Invert Gravel Pack Carrier Fluid

Abstract Invert and all oil/synthetic drilling fluids are being used in high-angle wells, which can be excellent candidates for gravel-packing. This practice has led to a need for a complete fluid system to drill and gravel-pack the reservoir. The new system should also be completely compatible with the fluids and provide the highest degree of formation damage protection. The Invert Gravel Pack Fluid (IGPF) system can provide an option for carrier fluid for gravel-packing payzone intervals drilled with invert (oil- or synthetic-based) drilling fluids. The primary advantage is the compatibility of the drilling fluid and the gravel-pack fluid. This compatibility helps maintain the highest degree of lubricity of the wellbore, which can aid in the operation of the gravel-pack assembly while providing the highest degree of formation inhibition. The fluid is free of any solids for density, yet, based on current design, provides an invert system weighing to at least 12.2 ppg. To validate the new system, design work was first conducted in Baroid's Houston Research and Development lab. Additional testing and validation was done at Westport Laboratories and Halliburton's laboratory in Duncan, Oklahoma. Testing consisted of regained permeability, filter-cake erodability, and testing on a gravel-pack simulator loop to help determine the effectiveness of the fluid as a gravel carrier. This paper describes the testing protocol and fluid design. It also describes the fluid properties to help prove the effectiveness of the fluid as a carrier fluid and shows a relationship with the properties of conventional brines used as carrier fluids.