Long-Zone Squeeze Gravel Packs in Geopressured Reservoirs in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

Summary Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the completion techniques for two wells in the Gulf of Mexico with well angles of 35 to 45°, completion intervals of about 400 ft, bottomhole temperatures of 222°F, and requiring a completion brine with density up to 17.0 lbm/gal. Three critical issues—fluid-loss control, pregravel-pack acid stimulation, and internal gravel packing—were studied. Laboratory studies showed that an activated hydroxyethyl-cellulose (HEC) pill could be designed to control the fluid loss for more than 30 hours, even at a bottomhole temperature of 222°R In addition, a high-rate acid stimulation could be employed to ensure that as many perforations as possible were open to accept gravel-pack sand. Physical model studies also showed that a high-rate squeeze waterpack provided the required effective perforation and annular packing for the target wells despite the long completion interval. These techniques were successfully implemented. Initial production data suggest that both wells, still under choke, are producing at expected rates, with low downhole drawdown.