Investigation of the effects of ultra-high pressure and temperature on the rheological properties of a novel high-density clear completion fluids using magnesium bromide for applications in HPHT reservoirs

Abstract

High pressure and high temperature (HPHT) reservoirs have challenging environments for a successful completion program. Generally, low to mid-density range brine-based completion fluids (CF) are commonly used in petroleum reservoirs. Nowadays, the oil and gas drilling industry is moving toward clear high-density completion fluids at HPHT reservoir conditions. Completion fluid is used to complete an oil and gas well. It is positioned in the well to ease final operations before the start of production. These operations involve tasks like installing screens, production liners, packers, downhole valves, or performing perforations in the producing zones. We have experimentally investigated the completion fluid for stability, solid free, low viscosity, and low precipitation to ensure that it has all the desired properties. We have formulated a high-density specific gravity (1.61) completion fluid using Magnesium bromide (MgBr2) in an aqueous medium. The results show that the alkaline pH value of 7.18 and solid free fluid system provide a suitable completion fluid to keep corrosion rates acceptably low. The high density of the completion fluid is an essential parameter for pressure maintenance during well control events. Our experimental results are obtained for different ranges of temperature and pressure (i.e. temperature 25–300 °C, pressure up to 30,000 psi) using a new generation ultra HPHT rheometer. This study investigates the effect of ultra-high temperature and pressure on their rheological properties. Rheological results show that the completion fluid has a low value of apparent viscosity (1.89–6.66 mPa s), which is essential for designing completion fluid at HPHT conditions. These works are helpful in maximizing the completion fluid program for HPHT well for providing an early and timely production.