operational issues with fluid mixing during the SIT and for the job. All pumping equipment plus fluid functioned as expected. Gravel pack carrier fluid management was critical to the job success hence the fluid was stored in marine portable tanks (MPT) to prevent any contamination. The fluid properties did not change from the time of mixing till the job execution which was over 4 months. Surface back pressure technique was used to manage pressure while running in hole (RIH) the lower completion and during gravel pack operations. The lower completion was RIH to target depth without any problems. Gravel pack pumping operations was smoothly executed by pumping the job at designed pump rate and achieving a complete pack. Post gravel pack the well was flowed back and a successful well test was performed. Industry first successful field case study of managed pressure alternate path OHGP using a novel oil-based gravel pack carrier fluid is presented.