Successful Multistage, Hydraulically-Propped Stimulation through Gas Lift Completion Leads to Remarkable Capex Savings Offshore

The paper / presentation objective is to describe the achievement of the first gas lift well completed for multistage, hydraulically propped stimulation in a Romanian offshore field. The scope of the paper is to present the challenges and learnings associated with this well concept / design, engineering, modelling, equipment selection, yard testing, final design / program and offshore installation, operation, and results. Reservoir depletion modelling indicated artificial lift would be required as early as 6 months within initial well start up. In order to effectively optimise production from the well for a longer range of well life cycle, a multi-stage stimulation sandface completion was selected and plans were made to install gas lift equipment during initial completion installation, prior to rig release. To meet the concept requirements, risks were assessed and case histories were investigated / incorporated during the planning phase to ensure reliability of performing high-pressure stimulations through gas lift (dummy) valves. The material selection and specifications of the lower and upper completion equipment were defined considering:Artificial lift designReservoir characteristics, Casing size, High pressure stimulation, Life of well operations Equipment suitability and compatibility considerations resulted in a few equipment selection changes, requiring yard trials to define optimum pulling / running tool string components and configurations, which were then applied offshore. The final upper completion design consisted of gas lift mandrels (Gas lift dummies were replaced with gas lift valves following the HP stimulation), safety valve, permanent downhole pressure gauge and chemical injection mandrel. The lower completion consisted of hydraulic open hole packers, open hole anchor and open-close stimulation sleeves (all HP rated). Collaboration within the multi-discipline and with multiple service providers was vital in developing the final, tested design and implementation in the offshore well. The current design in the well is showing great benefits in terms of production (a higher rate than expected) and cost (initial completion includes gas lift equipment already available for future potential use). The concept proof is considered to be of great success for upcoming projects and is increasing the confidence of the operator to develop and approach the upcoming wells with multistage stimulation gas lift completions. This is the first well constructed in Romania that was hydraulically stimulated using proppant through an upper completion already having gas lift capability. A review of literature indicates this is an industry first. The success and communication of this well could provide benefit to the industry and could increase confidence when combining life-of-well requirements early in the well construction process.