Pesca Pubblicazione scientifica High-Pressure Packing With Water: An Alternative Approach to Conventional Gravel Packing FILONE TECNOLOGICO TEMA produzione e cattura RIASSUNTO SPE MembersAbstractMany methods of gravel packing have been applied to control sand problems in injection or producing wells. Successful application of a sand control technique to obtain a productive well completion requires an understanding of the process limitations of the selected method. Some of the limitations imposed on a gravel packing process are operational. These constraints are more often dictated by operating company philosophy than by technical limitations. In some cases operational goals are in conflict with well productivity goals. A lack of understanding the relationship between the various components and disciplines in gravel packing can magnify productivity problems encountered in gravel packed well completions.This paper presents an alternative approach that challenges the conventional wisdom of gravel packing below fracture pressure. High rate/pressure water packing breaks down damaged perforations with small amounts of gravel at low pump rates and with a limited volume of fluid. This meets the completion objectives of lower cost, higher productivity and simpler field operations. In a previous paper examples of HEC ""gel"" gravel pack completions were presented that demonstrated the beneficial effects of exceeding fracture pressure to enhance the slurry dehydration and increase the packing efficiency.Laboratory research as well as field experience has demonstrated that gravel packing with water is an effective method of placing sand in the perforation tunnels and the annulus.IntroductionSeveral papers have addressed the use of water packing as a preferred method of gravel packing. Industry concerns about the ability of water carrier fluids to ""turn the corner"" and pack perforation tunnels have been alleviated by field results. Water or Newtonian fluids pack wellbores and perforations by saltation and equilibrium bed height formation, the same principals that move sand and materials down riverbeds and through pipelines. ""Perfect"" transport does not occur in these cases not with most polymers.P. 333^ DATA Data di pubblicazione: 04/04/2013 AUTORI LEDLOW LB JOHNSON MH RICHARD BM HUVAL TJ ENTE DI AFFERENZA BAKER HUGHES INTEQ RIVISTA SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, 3-6 October, Houston, Texas