Wash Pipe Or No Wash Pipe? That is The Question

摘要

Conventional gravel pack or frac pack completions typically require the use of wash pipe to act as a conduit for fluid returns as well to carry a shifting mechanism to open or close a return port. Using properly sized wash pipe can enhance the placement of the gravel across the entire annular space and the formation. It can be used in conjunction with a shifting mechanism and a sliding sleeve to force the fluid returns to pass through the bottom of the screen. It can allow a washdown capability while running the assembly into hole. In specialty systems, it can even act as a pumping conduit for post-gravel pack stimulation. However, the use of wash pipe, especially in long horizontal wells, means the loss of valuable rig time due to make up and break up of the wash pipe, or recovery if the wash pipe is stuck. Economic considerations, along with completion efficiencies, are especially important on deepwater completions. Not using wash pipe reduces rig time, generating significant cost savings, and also eliminates the risk of sticking it. This paper reviews conventional wash pipe applications and describes new systems that accomplish the same goal with a minimum amount of wash pipe or no wash pipe at all.