Design, Execution, and Results of the First Multi-Zone Cased Hole Gravel-Pack Completion in West Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract This paper illustrates the design and application of tools and procedures for successful execution of the first Multi-zone Cased Hole Gravel Pack Completion in West Malaysia utilizing Alternate Path (Shunt Tube) Technology with Isolation System to enable access to multiple reserves and maximize reservoir contact in “A” field. The single trip gravel pack system allowed multiple stacked zones to be completed with reduced completion operation time. The “A” field, predominantly consisting of unconsolidated stacked layers has tendency to produce formation fines and sand and historically, gravel pack has proved as the most appropriate sand exclusion method for this field. Considering the distance between the adjacent zones (upper zone was approximately 120m distance from the middle zone), shunt tube technique was selected as the most suitable method for achieving uniform and high packing efficiency. Several options were examined for the completion to select a technology to have a proven cost effective solution to cope with different intervals space out far distance. The multizone shunt tube system has an intensive record of accomplishment in the oil and gas industry and has been used in Malaysia with excellent results. It was a very attractive technique to use because of its simplicity and cost-effective approach of completion of multiple intervals. Proppant placement with 100 percent packing efficiency along 227m of 3 different zones was critical for the success of the project. Shunt tube configuration was optimized by selectively plugging and unplugging nozzles to efficiently distribute the proppant to all 3 intervals. This technique added high value to the success of the operation and ensured any bridges in the annulus were bypassed during gravel packing treatment. The gravel packing carrier fluid also plays an important role when using shunt tubes. The system needs a viscous fluid to suspend and carry proppants to the perforations and form a competent and compacted pack without damaging the treated zones. For this reason, a Non-polymeric and solid free VES (viscous elastic surfactant) was chosen. The selected carrier fluid has been used in propped fracturing as well as gravel packing with excellent results as it has exceptional gravel carrying capability and leaves high formation retained permeability resulting in significantly low skin due to the unique capability of breaking when exposed to small amount of liquid hydrocarbons thus eliminating the requirement for breakers (Sullivan et al, 2006. Parra et al, 2009. Shahryar et al, 2010).