Gravel Packing Long Openhole Intervals with Viscous Fluids Utilizing High Gravel Concentrations: Toe-to-Heel Packing without the Need for Alternate Flow Paths

Abstract

Abstract Openhole gravel packing is one of the most popular completion techniques, due to its high reliability along with the ability to deliver high-productivity wells. Currently, there are two techniques used for gravel placement, one utilizing low-viscosity carrier fluids and low gravel concentration. In this technique the gravel is placed in two waves commonly called Alpha/Beta packing. The second method utilizes a viscous carrier fluid and high concentrations of gravel in conjunction with alternative path screens which mitigate problems caused by unpredicted downhole events. In this paper we present a new approach for gravel packing long high angle openhole intervals without the need for alternative flow path screens but retaining the advantages of high gravel concentration slurries. This is supported by 2 field case histories from a field in India, where two gas wells were drilled with an oil-based drill-in fluid and gravel packed with a viscous water-based fluid. The packing mechanisms and efficiencies in these applications have been verified with downhole gauge analysis as well as mass balance calculations. Both wells are producing sand free with hydrocarbon production that met or exceeded operator expectations, with zero mechanical and extremely low rate dependent skins.