ABSTRACT

High pressure/high temperature (HP/HT) completions represent a range of technical and operational challenges in High-Risk environments that have been successfully addressed for many years. Nominal industry standards classify HP/HT wells as having combined pressures above 10,000 psi (690 bar) and temperatures above 300°F (149°C). However, the HP/HT threshold is now pushing 20,000 psi (1379 bar) at 450°F (232°C) as shown in . Success in these conditions requires special consideration, not only in wellbore equipment and design, but also in project execution. The case histories overview and established guidelines for HP/HT completions are based upon global applications and cohesive efforts between Baker Oil Tools and the operating companies.

Global HP/

In addition to the production fluids environment, the two areas of design criticality are temperature and pressure. These effects must be adequately modeled to ensure that production equipment can handle specific production or injection conditions safely throughout the well life. The potentially damaging effects of high temperatures include:

• Tubing stresses caused by thermal cycling (production, injection, stimulation, deepwater)
• Pipe movement at or near the packer, and high compress ional loads at the packer (both aggravated by high pressure)
• Shorter Eastover performance life and dated yield strength of metals in packers and seals
• Increases in mechanical and fluid friction with well depth and/or deviation from vertical

In addition to addressing thermal requirements, high pressures require equipment designs to incorporate:

• Much thicker cross-sections in all tubulars and downhole equipment
• Sufficient ID to meet production rate requirements
• High-yield-strength materials to handle excessive burst and collapse pressures
• Corrosion resistant alloys to protect from wellbore fluids

HP/HT projects offer no room for failure at the well site. Flawless completion implementation requires shared planning and commitment between operator and contractor, a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities, and an understanding of the equipment and functional limitations.

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