Elf studies retrievable packers for HPHT wells

In the past, HPHT conditions--temperatures greater than 300 F, pressures greater than 10,000 psi and tubing-to-packer loads greater than 100,000 lb--ruled out use of retrievable production packers. However, new technology is increasing their operating envelope. Choosing a permanent packer, retrievable packer; inflatable packer, polished bore receptacle (PBR) or packerless completion is a fundamental question at the start of any completion design. The answer has immense impact, not only on the rest of the completion, but also on the casing architecture. Certain options can be ruled out immediately, depending on the type of well being completed. In the case of high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) wells, the choice has traditionally been limited to PBR or permanent packer completions. Although use of field-proven equipment is highly recommended, particularly in severe environments, completion design should not always be (and in some cases, cannot be) confined to the use of what currently exists. Depending on project magnitude and timing, the best approach is to clearly define completion goals and then satisfy those requirements. This process can have three possible end results: an ideal match between requirements and existing equipment; the decision to use only existing equipment at the expense of completion performance; development of new equipment. Elfmore » Aquitaine Production took this approach when considering how to complete their future severe-condition fields. Several completion requirements/philosophies were stated, assuming an ideal world whereby equipment either existed or could be designed to meet the requirements. Depending on field conditions, PBR, retrievable packer or permanent packer completions can satisfy these philosophies.« less