Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the completion techniques for two wells in the Gulf of Mexico having well angle of 35 to 45 degrees, completion interval of about 400 ft, bottomhole temperature of 222°F and requiring a completion brine with density up to 17.0 lbm/gal. Three critical issues were studied. They were fluid loss control, pre-gravel-pack acid stimulation, and internal gravel packing.

Laboratory studies showed that an activated hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) pill could be designed to control the fluid loss for more than 30 hr even at a bottomhole temperature of 222°F. In addition, a high-rate acid stimulation could be employed to ensure that as many perforations as possible were open to accept gravel pack sand. Physical model studies also showed that a high-rate squeeze waterpack provided the required effective perforation and annular packing for the target wells despite the long completion interval.

These techniques were successfully implemented. Initial production data suggest that both wells, still under choke, are producing at expected rates, with low downhole drawdown.

Keywords:
morgenthaler, gravel, completion installation and operations, perforated interval, injection rate, spe, fluid loss, transition angle, viscosity, drilling fluid chemistry
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Pressure Management, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Hydraulic Fracturing, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Reservoir Fluid Dynamics, Formation Evaluation & Management, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties), Perforating, Acidizing
Copyright 1996, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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