Completions-2015

Like a fingerprint, every completion is unique and gives each well its own identity. The hardware selection, its deployment method, and the associated stimulation technique combine to create a one-of-kind completion, custom tailored for each application.

Like a fingerprint, every completion is unique and gives each well its own identity. The hardware selection, its deployment method, and the associated stimulation technique combine to create a one-of-kind completion, custom tailored for each application. It is this infinite variation that constantly fuels a collective desire to bring stability to the completion process. More so than ever before, the themes of efficiency and optimization serve as a backbone for completion design and execution. These themes remain valid under any market condition but become all the more significant in challenging or volatile climates.

Well completions play a critical role in the overall productivity of a reservoir, which inherently drives the decision-making processes toward well efficiency and production optimization. While there are many gains to be had around more-efficient hardware and stimulation deployment, improving the overall well efficiency and optimizing the production profile through carefully designed and implemented completion strategies represent the true endgame.

The challenge lies in accessing the key ingredient that enables harmonization of all the various components: data. Today, full-field studies comparing varying completion techniques with associated production performance are commonplace to evaluate and home in on optimum completion methods. Sensing technology, common to drilling and evaluation, continues to be integrated into completions, providing a front-row seat for the main event, production. The adage “knowledge is power” could not be more relevant in this context. Data collection and analysis, and subsequent controls, are what ultimately will enable the most-efficient and -optimized wells.

The papers highlighted in this feature speak to these themes that have become ever-present within the completions community. This selection of case histories and new technology reinforces the inherent desire to achieve stability through efficiency and optimization, even under the most challenging of market conditions.

Recommended Additional Reading

SPE 170264 Electronic-Set Openhole Packer Installation in Campos Basin, Offshore Brazil: A Case History by G.D. Mendes, Baker Hughes, et al.

SPE 170694 Acid-Soluble Plugs—Pressure-Tight Solution for a Preperforated Liner by E. Livingston, ConocoPhillips, et al.

SPE/IADC 170547 Innovative Intelligent Multizone Gravel-Pack Completion Revives Production in Malaysian Brownfield by T.U. Ceccarelli, Schlumberger, et al.

SPE 170738 Composite-Plug-Milling Efficiency Improvement Through Rheology Control—Lessons Learned From the Horizontal Completions in the Devernay Shale by Darren Huynh,Shell Canada, et al.

2015-clem-nicholas.jpg
Nicholas Clem, SPE, is an engineering manager for new-product development of sand-control completions equipment at Baker Hughes. He holds a BS degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. Clem serves on the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition Well Completions Subcommittee and on the JPT Editorial Committee.