An innovative surfactant chemistry in a nonaqueous system with an oil-to-water ratio (OWR) of 20/80 was effectively utilized for the first time to provide wellbore stability and run a sand-control screen in an openhole gravelpack completion. This novel type of invert emulsion system uses relatively higher aqueous internal phase, i.e., less than 50/50 OWR, which subsequently allows for a relatively higher density than the drilling fluid. More importantly this system is maintained as solids free and oil continuous.The increasing application of Inflow Control Devices/Intelligent Wellbore Systems and swellable elastomers as well as drilling longer intervals and their exposure to shale/sand dictates the use of compatible and solids-reduced invert systems to reduce the risk of an unsuccessful gravel placement treatment caused by shale swelling or plugging of sand control screens. This novel high-internal phase system provides flexibility for these types of completions. The use of the higher internal phase allows the formulation of oil-continuous solids-free systems while still achieving the required density necessary in solidsladen aqueous systems. This paper will focus on the selection of the 20/80 high-internal-phase system for this openhole completion, the upfront testing and planning for deployment. Discussion will also be provided with respect to the mixing of the system at the wellsite as well as the lessons learned.
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is an organic compound created naturally during the decaying process. In crude oil and natural gas H2S is generated when Sulfur is removed from petroleum products. This phenomenon occurs at various stages during exploration, production and refining. In addition to the naturally occurring H2S, sulfate reducing bacteria or SRB produce Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) souring the reservoir production. SRB’s are living organisms that require a specific set of circumstances to grow; they need organic carbon, a sulfur source, water and the correct temperature to produce H2S. Some facilities may not have a desulfurization plan especially when the reservoir was initially identified as a ‘sweet well’. In this case desulfurization treatment was not considered in their operations and maintenance strategies. However, over recent years the enquiries for desulfurization on brown field operations have increased indicating that ‘sweet wells’ may or have turned sour, possibly due to introduction of SRB from the surface via water injection.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.