2018014 HORIZONTAL WELL CASING DESIGN TO MAXIMIZE PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE

Producers are continuously challenged to keep drilling costs as low as possible and retain operational flexibility so as not to compromise completion and production performance. Well construction cost reduction strategies that include a casing size reduction can cause long-term production inefficiencies. Smaller casing sizes impact the critical liquid lifting velocity necessary to support efficient artificial lift thereby compromising production. If during the lifting phase, critical liquid lifting velocities are exceeded in the production annulus above the downhole pump, the producing bottomhole pressures become higher, and the producing rates consequently lower.  Preventing the risk of critical liquid lifting velocities in the production annulus maximizes drawdown and production.

This paper demonstrates a low risk, cost-effective modification to a standard 5 ½ inch monobore casing design can effectively control critical liquid lifting velocities occurring during the production lifting phase. The paper shows and analyze field studies from Producer’s currently implementing this approach.