TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND FIELD TESTING ON NORTH SLOPE LEADS TO IMPROVED RELIABILITY OF THE ONE-TRIP SAND CONTROL COMPLETION SYSTEM

This paper discusses the evolution of a one trip sand control completion system that is designed to eliminate or reduce causes of formation damage and improve performance. The new system provides the means to deploy the production liner, creates connectivity with the reservoir without the need of explosives, provides effective sand control, and offers zonal isolation, all in a single trip.

In the early stages of development, the procedure utilized a telescoping conduit that was designed to be extended hydraulically and/or mechanically. As a result of extensive lab tests and field trials on the North Slope of Alaska, hydraulic extension has proven to be the preferred method. The authors will demonstrate design improvements implemented to improve the overall reliability and efficiency of the new system while reducing rig time. In addition, the authors will illustrate plans to simplify operational logistics, especially in remote or offshore environments, as a direct result of the field trial in Alaska. The new completion method also eliminates gravel packing, minimizes the amount of intervention into the well completion, is not dependent on large fluid pumping treatments nor does it require excessive pumping horsepower, and saves substantial rig time due to its one trip operation.

This paper describes initial lab and field test results of the new system, cost comparisons with existing methods, and expected economic benefits over the lifetime of wells in typical applications of this new technology.