New Tools and Fluid Technology Redefine the Application Envelope for Horizontal Openhole Gravel-packing Into a Mainstay Deepwater Completion Method

Abstract

Abstract Synergy between the horizontal drilling and openhole completion disciplines is required to deliver a reliable high-rate well completion in soft rock formations. This gap has finally been bridged, and the resulting success has allowed it to be considered as a mainstay completion technique in deepwater developments in Brazil. It has shown the same potential for upcoming deepwater developments in West Africa. The technology has also been an enabler for heavy oil developments (API gravity <20 deg, and > 0.934) in Brazil and in the North Sea that otherwise would have been uneconomical. This paper will address where we started, the evolution of technology, and the lessons learned that are being applied to increase the application envelope and the reliability of this completion method. The review will cover advances in openhole drilling techniques that eliminate hole tortuosity, gravel-pack fluids that can reduce rig time and enhance well productivity, and improvements in downhole tools that have capability to reduce risk while reducing completion cycle time. The review will also examine a possible replacement technology. The successes already achieved in light of the recent technological advances will be presented in case histories that will verify the reliability that can now be expected.