Optimizing the Completion Design of a Maximum Reservoir Contact Well for Enhanced Deliverability, Monitoring and Accessibility

Abstract

The Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) concept was developed to improve well productivity and sustainability by maximizing the contact area with target reservoirs. MRC is a proven technology for the development of tight/non-economical reservoirs. Completion design for MRC wells plays a vital role in enhancing well deliverability, monitoring and accessibility. MRC technology was put into application to appraise a tight and thin heterogeneous carbonate reservoir in a giant offshore field in Abu Dhabi. Different completion scenarios were simulated to select the best suited completion to achieve enhanced well deliverability, monitoring and accessibility. Heavy casing design with liner and tie-back system was finalized to maximize accessibility and achieve proper isolation behind casing. A special pre-perforated liner was also designed to eliminate the pressure drop across the wellbore. The MRC drain was divided mainly into two sections, blank pipe and pre-perforated liner equipped with swell packers for isolation. Pre-perforated liner was subdivided into compartments for proper flow distribution, accessibility and monitoring. The blank pipe was utilized to isolate the potential gas zone. Fractures and faults presented a major challenge in achieving the well objective. Special logging requirements were also considered for proper characterization of the suspected faults/fractures as well as to confirm and locate the source of gas risk for compartmentalization. For proper accessibility, monitoring, stimulation and sustainable production, tapered upper completion was designed and equipped with permanent downhole gauge for continuous monitoring. The well was successfully drilled and completed with production performance exceeding expectation which will indeed pave the way to apply MRC technology to unlock the all-out potential from undeveloped tight heterogeneous reservoirs within the field.