Gravel Placement in Horizontal Wells

Abstract

Summary Long, horizontal gravel packs are viable completions that have been placed successfully in more than 80 wells. Extensive field-scale testing has significantly aided the development of field procedures and operating guidelines. Software has also been developed to assist with horizontal gravel-pack design. To be performed properly, these completions require a systems approach for their implementation because drilling and displacing the completion interval, maintaining hole stability, selecting and running equipment, and maintaining returns during the gravel-packing operation must be integrated into the completion strategy. Field experience suggests that, in some cases, gravel packs maintain productivity better than prepacked screens or slotted liners.