Debris in the wellbore from stacked gravel-packs, packer milling, perforating, or other operations can interfere with production and make recovery of a plug or packer difficult or impossible. Recovery of the packer plug before running the completion assembly is a critical concern in a stacked gravel-pack operation. This plug prevents perforating-gun debris from falling inside the GP assembly and compromising subsequent upper completions during sting-in operations.The need for a reliable system that can quickly and completely clean out debris from the casing has never been greater. Complete recovery of metal debris in a limited number of runs has several advantages:
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Saves rig hours;
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Reduces risks in running a gravel-pack assembly in stacked configuration;
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Allows easier downhole access for slickline tools during completion operations;
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Reduces the number of coiled-tubing runs in hole as contingency.
This paper describes such a system. Operating on the principle of convective acceleration, the Vectored-Annulus Cleaning System is used mainly to capture cuttings downhole and prevent metal shavings or junk from reaching the surface during milling operations. This technology can be used in several ways. In gravel-pack applications, it has improved operations reliability in the most challenging environments.Starting from the utilization platform chart, through the mathematic calculation sheet, and showing the accessories made up in the standard bottomhole assembly, this paper focuses on the operation and applications of this technology. Case histories are examined in detail showing the advantages over conventional methods. A special emphasis is given to recent applications in the Adriatic Sea fields
