A Successful Case Study from China's First Self-Operated Project Using an Openhole Shunted Screen Gravel-Pack Completion

Abstract Two openhole multilateral wells (Well 1 with two laterals and Well 2 with one lateral) from China's first self-operated offshore project were completed with openhole shunted screen gravel-pack completions, which is the first application of shunted tube screens in this type of lateral well in China. The challenges of these two wells, analysis of the design of both tools and fluid, and key operational points have been documented. To date, production has doubled by use of the method in the two wells. The project design includes the openhole shunted screen gravel-pack completion string and high-performance slurries to overcome installation challenges and provide high gravel-packing efficiency. To achieve efficiency, multiple segments and parties worked together, including the drilling, completion tools, pumping fluids, and pumping equipment teams. Each well was installed with shunted screen gravel-pack equipment, and more than 60 m3 of fluids and 17 m3 of gravel were displaced. The project was successfully executed in Q3 2022. This is the first time this solution has been deployed in China to solve a series challenges including uncertainties regarding leakage and wellbore stability around the laterals and potential unstable shale streaks in the long openhole section.