Maximizing Inflow Performance in Soft Sand Completions Using New One-Trip SandControl Liner Completion Technology

摘要

Maximizing inflow performance for any completionrninvolves balancing the natural forces of the reservoir with thernoperational limitations of the well or field. In the case of softrnor unconsolidated sand, completion procedures often dictaternequipment or procedures that can potentially limit the inflowrnarea by way of various forms of formation damage. There arernthree major types of formation damage: the filter cake andrnfluid loss damage associated with drilling; the skin increaserndue to compaction and debris associated with perforating; and,rnthe skin added to the completion by the gravel or frac pack.rnWhile there are treatments that can remove or reduce therneffects of damage, all of them involve subsequent interventionrninto the well, which elevates risk and as increases rig time.rnThis paper discusses a recently developed one-trip completionrnsystem that has been successfully used to eliminate or reducernthese causes of formation damage and improve inflow arearnand performance.rnThis new system provides a means of deploying a productionrnliner, perforating, primary cementing, removing filter cake,rnand controlling sand production in a single trip. The one triprnsystem is especially beneficial in wells needing sand control.rnThe procedure utilizes a telescoping conduit that can bernexpanded hydraulically, mechanically, or both, to seal onto thernformation face. The conduit is then cemented into place. Thernsand control media is inside the telescoping conduit in thernform of appropriately sized stainless steel beads. The damagerntypically associated with the perforating phase is eliminatedrnbecause there is no explosive discharge during the deploymentrnof the system, and the well is brought on production normally.rnStudies have shown that decreasing initial perforation damagernresults in a more productive well over its lifetime. This newrncompletion method also eliminates gravel packing, minimizesrnthe amount of intervention into the well completion, and savesrnsubstantial rig time due to its one trip operation. Additionally,the authors will illustrate how the new completion simplifiesrnoperational logistics, especially in remote or offshorernenvironments, because it is not dependent on large fluidrnpumping treatments nor does it require excessive pumpingrnhorsepower.