High-angle gravel pack completion studies
A two-part study was conducted to define optimum gravel pack procedures and completion design factors for high-angle wells. In the first part of the study, gravel slurries were pumped through an 1100 ft tubing string to simulate actual slurry transport conditions in high-angle wells. The tubing string had an inclination of 80/sup 0/ from vertical. Measurements were made to determine suitable viscosity and solids concentration for effective gravel transport. In the second part of the study a cased hole completion model was constructed at full scale. Gravel slurries that had satisfactory transport performance were tested for packing characteristics in the model wellbore (completion interval). Need for special completion interval geometric considerations to obtain satisfactory packs was investigated. Results of this study showed that high viscosity carrier fluids (600-700 cp) with high gravel concentrations (15 lbm/gal) provide good transport, but they are unsuitable for use in completion intervals in wells with angles of 80/sup 0/ from vertical. Satisfactory transport and improved packing were achieved with lower carrier viscosity and concentration (300-400 cp, 4 lbm/ gal). Special liner-tailpipe (washpipe) geometry considerations reported by previous investigators are required in conjunction with the optimum slurry properties defined in this study. Completion operations designed using results from this study have satisfactorily met general placement criteria. Field experience to date has been in wells with inclinations up to 70/sup 0/ from vertical.
- Research Organization:
- Chevron Oil Field Research Co.
- OSTI ID:
- 5571224
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-830312-
- Journal Information:
- Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. SPE 11012; Conference: SPE California regional meeting, Ventura, CA, USA, 23 Mar 1983
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
PACKINGS
WELL COMPLETION
OIL WELLS
DRILLING FLUIDS
FIELD TESTS
SLURRIES
VISCOSITY
WELL SERVICING
DISPERSIONS
DRILLING
FLUIDS
MIXTURES
SUSPENSIONS
TESTING
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
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