Openhole Gravel Packing With Oil-Based Fluids: Implementation of the Lessons Learned From Past Experiences Leads to the Best Producer in Okpoho Field, Nigeria (2006)

Openhole Gravel Packing With Oil-Based Fluids: Implementation of the Lessons Learned From Past Experiences Leads to the Best Producer in Okpoho Field, Nigeria Ebere Paulinus Ofoh; Ebere Paulinus Ofoh Nigerian Petroleum Development Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Melford E. Wariboko; Melford E. Wariboko Nigerian Petroleum Development Co. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Fred Emwenomake Uwaifo; Fred Emwenomake Uwaifo Schlumberger Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Mehmet Parlar Mehmet Parlar Schlumberger Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE International Symposium and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, February 2006. Paper Number: SPE-98151-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/98151-MS Published: February 15 2006 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Ofoh, Ebere Paulinus, Wariboko, Melford E., Uwaifo, Fred Emwenomake, and Mehmet Parlar. "Openhole Gravel Packing With Oil-Based Fluids: Implementation of the Lessons Learned From Past Experiences Leads to the Best Producer in Okpoho Field, Nigeria." Paper presented at the SPE International Symposium and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, February 2006. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/98151-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control Search Advanced Search AbstractA large majority of the recent deepwater developments in West Africa require sand control applications. Openhole gravel packing is the preferred sand control technique adopted by many operators in this region. It is considered one of the proven methods of sand control from both reliability and productivity standpoints, and allows access to larger reserves through fewer wells. Since most of these reservoirs contain reactive shale streaks, they require synthetic/oil-based drilling fluids (S/OB). Considering that the openhole gravel packing in the industry deals primarily with water based fluid environments, new challenges for gravel packing of the associated wells are thus introduced. A significant level of progress has been made in recent years towards overcoming the challenges through new developments in fluids application, tools and techniques. These developments have resulted in successful gravel packing of wells drilled with oil-based (OB) fluids, which have yielded well productivities, which, in many instances, exceeded those completed in water-based drilling fluid environments. Currently, techniques and fluid systems are available for gravel packing with either a water-based (WB) or an oil-based gravel packing fluid. Both approaches have been practiced in various regions in the world. A common and critical element of both approaches is the proper assessment of potential plugging of the sand control screens during installation and subsequent displacement processes, since the screen installation often must be accomplished with solids-laden fluids (conditioned oil-based mud) in the wellbore, due to logistical challenges and economics. An OB carrier fluid was recently used for openhole gravel packing of a well in Okpoho field, offshore Nigeria. The application resulted in the best producer in the field. This paper details the steps taken through the design and execution stages of the treatment, incorporating the lessons learned from two previous applications of the OB carrier fluid. A detailed description of the yard tests conducted in Nigeria and the onsite QA/QC procedures with screen samples are also included. A simple approach is proposed for quantification of the impact of screen plugging test results on field practice. This allows operators to evaluate how much, if any, screen-plugging can be expected with the particular conditioned OBM as the screens are run in hole and during subsequent displacement processes, so that the operator can decide whether further conditioning, and thus the additional rig time, is worth the associated cost.IntroductionA significant portion of openhole completions in Nigeria are drilled with a synthetic/oil-based drilling fluid (S/OB) due to advantages it offers over water-based fluids. These include higher rate of penetration, excellent shale inhibition characteristics, gauge hole, lubrication while drilling as well as while installing sandface completion and low maintenance costs (dilution and solids control costs in reactive silt/shale environments).[1] Openhole high-inclination gravel packing is the preferred technique adopted by many operators in this region. Since most of these reservoirs contain reactive shale streaks, they require synthetic/oil-based drilling fluids (S/OB). Considering that a large majority of the openhole gravel packing experience in the industry has been in water based drilling fluid environments, new challenges emerged for gravel packing wells drilled with oil-based fluids.[2] A significant level of progress has been made in recent years towards overcoming these challenges through new developments in fluids application, tools and techniques.[2–6] These developments have resulted in successful gravel packing of wells drilled with oil-based (OB) fluids, which have yielded well productivities, which, in many instances, exceeded those completed in water-based drilling fluid environments. Currently, techniques and fluid systems are available for gravel packing with either a water-based (WB) or an oil-based gravel packing fluid. Both approaches have been practiced in various regions in the world. A common and critical element of both approaches is the proper assessment of potential plugging of the sand control screens during installation and subsequent displacement processes, since the screen installation often must be accomplished with solids laden fluids (conditioned oil-based mud) in the wellbore, due to logistical challenges and economics. Keywords: sand control, drilling fluid chemistry, drilling operation, Brine, viscosity, Nigeria, drilling fluids and materials, displacement, carrier fluid, ob gravel pack fluid Subjects: Drilling Operations, Drilling Fluids and Materials, Gravel pack design & evaluation, Sand Control, Completion Operations This content is only available via PDF. 2006. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.