Friction Reducers in Alpha-Beta Gravel Packs: A Solution to Successfully Packing Narrow Fracture Window Wells

Abstract Openhole gravel pack completions excel in unconsolidated regions due to their high flow area and efficient recovery with a low drawdown. Openhole water packing, utilizing low-viscosity brines for proppant transport, relies on swift local velocities. In horizontal wells, the process unfolds in alpha and beta waves, depositing proppant from heel to toe and vice versa. This work explored, assessed, and implemented a solution to pressures related to the beta wave in openhole water pack completions, mitigating formation fracturing and incomplete packing. Reviewing previous gravel pack downhole gauge data revealed pressure limitations during the beta wave, hindering complete annular packing in the open hole. Several pressure management options were considered, including pumping at lower rates (risking proppant settling and premature screenout), using lighter proppant, employing smaller washpipe, limiting openhole length (sacrificing recovery potential), and utilizing a friction reducer. Friction reducer proved to be effective in reducing beta wave friction pressure without compromising the well's potential or encountering the mentioned issues. Two 8.5-in. inside diameter horizontal openhole wells, each with a length of 1,000 ft, were successfully completed with thorough annular packing. The gravel pack operations were considered successful, delivering the proppant design volume downhole without any signs of formation breakdown. The gravel pack carrier fluid exhibited favorable rheology, facilitating normal alpha and beta wave deposition, as reflected in corresponding pressure signatures. In both cases, there was no formation breakdown, achieving a hard screenout surface pressure and successful proppant delivery. Subsequently, 29 additional openhole water packs were successfully deployed using this technology, producing results consistent with this study. The findings, combined with subsequent applications, confirm that friction reducers effectively address friction pressure challenges in openhole water packs.