Slimhole frac pack tools overcome erosion problems

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Petroleum Engineer International

OSTI ID:483852

Stout, G ^[1]; Matte, T ^[2]; Rogers, B ^[3]

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1. BJ Services, Tomball, TX (United States). Research and Development Center
2. BJ Services, Lafayette, LA (United States)
3. Marathon Oil Co., Lafayette, LA (United States)

The application of frac pack technology for stimulation and sand control in the Gulf of Mexico`s unconsolidated formations has steadily increased during the past several years. In addition, re-entry drilling has been one of the fastest growing development techniques used by operators for optimizing reservoir productivity. As such, smaller casing sizes are becoming more common in oil and gas producing wells. Gravel pack tools were being used for frac packing in 7-in. casing sizes and larger, but no tools were available to frac pack in the smaller 5-in. and 5{1/2}-in. casing. The erosion problems operators were experiencing in 7-in. gravel pack tools heightened concerns about fracturing through 5-in. tools with even smaller flow areas. Flow cutting in the 7-in. tools was so severe that it caused fluid communication between the gravel pack ports and the return flow holes in the crossover tool. This allowed fluid and proppant to return to the annulus above the packer, which could cause possible early screen-out and sticking of the crossover tool. The flow cutting could also reduce the tool`s pressure and tensile ratings. Any one of these problems could jeopardize the success of the frac pack operation. Therefore, an erosion resistant crossover tool for slimhole casing was developed to address these problems and optimize frac pack success.

• OSTI ID: 483852
• Journal Information: Petroleum Engineer International, Journal Name: Petroleum Engineer International Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 70; ISSN 0164-8322; ISSN PEEID4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
DESIGN
DIMENSIONS
EROSION
FIELD PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MITIGATION
PERFORMANCE
WELL CASINGS
WELL STIMULATION