Patent ID: 6562764
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: C09K,E21B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for gravel packing a horizontal wellbore penetrating a subterranean brine-sensitive formation, wherein said wellbore was drilled with an oil-based or synthetic-based drilling fluid, said method comprising:(a) providing an invert emulsion comprising: oil or synthetic compatible with said drilling fluid; clear brine comprising halide salts or cesium formate in sufficient quantities to give the emulsion a density suitable for carrying gravel, without suspending said gravel when static; and an emulsifier in sufficient quantities to facilitate formation of an emulsion; (b) without adding or mixing of said emulsion with other fluids, injecting said emulsion with gravel into said wellbore such that said emulsion is a carrier for said gravel; and (c) continuously depositing said gravel on the sides of said wellbore until said gravel packing of said wellbore is complete.