Matrix Injectivity Achieved in Deepwater Gas-Injector Wells

Abstract

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 208809, “Deepwater Gas-Injector Wells: Overcoming the Challenge of Achieving Matrix Injectivity,” by Cedric Manzoleloua, Chau Nguyen, SPE, and Albert Okhrimenko, SPE, Schlumberger, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. After a successful exploration phase, an opportunity to develop the Guyana Suriname Basin came to fruition. The drilling and completion campaign scope included planned gas-injector wells that required a breaker application for matrix injection. A reversible nonaqueous reservoir drill-in fluid (RDIF) system using a calcium bromide brine as the internal phase and formulated at a 50/50 oil/water ratio (OWR) was selected. The complete paper discusses the results of extensive laboratory tests for the selection, customization of both the RDIF and the delayed breaker, and the field performance of the two fluids. Introduction All wells in the field were completed either as openhole gravel-pack or stand-alone screen configurations using inflow control devices (ICDs) or autonomous ICDs (AICDs). The gas-injector wells were completed as standalone completions with ICDs. The primary objective of the gas-injector wells was to put the wells on direct injection with no opportunity to flow back or fracture the formation.