Description
Fluid Selection for Deepwater Completions
This presentation focuses on issues, unique to deepwater completions, that impact the selection and appropriate application of completion fluids. Some fluid engineering and selection issues such as density prediction, displacements, and brine composition, considered almost routine when working on shelf wells, are far from routine for deepwater wells. Deepwater environments present the unique combination of high pressure and low temperature. This combination requires chemical solutions for completion fluids specific to this challenging environment. Issues such as pressure-induced crystallization, hydrate control, fluid expansion and compression, thermal insulation, and fluid compatibility are some of the chemical considerations that must be planned for and solutions provided. In addition to the normal completion fluid compatibility issues such as compatibility with crude oil, formation water and formation rock, the various control line fluids, hydrate inhibitors and other production chemicals used in the deepwater wellbores require special considerations.
Well construction in deepwater usually includes tubulars comprised of corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA). The use of these higher strength materials demands special considerations for the packer fluid composition that current technology may not have yet reconciled. Logistical and fluid handling issues are also unique to deepwater completions. For example, the considerable volumes and large wellbores utilized in deepwater completions pose distinct challenges for efficient displacements for which appropriate engineering is required. Only through proper planning, appropriate engineering procedures and fluid formulations can suitable solutions to these unique challenges be devised.
Please print and bring credit card receipt if paid on-line.
Please pre-register if you plan to attend. Walk in registrations on the day of the meeting will be accepted for a limited number of seats based on the number of pre-registered attendees. Thank you.