Optimization of Mud Cleanup for Openhole Horizontal Wells

摘要

Successful completion of openhole horizontal wells requires re- moval of potential impairment form the near wellbore and forma- tion face. Impairment can reduce well productivity and lead to failure of sand control screens due to plugging and erosion. Shell has adopted the practice in the Gulf of Mexico of employing drill-in fluids with acid-soluble bridging and weighting agents for all openhole drilling and extensive displacement and acid cleanup procedures during horizontal well completions.