WorldOil

Combining MPD with downhole valve enables high rate gas wells

To enable the drilling of big-bore, high-rate gas wells in the ConocoPhillips-operated Suban Field in South Sumatra, Indonesia, Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), particularly the Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) variant, was used. This operation also included Weatherford’s proprietary Downhole Deployment Valve (DDV). The combination of MPD with a DDV system was applied during drilling operations and resulted in wells capable of producing 300 MMcfd, while improving the safety and efficiency of drilling and completion operations. The combined MPD/DDV system allowed drilling to continue even with total loss of circulation. The combined system increased the safety margin of operations, reduced the amount of mud and Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) required, minimized formation damage and made running and installing the completion assembly possible without killing the well. SUBAN GAS FIELD DEVELOPMENT To reduce costs, ConocoPhillips with partners Talisman and Pertamina determined that by increasing individual well productivity, fewer wells would be required during Phase II of the development.