| Popis: |
A number of technical advances in the design and engineering of oil- and synthetic-based reservoir drill-in fluid (RDF) systems have taken place in recent years. This includes modifications to the emulsion/wetting package, type and size of the bridging/weighting material and displacement techniques. This paper presents laboratory analyses and subsequent field application of a newly formulated RDF compatible with a sand-control-screen completion. Through laboratory testing, an emulsification package was identified that would enhance filtercake lift-off. Next, a pilot yard test was performed utilizing a desilter to optimize the D50 of the bridging/weighting material. A unique combination of nozzle, hydroclone and pump pressure was utilized as the combination of these three variables yielded a D50 of less than half the original D50. Laboratory tests confirmed that a filter cake deposited by this modified synthetic-based RDF could effectively "flow" through a selected sand-control screen. The authors also show how the combination of specifically sized weighting/bridging material, the emulsification/wetting package, and custom completion practice to run the premium sand-control screen eliminated the need for a costly solvent-based displacement. In addition, production data from the subsequent Gulf of Mexico horizontal completion that successfully utilized this technique will be provided. |
