Abstract
A new generation Reservoir Drill-in Fluid (RDF) has been developed to mitigate the potential of damage to the producing formation and eliminate the need for post-completion cleanup. This RDF system was developed to perform synergistically where openhole gravel-packing or expandable screen completion styles are utilized.
This new RDF system generates an active filter cake which is impermeable to aqueous fluids, thus reducing fluid loss into the producing formation. Concurrently, the now residual filter cake is permeable to formation hydrocarbons. This system utilizes organophilic components which generate preferential oil channels in the residual filter cake, thereby, eliminating the need for stimulation/cleanup from either internal or external chemical breakers. The preferential channels also help reduce the influx of aqueous formation and/or injection fluids.
This paper details the development of the RDF system and the engineering of it on two openhole gravel-pack completions in the East Wilmington Field off the coast of Long Beach, California. It discusses the development of the system and the field trials. A maintenance schedule used by the fluid engineers for anticipated potential problems is also discussed. The field performance is discussed and lessons learned are contrasted with conceptual design. Comparative data from earlier horizontal wells are included and contrasted with respect to the RDF system design, drilling parameters and well start-up. Finally, the initial well-test data are presented.
