A review of current practices for the completion, stimulation and workover of oil and gas wells in the North Sea area

Abstract

The progression from exploration to development of the hydrocarbon reservoirs in the North Sea has necessitated the introduction of many innovative engineering techniques, such that the North Sea has remained at the forefront of oilfield technology for several years.

Obviously it was the water depths and weather conditions which originally made the North Sea quite a unique area, but it should also be remembered that some of the North Sea fields are noted for their high productivities of light oil sometimes with a high G.O.R. This latter aspect of high flow-rates can necessitate the use of specially designed well completions and completion equipment.

In view of the fairly small geographical area and the presence of many of the major oil companies, a unique opportunity exists to review and compare the well completions being used for a large number of fields.

The authors have concentrated their review mainly on the practices prevailing in the northern North Sea operations; however, certain aspects of the completions in the southern North Sea gas fields have also been included.

Since the development of many of the fields has reached an advanced stage, the intentions regarding well stimulation and workover practices have also been investigated.