Well completion technology. Innovation for Prudhoe Bay completions
Although some well completion techniques at Prudhoe Bay are common to other parts of the world, the unique qualities of the Sadlerochit reservoir and its geographic location also demand innovative procedures as well as state-of-the-art tools. The Prudhoe Bay field is unitized, with Sohio operating the western half of the field and ARCO operating the eastern half. Although completion practices are quite similar in both operating areas, there are differences dictated by reservoir conditions. Some of the early wells were completed in open hole. Many of the later completions set 9-5/8-in. casing through the pay. In recent years the general fieldwide practice is to hang a 7-in. liner ca 300 ft up inside the 9-5/8-in. casing with the liner bottom through the pay. Float shoe, float collar, and centralizers are standard. After cementing operations the casing is cleaned out with bit and casing scraper from surface to the float collar. Withthe rams closed the entire casing string is pressure tested. The casing is now displaced from drilling fluid to sodium chloride water. The brine is preceded with fresh water until returns are clear.
- OSTI ID:
- 6083161
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 81:50; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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