A Recent Gulf of Mexico Cavity Completion

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractProduction was dramatically improved by cavitating (intentionally producing sand) an offshore gas well on the Gulf of Mexico Shelf. The cavity completion was conducted over a period of 10 days and involved producing the well through temporary equipment in order to safely produce, collect, and dispose of the produced sand. No hydrocarbon emissions resulted since production could be routed back through the permanent facilities. Following the operations, the well was returned to flow through the permanent facilities at a much higher producing rate, with much lower sand production.Prior to the cavity completion operations, the well had been choked back to a low gas rate, <1 MMscfd, due to sand production. The low gas rate was insufficient to continuously lift liquids, causing the well to become liquid loaded and/ or slug. The well was evaluated for a sand control completion, but this type of repair was felt to entail too much economic risk due to significant reservoir unknowns. Further evaluation suggested that the well had the attributes for a successful cavity completion. This paper will discuss the cavity completion evaluation process employed and operational results and learnings. A similar process may be applicable to other wells.