Copyright 1999, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.

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Abstract
Improvements in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) sand control
completion methods have been and continue to be an ever-
changing process. However, the goals have remained the same
to complete wells efficiently and generate the greatest
production using the most cost-effective technology.
One of the new techniques that is available to operators to
accomplish these goals is a method that allows perforating and
gravel packing to be accomplished with a single trip into the
well. This technique, the Single Trip Perforate and Pack
(STPP) method, has recently been introduced to the industry.
The purpose of this paper is to provide engineers and
operators with a better understanding of when this technology
should be applied. The method discussed will attempt to
quantify the decision making process.
Introduction
In the Gulf Coast area, unconsolidated sandstone formations
previously completed with a mechanical form of sand control
were usually perforated with big-hole tubing-conveyed
perforating (TCP) guns in an under- balanced condition. After
the perforating process has been performed, the wells are
killed to facilitate removal of the perforating assembly from
the well bore. The killing of the well could damage the
formation, and fluid loss can occur any time between well
perforating and completion.
1,2,3,4,5
The subsequent loss of
fluids may also damage the formation. (The degree of damage
and mechanisms of damage have been addressed in previous
papers and will not be reiterated at this time.)
Any formation damage that occurs ultimately effects the
production potential of a well; however, the degree of damage
is not necessarily proportional to the effect on production.
Thus, since it is important to minimize and control any
damaging phenomena, much effort in the industry has been
devoted to developing methods and techniques to address the
problem.
STPP Back Ground
Single Trip Perforate and Pack systems (STPP) were first
introduced in the late 1980s. These early STPP systems used
complex mechanical designs, and the treating/isolation packer
was weight set with no provision to limit upward movement.
A reliable system for isolation of the gravel pack packer
setting ports was not available. Overall the mechanical design
had several areas that were marginal at best. The early jobs
were perforated under-balanced with pressures of 750 to 1200
psi. If the produced sand volume during perforating was
excessive, the perforating guns would often become stuck.
The perforating guns available at that time were not of the low
debris design, the added debris produced by these guns
contributed in mechanical problems associated with early
STPP completions.
Wells that were mechanical successes would often be
economic failures because of the resulting high skins
associated with the gravel pack and perforating techniques
available at the time.
Overview of New STPP Designs
The methods that have been recently developed for the STPP
systems in use today allow wells to be perforated and gravel
packed in a single run.
6,7
The complex mechanical design of
earlier STPP systems has been replaced with more
reliable/simpler designs that have raised the degree of
reliability to an acceptable level. The reliability of current
STPP design is equal the reliability of the conventional multi-
trip systems but adds the sought-after enhancements of
minimizing formation damage. Service tools can now
SPE 54285
Single Trip Perforating and Gravel Pack System Reduces Formation Damage in
Offshore Gulf of Mexico Wells: Case Histories and Guidelines for Candidate Selection
Ralph H. Jones, SPE, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
2 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
accommodate higher frac rates and slurry densities required
for the fracpac stimulation treatments in use today.
Technical Objectives of STPP Completions
Following are the targets at which the STPP systems are
aimed:
1) Perforate and gravel pack wells with a single
intervention into the well bore.
2) Minimize fluid losses to the formation.
3) Reduce fluid costs by minimizing fluid losses into the
formation.
4) Minimize the use of fluid-loss control treatments
(FLCT).
5) Eliminate clean up trips between perforating and
gravelpack processes.
6) Reduce completion time.
7) Incorporate productivity enhancement stimulation.
Big Bore Sump Packer (BBSP) STPP Design
Of the systems currently in use, the BBSP/STPP system has
been one of the most successful system operationally.
BBSP/STPP completions use a mechanical-set-type packer to
isolate the zone of interest during the perforating sequence
(Fig. 1).
A Big Bore Sump Packer is used to isolate the screen-to-
casing annulus below the bottom perforation. After
perforating, the guns are passed through the BBSP to prepare
for pumping the gravel-pack treatment (Fig. 2).
The STPP design consists of the following equipment in
ascending order:
1. Big Bore Sump Packer (BBSP)
2. Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP) Gun Assembly
3. BBSP Seal Assembly
4. Sand Control Screens
5. Blank Pipe
6. Packer Assembly
7. Perforating/Testing Packer Assembly
8. Circulating Valve
9. Hydraulic Jars
10. Radio Active Marker.
Component Description for BBSP/STPP
Big Bore Sump Packer (BBSP)
The BBSP is the pivotal item that allows the STPP process to
maintain the high degree of reliability. The BBSP has a large
inside diameter that allows the perforating guns to be passed
through the sump packer after perforating (Fig 2). After the
perforating sequence is complete, the BBSP is employed, the
perforating packer is released, and the perforating guns are
passed through the BBSP into the casing below the sump
packer. The BBSP seal assembly is inserted into the BBSP to
achieve a seal between the screen and casing as this will allow
for sand containment in the screen to casing annulus when the
sand control treatment is pumped.
This has proven to be more reliable than earlier designs in
which a mechanical packer performed a dual function of a
perforating packer and a screen to casing isolation packer. The
BBSP is set on electric line, which allows the packer to be
accurately correlated to depth. The TCP guns can be placed on
depth from the BBSP top.
To ensure that the BBSP packer can be successfully run to
depth, a dummy BBSP is run on electric line to a depth below
the packer setting depth. After completion of the BBSP
dummy run, the BBSP packer is run and set with electric line.
New Designs are currently planned to reduce the outside
diameter of big bore sump packers. This will enable wells that
have casing drifts below API specifications to use BBSP.
Perforating Techniques
Much research has been conducted on this subject.
1,2,3,4
Gulf
Coast unconsolidated sandstone formations perforated in an
under-balanced condition with high-density, bighole charges
are an industry standard. The objective is to obtain debris-free
perforation tunnels and then fill these tunnels with sand during
the sand control process.
1,2,3
The desired results are large cross sectional area high-
density perforation tunnels with minimum flow restriction.
Under-balanced perforating with (TCP) Tubing Conveyed
Perforating guns has proven to be a very successful method to
obtain clean perforation tunnels.
4
Care should be exercised
when calculating the required under-balance for perforation
tunnel cleaning with STPP designs because excessive under-
balance could pull formation sand into the well bore that could
sand up the perforating guns.
Low Debris perforating charges are recommended to
minimize the amount of debris left in the wellbore after
perforating. If under-balance perforating is not feasible due to
excessive sand production during perforating, over-balanced
perforating should be considered. Over-balance perforating in
conjunction with fracpac stimulations have historically
produced very low skin damage.
The perforating guns are fired using Pressure Operated
Time Delayed Firing heads; redundant firing heads are
employed for reliability.
Gravelpack Packer Assembly
A hydraulic set gravelpack assembly is used for the STPP
process.
During the perforating process, an unrestricted flow path must
be maintained through the gravelpack assembly (Fig 3).
To establish the proper flow path for pumping the sand
control treatment, a dual ball design is used. The lower
isolation ball is dropped down the workstring and allowed to
gravitate to bottom. This ball will be used to isolate fluid
losses down the wash pipe during the sand control treatment
(Fig 4).
A second, larger OD ball is dropped and allowed to
gravitate to bottom, acting as the packer setting ball (Fig 5).
After setting, the packer the ball is expended to act as a
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 3
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
isolation ball directing fluid to exit through the slurry ports of
the service tool (Fig 6).
The well stimulation/ sand control process can now be
pumped (Figs. 7,8) after completion of this treatment the well
is reversed out through the service tool (Fig. 9). (Note: The
testing packer and circulating valve is not used during the sand
control process.)
Upon completion of the sand control treatment, the
gravelpack service tools and testing equipment are retrieved to
surface (Fig. 10).
BBSP/STPP Installation Procedure
The typical installation procedure follows:
1. Set BBSP on electric line, depth to be correlated with
(CCL/GR).
2. Assemble TCP and Gravelpack equipment assemblies
and run into the wellbore (Fig 1).
3. Upon reaching the perforating depth the TCP guns are
correlated on depth.
4. The perforating / testing packer is then set and tested.
5. To achieve an under balance, if required, the
circulating valve above the packer is opened to obtain
the desired under balance. The circulating valve is
then closed in preparation to firing the perforating
guns.
6. Pressure is applied down the workstring to initiate the
Presure Activated Time Delayed Firing Head
(PATDF) which detonates the TCP perforating guns.
A time delay-firing head is required to allow the
PATDF actuation pressure to be bleed off before
firing of the TCP guns.
7. The well can be flow tested at this time.
8. After the flow period the circulation valve is opened,
and the well is reversed out.
9. The formation is isolated at this time from any fluid
losses (Fig 1).
10. The testing packer can be unseated to facilitate reverse
circulation from the bottom of the wash pipe if
desired, (Note: the formation is exposed to fluid loss
at this time.)
11. After reversing out, the perforating packer is released,
and the STPP assembly is lowered into the wellbore.
12. The TCP guns are allowed to pass through the BBSP,
and the sump seal assembly is inserted into the BBSP
isolating the screen assembly (Fig. 2).
13. The wash pipe isolation ball is then dropped in the
workstring and allowed to gravitate to bottom.
14. After sufficient time has lapsed, the packer setting ball
is dropped and allowed to gravitate to bottom.
15. Pressure is applied to the work string to open the
hydraulic setting port isolation sleeve and allow the
packer to be set.
16. After setting the packer, it is tested.
17. Upon completion of the pressure test, the packer
setting ball is expended into the tapered seat to form
the isolation between the slurry port and return
annulus (Fig. 6).
18. The slurry port is placed in the packer sealbore, and
the slurry port isolation ball is tested.
19. The MPT positions are obtained, and the sand control
treatment is pumped (Figs. 7,8).
20. After reversing out the workstring, the lower flapper is
closed, controlling any fluid losses into the formation
(Figs. 9,10).
The Alternative Wash Down Method of the
BBSP/STPP System
BBSP/STPP Design with Wash Down Capability
If the completion design requires that the stimulation pumping
rates or proppant volumes exceed the rates and volumes
available from the packer service tool or completion
equipment, and if the casing configuration is of a slim hole
design, then a STPP wash down system may be required. The
wash down system uses many of the same components as the
BBSP/STPP (Fig 11).
The advantage of the wash down method is that the well
can be perforated, the guns dropped, and the zone stimulated
on a single intervention into the wellbore (Fig. 12). The
fracpac or high-rate water pack (HRWP) will be designed to
fill the casing inside volume below the treating packer with
sand after placement of the stimulation treatment. The
screen/packer assembly will then be washed into place
(Fig 13).
The perforating assembly is as follows in ascending order:
1. Big Bore Sump Packer (BBSP)
2. Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP) Gun Assembly
3. Perforating/Testing packer Assembly
4. Circulating Valve
5. Hydraulic Jars
6. Radio Active Marker
The packer assembly is shown in Fig. 13, and in ascending
order consists of the following components.
1. BBSP Seal Assembly
2. Sand Control Screens
3. Blank Pipe
4. Packer assembly.
The STPP/WD system allows the well to be perforated and
stimulated in a single trip into the wellbore. After perforating
the well the perforating guns are dropped off the end of the
tubing. The formation can be protected from the completion
fluid by the use of testing tools which enables the packer to
remain set. Reversing out after the perforating sequence and
prior to pumping the stimulation is possible by utilizing a
reversing valve.
STPP Wash Down Installation Procedure
The STTP Wash-down procedure consists of the following
steps:
1. Set BBSP on electric line, depth to be correlated with
(CCL/GR)
4 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
2. Assemble TCP Guns with testing tools as depicted in
(Fig 11). Run the assembly into the wellbore.
3. Upon reaching the perforating depth the TCP guns are
correlated on depth.
4. The perforating / testing packer is then set and tested.
5. To achieve the required under balance a circulating
valve above the packer is opened to displace the
tubing contents to achieve the desired under balance.
The circulating valve is then closed in preparation to
firing perforating guns.
6. Pressure is applied down the workstring to initiate the
Time Delayed Firing Head (PATDF) which detonates
the TCP perforating guns and initiates the auto release
feature (Fig 12).
7. The released TCP are allow to fall through the BBSP
into the casing.
8. After the flow period the circulation valve is opened
and the well reversed out.
9. The formation is isolated at this time from any fluid
losses.
10. The formation stimulation can then be pumped. Sand
will be left above the top perforation. The perforating
assembly will then be pulled from the wellbore.
11. The screen and packer assembly will then be made up
and run into the wellbore (Fig 13).
12. After tagging the top of the sand, the screen assembly
will then be washed into place.
13. The BBSP seal assembly is then inserted into the
BBSP packer.
14. The wash pipe isolation ball is dropped into the
workstring and allowed to gravitate to bottom.
15. After sufficient time has lapsed, the packer setting ball
is dropped and allowed to gravitate to bottom.
16. Pressure is allied to the work string to open the
hydraulic-setting-port isolation sleeve and allow the
packer to be set.
17. After setting the packer, the packer is tested.
18. The MPT positions are obtained, and the sand-control
annular treatment is pumped.
19. After reversing out the workstring, the lower flapper is
closed, controlling any fluid losses into the formation.
20. The service tool is then removed from the wellbore.
STPP Selection Criteria with BBSP
There are several factors that should be thoroughly considered
when evaluating wells for STPP procedures.
The proposed completion interval requires sufficient
distance below the BBPS to accommodate the TCP
perforating guns after perforating the well. If there is not
sufficient distance below the sump packer, the perforated
interval may need to be reduced.
It is recommended that maximum hole angle through the
completion interval should not exceed 62 degrees. At
higher deviation, perforating debris or formation sand
could prevent the sump packer seal assembly from
entering the BBSP sump packer. If this accumulation is
excessive, formation sand could prevent a successful
sand-control treatment from being performed.
Casing conditions and design could prevent BBSP
insertion into the casing; i.e., liner tops, deviation,
doglegs, squeezed perforations, or casing corrosion.
Workover candidates should consider an advance
wellbore cleaning process to ensure the casing is as clean
as possible.
Low debris perforating charges are recommended to
minimize the amount of debris left in the wellbore after
perforating.
Fracpac and gravel-pack treatments are applicable to the
single trip perforate and pack process
Not all wells, however, are candidates for STPP, and
therefore, the planning process must be through and complete
to ensure a successful STPP completion.
Single Trip Perforate and Pack utilizing a Mechanical
Isolation Packer
The early STPP designs employed mechanical set packers
positioned between the screens and the perforating assembly.
Several operational problems arose with designs of the time.
1. Some of mechanical packers did not employ a hold down
mechanism. Weight would have to be maintained or the
packer would unset.
2. A reliable slurry port isolation system was not available.
Complex systems were tried with varying degrees of
success.
3. Positive Isolation of the packer setting ports was not
available.
4. Weigh applied to the mechanical treating packer could
damage the sand screens during perforating.
5. Mechanical firing heads for the perforating guns we used.
Requiring a drop bar to pass through the packer assembly
to detonate the perforating guns.
New innovations to STPP utilizing a Mechanical
Isolation Packer
STPP systems utilizing a big bore sump packer have achieved
a high degree of reliability.
The BBSP should be considered as the primary design for
STPP, but if for operational or economic reason the BBSP
system cannot be employed then a STPP system utilizing a
mechanical packer could be considered.
The developments of new technologies for STPP with a
BBSP have adapted very well to STPP with mechanical
packers. These developments are as follows:
1. Pressure Activated Time Delayed Pressure Firing Head
(PATDF) has eliminated the mechanical drop bar firing
heads.
2. Improved Hydraulic Isolation Port systems.
3. Bi-directional Mechanical Packer for positive engagement
of the isolation packer to the casing.
4. Service Tool Dual ball isolation system allow for positive
isolation between the slurry ports and the annulus return
ports.
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 5
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
5. The increased flow area of the dual ball isolation system
enables Fracpacs to be used.
The mechanical packer STPP design consists of the
following equipment in ascending order. (Fig 14):
1. Tubing Conveyed Perforating (TCP) Gun Assembly
2. BI Directional Mechanical Packer
3. Sand Control Screens
4. Blank Pipe
5. Packer Assembly
6. Radio Active Marker.
Mechanical Packer STPP Installation Procedure
1. Assemble TCP and Gravelpack equipment and run into the
wellbore (Fig 14).
2. Upon reaching the perforating depth the TCP guns are
correlated on depth.
3. The Bi-directional Mechanical packer is then set and tested.
Weigh does not have to be left on the packer, the screens
can be left in tension or neutral position.
4. To achieve a under balance if required, The by pass of the
packer is opened to achieve a underbalance the packer by pass
is then locked closed in preparation to firing perforating guns.
5. Pressure is applied down the workstring to initiate the Time
Delayed Firing Head (PATDF) which detonates the TCP
perforating guns. Upon firing of the guns the automatic drop
off sub release the guns allowing them to drop into the casing
(Fig 15,16).
6. After the flow period, the by pass is opened, and the well
reversed out. The formation is not isolated from fluid losses at
this time.
7. After reversing out, the mechanical packer is released and
the STPP assembly lowered into the well bore. The screens
are placed across the perforated interval and the mechanical
packer set and tested from below (Fig. 16).
8. The wash pipe isolation ball is then dropped in the
workstring and allowed to gravitate to bottom.
9. After sufficient time has elapsed, the packer setting ball is
dropped and allowed to gravitate to bottom. Pressure is allied
to the work string to open the hydraulic setting port isolation
sleeve and allow the packer to be set.
10. After setting the gravel pack packer the packer is tested.
11. Upon completion of the pressure test the packer setting
ball is expended into the tapered seat to form the isolation
between the slurry port and return annulus.
12. The slurry port is placed in the packer sealbore and the
slurry port isolation ball is tested.
13. The MPT positions are obtained and the sand control
treatment is pumped.
14. After reversing out the workstring the lower flapper is
closed controlling any fluid losses into the formation (Fig 18).
Selection Guide Matrix
As can be noted from the above section describing the
completion scenarios involved in the STTP processes, not
every completion requiring sand or fluid-loss control is a
candidate for this type of completion. To help in determining
the appropriate conditions for its application, a selection guide
matrix has been developed based upon knowledge acquired
while designing and implementing STPP jobs over the past
few years. This Matrix is not intended to be a definitive source
for determining if a well is a good candidate for Single Trip
Perf Pack but should be considered as a tool to assist in the
preliminary decision making processes.
Seven areas have been identified as critical to review in the
decision process for appropriate condidates.
1. Formation Sensitivity
2. Completion Fluid Type
3. Completion Fluid Loss Risk
4. Well Deviation
5. Casing Configuration
6. Sufficient Distance Below the BBSP setting depth.
7. Rig Costs
Each area is weighted equally, but any single area could
carry a higher value depending upon the evaluation scenario.
Each selection criterion is weighed with a value 1 to 4 with the
exception of two the distance below the sump packer and
the well deviation.
The distance below the sump packer carries a zero or one
value. If there is not sufficient distance below the BBSP, then
a flag will appear, indicating that STPP is not possible with
the present conditions. Well deviation will be evaluated with
a zero or four values.
Formation Sensitivity
Formation sensitivity to completion fluid is very critical in the
decision process. If the formation is very sensitive, this in
itself could be an overriding issue.
1. = No Fluid Sensitivity
2. = Slight Fluid Sensitivity
3. = Fluid Sensitive
4. = High Sensitivity
From xray defraction, the formation will be determined if
it is sensitive; a completion fluid compatibility test should also
be performed.
Completion Fluid
The completion fluid type is weighed to determine fluid costs
incurred while completing a well.
1. = Nacl, KCL, Sea Water
2. = Cacl2
3. = Cabr2/Znbr2
4. = Znbr2
Completion Fluid Loss Risk
The completion fluid loss risk is the anticipated fluid losses
that could be experienced after perforating the well.
1. = Low Fluid Losses 0 to 15 barrel per hour
2. = Medium Fluid Losses 15 to 30 barrel per hour
3. = High Fluid Losses 30 to 45 barrel per hour
4. = Excessive Fluid Losses Above 45 barrel per hour
6 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
Well Deviation
Well deviation may increase the problems incurred in
mechanical operation of down hole equipment.
The highest deviation that has employed STPP has been 62
degrees. If the deviation is higher than this, there could be
problems passing the perforating guns through the BBSP. The
length of perforation and the tendency of formation sand to be
pulled into the casing will need to be considered Over-
balanced perforating and low-side perforating could aid in the
preventing of excessive formation sand being pulled into the
formation. The effect of over-balanced perforating or low-
side perforating should be considered in the completion and
stimulation design. A value of 1 to 3 could be used in certain
applications.
0. = Deviation greater than 62 Degrees
4. = Deviation less than 62 Degrees
Casing Configuration
Casing conditions and design could prevent the BBSP from
being set on depth. These could relate to liner tops, deviation,
doglegs, squeezed perforations, or casing corrosion.
Any casing condition could prevent the BBSP packer from
being able to be set on depth. Workover candidates should
consider advance wellbore cleaning process to ensure the
casing is as clean as possible.
1. = Long String with Liner with Deviation greater than 60
Degrees
2. = Long String with Liner 5 or smaller with Deviation
less than 45 Degrees
3. = Long String with Liner larger than 5 and Deviation
less than 45 Degrees
4. = Long String with Deviation less than 60 Degrees
Sufficient Distance Below the BBSP
If the distance below the BBSP is not sufficient to accept the
perforating gun assembly then the perforated interval or the
plug back depth will need to be adjusted. This is the only
evaluation criteria that will display a not possible notice. A
value of 0 and 1 has been assigned.
0. = Insufficient Distance to accept perforating guns.
1. = Sufficient Distance to accept perforating guns.
Rig Costs
STPP can substantially reduce the completion time required.
The time between completing wells and putting the wells on
production can be reduced by several days, increasing the net
present value of the well (NPV). It is common knowledge that
daily costs can have a dramatic effect on total completion
costs, and the value of early production is reflected here. This
is a very subjective consideration.
1. = Low Rig Cost
2. = Medium Rig Cost
3. = High Rig Cost
4. = Deep Water
A matrix showing the above considerations has been
developed in Table 1.
Matrix Conclusion
Based on the available case histories, the evaluation average is
3.28 with the highest evaluation 3.67 and the lowest 2.67. As
for determining a minimum evaluation grade this will be very
subjective. Each candidate will need to be thoroughly
evaluated before a decision can be assessed. Candidates above
2.5 will be the appropriate candidate for STPP completions.
Conclusions
The STPP system can reduce completion time by
combining the perforating and gravel packing operations
into a single trip
The reliability of current STPP technology equals
conventional multi trip completion systems.
Completion fluid losses can be minimized with the STPP
system.
Casing configuration could determine if a STPP
completion is feasable.
Under balance Perforating pressure may need to be
reduced to prevent sand up of the perforating guns.
Fracpac stimulations in conjunction with STPP have
yielded very low formation damage.
The STPP system is capable of being washed into place if
formation or gravel pack sand is present in the wellbore.
Acknowledgments
The authors express their sincere appreciation to the
management of Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. A special
thanks to all parties that worked together to successfully
complete this project. Also, a special thanks to Nancy Woods,
Lori McEwen, and Dean Oneal.
References
1. Bruise E. H. Better Performance of Gulf Coast Wells SPE 4777
presented at the SPE Symposium on Formation Damage
Control, New Orleans, LA, 7-8 February 1974.
2. Penberthy W.L. Jr. and Cope, B.J.: Design and Productivity of
Gravel Packed Completions, JPT (Oct, 1980).
3. Penberthy W.L. Jr.: Gravel Placement Through Perforations and
Perforation Cleaning for Gravelpacking, SPE paper No. 14161
presented at the SPE 60
th
Annual Technical Conference, 22-25
Sept. 1985, Las Vegas, NV.
4. Bonomo J.M. and Young W. S.: Analysis and Evaluation of
Perforation and Perforation Cleanup methods, JPT (March
1985).
5. Himes, R.E., Dahl, J.A., and Foley, K.A.:Low-Damage Fluid-
Loss Control for Well Completions paper SPE 22355,
presented at the SPE International Meeting on Petroleum
Engineering held in Beijing, China, 24-27 March 1992.
6. Marple, B., Griffith, F., Oneal, D,: Successful Completions
Using the Single Trip Perf and Pack
7. Jones R.H. and Bolin T.D. New Single Trip Perforating and
Gravelpack Proceedure with Advanced Stimulation Techniques
SPE 39334
8. Marple B. , Griffin F. Oneal D. Successful Completions in the
Gulf of Mexico Using Sing Trip Perforating and Packing
Systems.
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 7
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
Table 1
Single Trip Perf Pack Selection Matrix
Well A Well B Well C Well D Well E Well F
Formation fluid sensitive 3 4 4 4 4 2
1= No Fluid Sensitivity
2= Slight Fluid Sensitivity
3= Fluid Sensitivity
4= High Fluid Sensitivity
Completion Fluid 3 4 4 4 4 2
1= NaCl, KCl, seawater
2= Cacl2
3= Ca Br2/ZN Br2
4= ZN Br2
Completion Fluid Loss Risk 2 3 3 3 3 3
1= Low Fluid Losses
2= Medium Fluid Losses
3= High Fluid Losses
4= Excessive Fluid Losses
Well Deviation
0= Deviation>62 Deg. 4 4 4 4 4 4
4= Deviation<62 Deg.
Casing Configuration
1= Liner with Deviation>60 Deg. 3 4 2 4 4 4
2= Liner < 5.5 and Deviation< 45 Deg.
3= Liner >7" Deviation< 45 Deg.
4= Long String Deviation< 60 Deg.
Sufficient Distance Below BBSP
0= Insufficient Distance to accept Guns. 1 1 1 1 1 1
1= Adequate Distance to accept Guns.
Rig Costs & Completion Time 3 3 1 3 3 1
1= Low
2= Medium
3= High
4= Deep Water
3.00 3.67 3.00 3.67 3.67 2.67
Evaluation Average 3.28
8 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
Circulating Valve
Testing Packer
(Set Position)
Gravel Pack Packer
(Run-In Position)
Fluid Flapper
Blank Liner
Gravel Pack Screen
Pressure Operated
Firing Head
TCP Perforating Guns
BBSP Big Bore
Sump Packer
Perforating
Fluid Loss Flapper
Pressure Operated
Firing Head
Sump Packer Seals
Testing Packer
(Released)
Gravel Pack Packer
(Run-In Position)
TCP Guns Fired
BBSP Big Bore
Sump Packer
Packer Setting Position
Sump Packer Seals
Fig. 1 The Single Trip Perf and
Pack System Configuration
Fig. 2 The Single Trip Perf and
Pack System Configuration
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 9
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
Lower Isolation Ball
Fig. 4
Full Open Perforating Position
Fig. 3
Setting Packer
Fig. 5
Ball Blown To Lower Seat
Fig. 6
10 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
Squeeze
Seals In Seal Bore
(Ports Closed)
Circulating
Gravel Pack Packer
(Set Position)
Perforations
BBSP Big Bore Sump
Packer With Seals Installed
Testing Packer
(Released)
TCP Guns Fired
Seals Out Of Seal
Bore (Ports Open)
Fig. 7 Fig. 8
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 11
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
Reverse
Lower Seals Out Of
Seal Bore
(Crossover Open)
Lower Seals in
Seal Bore
(Crossover Open)
Formation Isolated
Upper Fluid Loss
Flapper (Closed)
Fig. 9 Fig. 10
12 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
TCP Perforating Guns
Big Bore Sump Packer
Pressure Operated
Firing Head
Service Tool Packer (Set)
Tubing
Circulating Valve
Pressure Operated Vent
Mechanical Auto Release
Big Bore Sump Packer
Service Tool Packer (Set)
Tubing
Circulating Valve
Pressure Operated Vent
Mechanical Auto Release
TCP Perforating Guns
Pressure Operated
Firing Head
Fig. 11 STPP Wash Down Perforating Fig. 12 STPP Wash Down Stimulating
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 13
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
Fig. 13 STPP Wash Down Completion Fig. 14 STPP/Mechanical Packer Run In
Washdown
Service Tool
Fluid Loss Flapper
Gravel Pack
Packer
Setting Ball Opens Isolation
and Forms X-over
Washpipe
Blank Liner
Screen
Float Shoe
Perforations
BBS Big Bore Sump
Packer for Locating Bottom
ONE JOINT OF TUBING
MULTI-POSITION TOOL
GRAVEL PACK PACKER
CLOSING SLEEVE
FLAPPER VALVE
( Open )
PRODUCTION SCREEN
BI DIRECTIONAL MECHANICAL PACKER
PUP JOINT
GUN RELEASE SUB
PORTED SUB WITH GLASS DISC
PERFORATING GUNS
ROTATING SCREEN CENTRALIZER
14 RALPH JONES SPE 54285
TUBING
RADIOACTIVE MARKER
ONE JOINT OF TUBING
MULTI-POSITION TOOL
GRAVEL PACK PACKER (SET)
CLOSING SLEEVE
FLAPPER VALVE ( Open )
PRODUCTION SCREEN
BI DIRECTIONAL
MECHANICAL PACKER (SET)
PUP JOINT
GUN RELEASE SUB
Fig. 16 STPP/ Mechanical Circulating
TUBING
RADIOACTIVE MARKER
ONE JOINT OF TUBING
MULTI-POSITION TOOL
GRAVEL PACK PACKER (UNSET)
CLOSING SLEEVE
FLAPPER VALVE ( Open )
PRODUCTION SCREEN
BI DIRECTIONAL PACKER (SET)
PUP JOINT
GUN RELEASE SUB
PORTED SUB WITH GLASS DISC
PERFORATING GUNS
Fig. 15 STPP/ Mechanical Packer Run In
SPE 54285 SINGLE TRIP PERFORATING AND GRAVEL PACK SYSTEM REDUCES FORMATION DAMAGE 15
IN OFFSHORE GULF OF MEXICO WELLS: CASE HISTORIES AND GUIDELINES FOR CANDIDATE SELECTION
TUBING
RADIOACTIVE MARKER
ONE JOINT OF TUBING
MULTI-POSITION TOOL
GRAVEL PACK PACKER
CLOSING SLEEVE
FLAPPER VALVE ( Open )
PRODUCTION SCREEN
BI DIRECTIONAL MECHANICAL
PACKER
PUP JOINT
GUN RELEASE SUB
Fig. 17 STPP / Mechanical Squeeze
GRAVEL PACK PACKER
CLOSING SLEEVE
FLAPPER VALVE ( Closed )
PRODUCTION SCREEN
BI DIRECTIONAL MECHANICAL
PACKER
PUP JOINT
GUN RELEASE SUB
Fig. 18 STPP / Mechanical Packer Perforating