Eliminating Perforating-Related Formation Damage With A New One-Trip Sand Control Liner Completion Technique

Formation damage caused by perforating is among the highest risks in well completion. This paper examines a new technology for completing wells in unconsolidated formations that installs a liner hanger and sand control mechanism in a single trip to eliminate explosive perforation charges and associated formation damage risk. In addition to eliminating perforating, the technology reduces the cost of well construction by allowing the production liner, flow conduit, primary cementing, and sand control tools to be run in a single trip. The perfless completion system uses telescoping tubes that extend from the liner into the formation by applying hydraulic pressure and mechanical force. Once the tubes are extended (or telescoped), the liner is cemented in place. The tubes, which contain sand control media, form conduits from the formation to the casing ID. No large, high-horsepower fluid pumping treatments are required. Neither are after-completion drilling mud and fluid-loss control measures, both of which can cause formation damage. The new completion method eliminates gravel packing and minimizes intervention in completion operations, saving substantial rig time. It also simplifies operation logistics, especially in remote or offshore environments. This new technology was developed by a Joint Investment Project (JIP) that included three major operators, a large service provider and a small technology company. This paper describes initial field test results of the new system, cost comparisons with existing methods, and expected economic benefits over the lifetime of wells in typical applications of this new technology