Horizontal wells have dominated the conventional wells due to their increased production rates, improved recovery efficiency, increased reservoir drainage area, and delayed gas and water coning. However, non-uniform flow profiles can result in premature water / gas production, loss of production and reserves, and decrease in profitability, which will shorten the life, and defeat the purpose of a horizontal well.

This paper will describe a new production technology system that will optimize production, delay water / gas coning, eliminate / minimize annular flow, and ensure uniform inflow along the lateral at the cost of a minute pressure drop in long, high-rate horizontal wells. Case history will be presented from Saudi Aramco, where this production technology, combined with sand control technology, has resulted in significant saving for the operator, and improved production in horizontal offshore oil wells.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, uniform-flow screen, spe iadc 85332, completion, saudi aramco, horizontal section, production completion system, new-technology application, drilling fluid chemistry, drilling fluids and materials
Subjects:
Drilling Fluids and Materials, Drilling fluid selection and formulation (chemistry, properties)
Copyright 2003, SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology Conference & Exhibition
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