Overview

It has been quite an enlightening experience reviewing potential papers for this issue of JPT. Over time, there has been a steady geographic spread of high-pressure/high-temperature(HP/HT) activity, which is reflected in the papers the Society is publishing. Papers are being presented at conferences around the world. The geographic area has expanded, issues being addressed at these conferences are widening, and our industry is addressing the challenges being presented by drilling, completing, and producing from HP/HT reservoirs. A body of experience in operating HP/HT developments is being built up, and through SPE, these experiences are being disseminated throughout the industry.

We now have HP/HT wells being split into three categories based on the temperature and pressure envelopes, namely Tier 1 (HP/HT), Tier 2 (extreme HP/HT), and Tier 3 (ultra-HP/HT). Ultra-HP/HT wells, with temperature higher than 400°F and pressure greater than 20,000 psi, are being planned, and this work is highlighting the current limitations in available technology in many areas. At the upper limits of Tier-2 wells (i.e., pressure of 20,000 psi and temperature of 400°F), we generally are at the limits of current technology, and there are such serious technological gaps that completing these wells currently is beyond our capabilities. All is not gloom and doom; the service sector is seriously investigating future equipment developments to meet the demands of these wells.

Some service companies are working under their own initiative, and at least one commercial joint-industry research and testing venture is being proposed to the industry. The big question is: Can the industry apply the necessary resources of people and money in time to prevent a stalling of ultra-HP/HT developments?

Swelling Packers Solve Zonal-Isolation Challenge in Oman High-Pressure Wells

Acid Stimulation of High-Temperature Sandstones in Eastern Venezuela

Ultradeep HP/HT Completions: Classification, Design Methodologies, and Technical Challenges

Robert MacAndrew, SPE, is a director of Aberdeen Drilling Management Ltd. He has been involved in all aspects of engineering and operations management in a variety of geographic areas during his 29 years in the industry. Currently, MacAndrew is involved mainly in well engineering and project management, leavened with some lecturing and expert-witness work. He holds a BS degree in naval architecture from the U. of Strathclyde and a Post-Graduate Diploma in offshore engineering from Robert Gordon Inst. of Technology. MacAndrew serves on the JPT Editorial Committee.

Overview

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