Fluid design to meet reservoir issues - A process

As open hole completions, horizontal wells, multi-laterals, and underbalanc ed drilling become more common place, greater emphasis is being placed on t he selection and design of drilling and completion fluids. The problem of a ssessing fluid compatibility with hydrocarbon reservoirs is ongoing and usu ally unique to each reservoir. This problem becomes most visible after reso urces have been expended to drill, with unsatisfactory results in productiv ity. The objective of this paper is to present a process designed to use the bes t available methodologies and laboratory techniques to assist in the design and selection of fluids which will be most compatible with the reservoir. Ultimately the goal is to drill zero skin wells. The process addresses flui d design issues from both a bridging or solid phase perspective and a liqui d phase perspective. Optimization relative to design such as chemical selec tion and concentrations are an integral part of the process. Using this process will reduce uncertainty regarding fluid selection and th e impact of the fluids on productivity. Ultimately it is meant to assist in both increasing well productivity and reducing the requirement for expensi ve stimulation. The process may lead to innovation, resulting in new system s or products. It may be applied when designing workover and completion flu ids or for drill-in fluids including overbalanced or underbalanced applicat ions.