Improved Water Injector Performance in a Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Development Using an Openhole Frac Pack Completion and Downhole Filter System: Case History

Abstract

Abstract A Gulf of Mexico deepwater subsea development project required seawater injection for pressure maintenance of the producing reservoir. Typical water injector performance in the Gulf of Mexico has been characterized by rapidly declining injectivities that could be partially restored by frequent acid treatments. This type of performance was unacceptable for this field development plan, which required one subsea water injector capable of injecting up to 25,000 BWPD continuously for up to five years. Two changes to typical Gulf of Mexico water injector completion design were incorporated: 1) an openhole frac pack completion, and 2) a unique downhole filter system. These changes resulted in improved water injector performance compared with that typically experienced in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial injectivity was excellent and remained so over the entire injection period. No acid stimulations were required to either initiate or maintain injection. This paper presents the design and installation aspects as well as the actual performance results for this water injector.