How do you ensure well completion reliability?

1 Choose the right completion type

The first step to ensure well completion reliability is to select the most suitable completion type for your well objectives, reservoir characteristics, and operational constraints. There are different types of well completions, such as open hole, cased hole, perforated, gravel packed, horizontal, multilateral, and intelligent. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to evaluate them carefully based on your criteria and expectations.

2 Design and install the completion components

The second step is to design and install the completion components that will enable the well to produce or inject fluids effectively and efficiently. These components include tubing, packers, screens, valves, sensors, and other devices that control the flow and pressure of the fluids in the wellbore and the reservoir. You need to ensure that the completion components are compatible with the well conditions, the reservoir fluids, and the surface facilities. You also need to follow the proper installation procedures and quality checks to avoid any leaks, damages, or malfunctions.

3 Monitor and maintain the completion performance

The third step is to monitor and maintain the well completion performance throughout its life cycle. You need to collect and analyze data from the well and the reservoir, such as pressure, temperature, flow rate, water cut, and gas-oil ratio. This will help you to identify any issues or anomalies that may affect the completion reliability, such as scaling, corrosion, erosion, sand production, or formation damage. You also need to implement preventive and corrective actions to resolve these issues, such as chemical treatments, cleanouts, stimulations, or workovers.

4 Optimize and enhance the completion productivity

The fourth step is to optimize and enhance the well completion productivity by applying various techniques and technologies that can improve the flow and recovery of the fluids. These techniques and technologies include artificial lift, inflow control devices, smart completions, hydraulic fracturing, and acidizing. You need to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of these options based on your well objectives, reservoir characteristics, and economic factors. You also need to monitor and adjust the parameters and settings of these techniques and technologies to achieve the optimal performance.

5 Manage the completion risks and uncertainties

The fifth step is to manage the well completion risks and uncertainties that may arise from various sources, such as human errors, equipment failures, operational disruptions, environmental impacts, or regulatory changes. You need to identify and assess the potential risks and uncertainties that may affect the completion reliability, and develop mitigation and contingency plans to reduce or eliminate them. You also need to communicate and coordinate with your team and stakeholders to ensure that everyone is aware of the risks and uncertainties, and their roles and responsibilities in managing them.

6 Learn and improve from the completion experience

The sixth step is to learn and improve from your well completion experience by collecting and documenting the lessons learned and best practices from each project. You need to review and evaluate the completion performance, the challenges and opportunities, and the feedback and suggestions from your team and stakeholders. You also need to share and apply the lessons learned and best practices to your future projects, and update your completion standards and guidelines accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?