Abstract
Expandable metal technology applications can provide cost-effective solutions to drilling and production challenges.
One such application is expandable sand-control screens that eliminate annular flow and help prevent sand migration and "hot spotting." A recent project with our partner Petrobel (operating company joined between ENI and EGPC) employed a Baker Oil Tools expandable screen assembly to recover reserves in the offshore Mediterranean Sea North of Port Said City.
The aim of the project was to install, in one trip, the 4-¾-in. Expandable Screen Assembly in Well PFM-8 in order to isolate shale layers above and below the 4 MT thick gas bearing sand in a 6 inch open hole. The Expandable Screen Assembly design combines sand control with expansion technology, providing formation particle exclusion, annular flow reduction, hole stability, and large inside diameters (IDs).
Upon conclusion, the project yielded very positive tangible results: Production was 1.8 MM m3/d and likely to increase after further cleanup. The first run of 4-3/4-in. Expandable Screen in Egypt offshore the Mediterranean Sea has been successfully in well PFM-8 for Petrobel. The success was not only in flawless installation, but also in sustaining long terms sand-free gas production at 1.8 MM m3/d and more than 2000 bbls of associated condensate from 4 MT thick reservoir in 6" open hole.
This paper will explore the successful completion technique used in Egypt, using Expandable sand-control technology.
