Validation of Transient Annular Pressure Build-Up APB Model Predictionswith Field Measurements in an Offshore Well and Characterization ofUncertainty Bounds

摘要

The average geothermal gradient in the subject deepwater field in Nigeria is 4.37 °C/100 m, nearly twicethe gradient in most fields. As a result, the magnitude of the expected annular pressure build-up (APB)during steady state production is large enough to threaten well integrity. Therefore, an insulating packerfluid (IPF) was used in Annulus A to reduce heat transfer to the outer annuli and to regulate the APB withinacceptable values. To gain confidence in the thermal analyses and to estimate the efficacy of the IPF, downhole temperatureand pressure sensors were installed in the completion string and in the Christmas Tree of selected wells.Measurements during flow tests on these wells were thereby obtained.