Project #6: Enhancing Well Value by Minimizing Damage from Drilling Fluids
Date: 8/1/97 – 8/31/98
Sponsors:
 BP
 ChevronTexaco
 ExxonMobil
 Phillips
 Shell
1.
Project Sponsor :
BP
2.
Project Focus:
Drilling and Completions
3.
Project Overview:
Many wells in unconsolidated to poorly consolidated formations use sand control
screens and/or gravel packs to prevent hole collapse and prevent or minimize sand
production. The degree of damage to a particular gravel screen combination will
determine, to a large part, the rate and amount of production from a well. An
effective completion clean-up protocol is crucial, therefore, to ensuring well
productivity.
The purpose of this study was to examine the plugging tendencies of gravel/sand
screens and to identify effective techniques for removing drilling fluid filter-cake.
Specifically, two types of laboratory tests were performed: linear flow clean-up and
radial flow clean-up. The study examined a selection of drill-in-fluids, sand control
screens, and a selection of clean-up treatments. The results of this study will assist in
design and selection of completions for maximizing well productivity.
4.
Project Cost:
$614,168.00