In re-entry or workover type situations, the primary performance objectives determined during the initial well completion remain the same, especially in deepwater, high-rate wells. These generally require running the largest-diameter casing string possible, since the dimensions of the completion equipment can determine critical well objectives. Especially in reservoirs requiring sand-control reliability, production rate becomes a primary concern in the workover situation. Issues regarding critical erosional velocities, reservoir sweep or recovery efficiency and feasibility of installing flow controls or intelligent-well equipment remain.

For mature wells requiring a side-track, the current well-construction practices necessitate reduced dimensions of the sand-control completion-equipment. This paper presents a well construction/completion methodology that supports increased completion-component dimensions in side-tracked or new wells, potentially improving overall well performance. The system is suitable for any openhole gravel-pack completion.

Keywords:
drilling fluid selection and formulation, drilling operation, sand control, drilling fluids and materials, Completion Installation and Operations, isolation, liner, assembly, drilling fluid chemistry, drilling fluid property
Subjects:
Drilling Operations, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Casing and Cementing, Gravel pack design & evaluation, Completion Selection and Design, Completion Installation and Operations, Sand Control, Well Intervention, Completion equipment, Completion Operations
Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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