SPE-199243-MS

First use of a Newly Developed High-Density Brine in an Oil-Based Screen

Running Fluid in a Multilateral Extended Reach Well: Fluid Qualification,
Formation Damage Testing, and Field Application, Offshore Norway

B. Salmelid, M. H. Strand, D. Clinch, and C. Davis, Halliburton; E. Jeurissen, AkerBP

Copyright 2020, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Formation Damage Control held in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA, 19-21
February 2020.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written
consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may
not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
When used for running sand control screens, low-solids, oil-based completion fluids (LSOBCF) maintain
reservoir wellbore stability and integrity while minimizing the potential risks of losses, screen plugging,
completion damage, and productivity impairment. Until now, using LSOBCF as a screen running fluid
(SRF) has been limited by fluid density. The design, qualification, and first deployment of an LSOBCF
that incorporates a newly developed, high-density brine as the internal phase to extend the density limit
is discussed.
The following parameters were examined as part of the preliminary qualification: rheology performance,
long-term stability, fluid loss (filter-cake repair capability), reservoir fluid and drill-in fluid (RDIF)
compatibility tests, emulsion breaking test, production screen test (PST) on 275 µm screen, crystallization
temperature [true crystallization temperature (TCT) and pressurized crystallization temperature (PCT)], and
corrosion rate. The fluid was then tested for formation and completion damage performance, where the high-
density, brine-based LSOBCF exhibited minimally damaging behavior in the core-flow tests. As a result
of the positive observations made during these wide-ranging laboratory tests, this new high density-based
brine was deemed as a good candidate in an LSOBCF for high-density SRF applications. Viable LSOBCF
with densities up to 1.50 SG have been designed. This paper details the design and field application of a
1.45 SG LSOBCF.
Calcium bromide (CaBr2) brine is commonly used during the discontinuous phase for LSOBCF
applications that require fluid densities up to 1.38 SG. For higher density requirements, LSOBCF use a
cesium formate brine as a discontinuous phase. Using the new developed brine in the discontinuous phase
provides viable LSOBCF up to 1.50 SG. The base brine has a good environmental rating, is pH neutral, and
provides improved safety during low-temperature/high-pressure conditions. As a standalone fluid, the new
brine can achieve densities up to 1.80 SG, with acceptable TCT and PCT values for North Sea applications
without using zinc or formate-based brines.
After laboratory qualification, the final fluid formulation was deployed on a dual lateral oil producer
well with 9.5 in. horizontal reservoir section lengths of 2315 and 1696 m. After drilling the sections using
2 SPE-199243-MS

an engineered low equivalent circulating density (ECD) oil-based RDIF (OB RDIF), each section was
sequentially displaced to 1.45 SG LSOBCF. The lower completion, consisting of 5.5 in. screens equipped
with autonomous inflow control devices (AICD) and swellable packers, was successfully run to bottom
without significant issues. The field application demonstrated evident operational efficiency gains. The
positive pre-deployment formation response test (FRT) results have been verified by well productivity data.
The process to qualify the brine for first-use application in LSOBCF is described, and laboratory testing
(including FRT), mixing and logistical considerations, field execution, and well productivity are discussed.

Introduction
Using LSOBCF in General
Standalone sand screens have traditionally been deployed in solids-free screen running fluid. When elevated
temperature or reactive clays are present, invert emulsion solutions are often preferred. Where possible,
LSOBCF have been used; however, at a higher density application, fluid design can be challenging. With
the introduction of extended CaBr2 brine, the window for less costly screen running fluid has now been
verified in the field to 1.45 SG.
There is an indication (van der Zwaag et al. 2011) that the upper density limit of CaBr2-based low-solids
oil-based mud is 1.39 SG when using 40% oil in a base emulsion, typical concentrations of bridging particles
(60 kg/m3), and other required additives, such as emulsifiers, fluid-loss additives, organophilic clays, lime,
and wetting agents.
Introducing new products and chemistry into drilling fluids is often associated with an increased risk of
encountering unknown effects on wellbore mineralogy and fluids. This unknown factor becomes even more
important when fluids are to be used in the reservoir section. Consequences of using the wrong chemistry
or procedure ould result in a major loss of productivity because of formation damage. Increased ECD
as a consequence of a more viscous fluid might also be encountered when higher density low-solids oil-
based fluids with a low oil-water ratio (OWR) are introduced. Risk management would include testing
new products for general application at specific well conditions, including parameters such as pressure,
temperature, required fluid density, and compatibility toward well fluids and well mineralogy as well as
other fluid and equipment introduced during drilling, completion, and production phases.

Novel Brine Development

Whether in LSOBCF, packer fluid, or completion operations, brine applications are limited by the density
and TCT correlation. The TCT is the freezing point where solid crystals form in the brine solution under
atmospheric pressure. The type of crystals that form is dictated by which side of the eutectic point the
process occurs at: ice crystals form to the left of the eutectic point, whereas salt crystals form to the right of
the eutectic point. The eutectic point is defined as the lowest crystallization point of a solution where TCT
begins to rise while more salt is added. The PCT is the point where crystals form in a brine solution at a
specified pressure. If brine crystallization occurs to the left side of the eutectic point and pressure is applied,
the pressure applied lowers the TCT. If brine crystallization occurs to the right side of the eutectic point and
pressure is applied, the TCT increases (Fig. 1). It is important to consider the effects of applying pressure
at higher densities because there can be significant effects on the brine in deepwater applications and cold
climates where the brines can crystallize at a temperature much higher than the expected TCT at surface.
SPE-199243-MS 3

Figure. 1——TCT graph of brine.

The current practice to achieve higher densities for LSOBCF applications is to use a divalent salt (i.e.,
CaBr2) or a monovalent salt (i.e., cesium formate); however, cost and density limitations restrict their
utilization. Cesium formate, while very effective for achieving densities upwards of 2.3 SG for the base
brine, might be limited because of the high cost associated with the fluid. While CaBr2 is preferred, the
maximum practicable brine density is limited to 1.7 SG because of the TCT. Therefore, it is advantageous
to develop a fluid that extends the operational density range of CaBr2, because this would then permit a
higher density of the internal phase in LSOBCF.
To avoid the higher cost associated with LSOBCFs with a density greater than 1.36 SG, the common
practice has been to displace the openhole horizontal laterals with 1.36 SG LSOBCF while maintaining the
hydrostatic head on the well by keeping the casing and riser filled with the use of the RDIF. Fig. 2 shows
thisin the image on the left.

Figure. 2——Previously used and aspirational LSOBCF spotting strategy.

This is a fundamentally unstable situation, and, with time, the heavier low viscosity fluid will begin to
swap with the lighter weight LSOBCF in the laterals, slowly reducing hydrostatic head while bringing more
solids into the reservoir as the fluids begin to mingle at the heel of the well. In cases where the shear failure
gradient is tight, this can begin to compromise wellbore stability; historically, loss and collapse events have
occasionally been observed.
A major oil company in Norway was introduced to the possibility of using the new, extended CaBr2 brine
in a LSOBCF for a complex multilateral completion planned in a newly discovered field. This alternative
fluid had the potential to provide a more reliable operational solution at a reduced risk while providing
4 SPE-199243-MS

sustantial economical savings compared to other high density LSOBCF solutions available. It was agreed
with the fluid provider to qualify a solution that would meet thefollowing criteria:

• Compatible to wellbore fluids, mineralogy, and completion equipment

• Stable under planned well and operational conditions

• Pumpable at the rig site under cold conditions

• Equal or less formation damaging compared to current LSOBCF solution

• Cost within the well budget

Field Characteristics and History

This new field’s well forms part of the greater Alvheim area located in the central part of the North Sea. The
reservoir consists of Upper Paleocene to Lower Eocene unconsolidated sandstones extruded into overlying
sediments. Reservoir properties have an average porosity of 34% and permeabilities up to 10 darcy (D).
Core analysis provided by the operator in the form of mercury-injection capillary pressure analysis indicated
that pore throats typically ranged between 30 and 40 µm, with an average of 36 µm.
While these formations present excellent reservoir characteristics, they also present some drilling
challenges. The formation tends to have a high shear failure gradient (SFG) combined with a relatively low
fracture gradient. Furthermore, because these reservoirs are exploited using long horizontal and multilateral
wells, the drilling window is relatively narrow. For this particular case, the SFG was anticipated to be 1.39
SG equivalent mud weight (EMW) with an ECD limit of 1.49 SG and stretch limit of 1.53 SG. The fluid
density chosen to drill the well was 1.40 SG, and the density for the screen running fluid was planned
to be 1.45 SG. The reservoir formation consists of reactive clay stones; therefore, water-based options at
these inclinations are not considered feasible with currently available systems and the long exposure time
to which they will be subjected.

Fluids Qualification
Laboratory Testing Matrix
An extensive laboratory test matrix was initiated for the qualification of reservoir fluids. The RDIF
qualification is not detailed in this paper, only the LSOBCFand the novel brine used to prepare this fluid.
The test matrix included tests such as rheology performance, long-term stability, PST on 275 µm screen
coupons, standard fluid-loss and filter-cake repair capabilities, reservoir fluid and RDIF compatibility tests,
TCT and PCT, and corrosion rate. The ultimate test was to check for formation and completion damage
performance.

Brine Information and Development

The operational density range of CaBr2 brines was extended from 1.70 to 1.77 SG by this novel brine.
The newly developed brine was tested in compliance with API RP 13J: Recommended Practice for Testing
Heavy Brines. While extensive qualification tests were performed to qualify the brine for all applications,
the following items were identified as important for LSOBCF applications:

• TCT

• Temperature stability

• pH

• Clarity
SPE-199243-MS 5

• Corrosion

• Elastomer compatibility

The TCT of 1.77 SG CaBr2 brine was 9.5°C, and, as expected, the TCT increased to 26.7°C once
pressurized to 20,000 psi/1,379 bar. The TCT differed by ~17°C from atmospheric conditions to 20,000
psi/1,379 bar (Fig. 3). These data were used to establish the primary TCT target for the new brine system,
which was set at 17°C with a 1.77 SG brine under atmospheric pressure and 1°C at 20,000 psi/1,379 bar.
During the product development process, once a sample provided the appropriate TCT, it was examined
with the PCT instrument. Overall, the new brine reduces the TCT by approximately 30°C when compared
to the TCT of 1.77 SG CaBr2 (Fig. 3).

Figure. 3——TCT data comparison of 1.77 SG CaBr2 and novel brine at varying pressure.

The pH of the fluid was determined to be in the neutral range of 6 to 8. During temperature stability
testing at both 4 and 121°C, no crystallization was observed after 28 days (Fig. 4). Additionally, the fluid
remained as a clear, colorless brine, even after aging.

Figure. 4——Temperature stability of 1.77 SG novel brine after 28 days at 121°C (left) and 4°C (right)

General corrosion for the novel brine was evaluated on 13Cr, 25Cr, 316SS, and mild steel at 121°C for 28
days). The 13Cr, 25Cr, and 316SS met requirements without the need for any corrosion inhibitors; however,
6 SPE-199243-MS

mild steel required additional corrosion inhibition. The addition of 2.8 kg/m3 of anoxygen scavenger into
the novel brine brought the corrosion rate to acceptable levels. Further, the novel brine was tested for stress-
cracking corrosion. Fig. 5 shows Solution 1, which contained the brine without oxygen scavenger (pH=
6.92) and Solution 2, which contained the brine with oxygen scavenger (pH =5.48). There was no cracking
observed, and there was minimal pitting in the sample that contained the oxygen scavenger; however, this
pitting (Fig. 5) was extremely minimal, as can be observed in the 100x micrograph. Therefore, the stress-
cracking corrosion passed successfully for the new novel brine.

Figure. 5——1.77 sg novel brine stress-cracking corrosion results.

Elastomer compatibility testing was also completed to help ensure compatibility with elastomers in
downhole applications. The following elastomers were all testedat 121°C for 28 days:

• Fluorocarbon (FKM)

• Tetrafluoroethylene propylene (FEPM)

• Perfluorocarbon (FFKM)

• Hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR) packer and O-ring

• Acrylonitrile butadiene (NBR) packer and O-ring

FKM, FEPM, FFKM, and HNBR O-rings had excellent compatibility. HNBR (packer end element) had
fair compatibility, and NBR O-rings and packers had poor compatibility and are not recommended for use.
The poor compatibility rating for NBR O-rings and packers is common with standard CaBr2 brines, which
is partly why they are not recommended at this temperature (121°C).
Return permeability testing was also conducted on Berea sandstone to help ensure that the newly
developed brine had minimal to no damage on the permeability of a reservoir. The fluid was tested on a
core with an initial permeability of 19 mD. The core was exposed to the test fluid dynamically for 4 hr at
SPE-199243-MS 7

500 psid in the injection direction. The fluid was identified as having a return permeability of 89%, which
was considered acceptable for general usage in a reservoir.
In summary, significant qualification testing was conducted on the new novel brine to achieve higher
density targets of 1.77 S.G. TCT data confirmed that under pressure, the brine did not crystallize and
exhibited a decrease in TCT from a standard CaBr2 brine of ~30°. Brine clarity remained clear and near
colorless after aging at 4 and 121°C for 28 days. General corrosion testing exhibited minimal effects of the
fluid upon inclusion of an oxygen scavenger. Stress-cracking corrosion tests exhibited a small amount of
pitting, but the invasion was minimal at 100x zoom. Formation response testing was performed on the novel
brine, with results exhibiting an 89% return permeability. Based on these compiled results, the fluid was
determined to be a viable candidate for higher density brine applications going forward.

LSOBCF Design and Development

The first step of LSOBCF qualification was to engineer a fluid that could be used, particularly for the well
design at given well conditions. The approach for these tests would be similar as when designing a reservoir
drilling fluid. Major exceptions would be the limited amount of particles for bridging in the LSOBCF and a
criterion of longer-term stability for the screen running fluid. The design objective was to have a fluid that
would be stable after 28 days at downhole conditions and maintain full mobility for the flowback phase.
While the new brine used for the 1.45 SG LSOBCF would behave similar as lower density CaBr2 brine-
based LSOBCF, there were a few challenges to design a stable and usable fluid. Table 1 shows the generic
composition.

Table 1—Initial laboratory formulation of the 1.45 SG LSOBCF (43.5/56.5 OWR).

Rheology and Stability. Stability of the LSOBCF during suspension and mobility when the well is put
on flow are two important criteria to meet. Stability of emulsion to avoid separation of phases and sag of
suspended particles is tested after fluid has been left statically in several pressurized cells that are left at
bottomhole static temperature (BHST). Fluid is tested right after mixing and after 16, 72 (three days), 168
(one week), 336 (two weeks), and 672 hr (four weeks). Emulsion stability and sag stability are tested for
each cell by measuring density within different layers; any free fluid at top is also recorded. A sag factor is
determined for each fluid by calculating the ratio of top layer SG divided by the sum of the top and bottom
layer SG of fluid—a factor of 0.500 indicates that fluid is stable. Mobility of fluid after aging is determined
by visual inspection of the bottom layer in a test cell when poured out.
Fig. 6 shows the long-term stability results, and the LSOBCF is clearly stable for the four-week duration
at a given bottomhole temperature of 70°C (Fig. 7).
8 SPE-199243-MS

Figure. 6—Long-term stability results of 1.45 SG LSOBCF.

Figure. 7—Mobility of LSOBCF after static aging.

Another important factor was the expected rheology at a standard temperature (50°C) and at both lower
(20°C) and higher (70°C) temperatures; these results were further used for hydraulic simulation purposes.
Additionally, the 1.45 SG LSOBCF (based on the extended CaBr2 brine) was compared to a 1.36 SG
LSOBCF (based on standard CaBr2 brine) as part of the evaluation to decide which fluid to use as the
screen running fluid. The 1.45 SG LSOBCF has a higher rheology than the 1.36 SG LSOBCF at all three
temperatures tested because of the difference in OWR on the two fluids(1.36 SG had an OWR of 48.2/51.8,
while the 1.45 SG LSOBCF was 43.5/56.5). Fig. 8 shows the results.
SPE-199243-MS 9

Figure. 8—LSOBCF rheology of 1.36 SG vs. 1.45 SG at different temperature.

Finally, detailed hydraulic displacement simulations were performed to check the feasibility to displace
the fluid into these laterals. Table 2 shows the results. Note that the color change reflects changes in pump
rates required to maintain ECD within the stretch limitations of 1.53 SG.

Table 2—Upfront displacement simulations.

Compatibility. Several types of potential compatibility issues were tested, including the following:

• LSOBCF filtrate vs. formation water (synthetic made based on analysis of actual well fluid)

• LSOBCF filtrate vs. crude oil (from actual field)

• Mixtures of RDIF and LSOBCF

• Mixtures of LSOBCF and slug brine

10 SPE-199243-MS

Incompatibility between fluid filtrate and well fluid (formation water and crude oil) can result in
precipitation of salts, asphaltenes, or emulsion blockage within the reservoir pore space and subsequent loss
of well productivity. LSOBCF filtrate and wellbore fluids were tested using following procedure:
1. Five different ratios of filtrate and well fluid (100:0, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 10:90, and 0:100)
were mixed and put in Duran bottles.
2. The fluid were left for a short time after mixing at room temperature; observations and photos were
recorded. There was no precipitation observed. Crude tests stayed homogenous for all ratios, and
distinct layers without precipitation were observed for formation water tests.
3. The fluids were then static aged at 70°C for 16 hr to gauge any further incompatibility issues. Crude
samples remained homogenous, and no precipitations were observed. Formation water tests show that
filtrate is pale yellow and slightly cloudy for 75:25 and 50:50 ratio, but no precipitation occurred.
It can be concluded that LSOBCF filtrate is compatible to both crude oil and formation water. Fig. 9
shows the different fluid tested.

Figure. 9—Compatibility tests between filtrate and reservoir crude oil (left)
and filtrate and formation water. Samples are after 16 hr aging at 70°C.

To maximize fluid compatibility with the RDIF, the LSOBCF contained the same type of base oil. Type
of brine, emulsifiers, and other additives were different; therefore, it was necessary to test the compatibility
between the two fluids after mixing. There were five different ratios of RDIF; LSOBCF in addition to 100%
RDIF and 100% LSOBCF were mixed and left static for 16 hr at 70°C before observations and measurement
of rheology at 50°C. The five ratios were all miscible, and no measurable or visible signs of incompatibility
were observed. Rheology for all ratios remained similar with only small variations. Fig. 10 helps conclude
that the two fluids are compatible.

Figure. 10—RDIF and LSOBCF mixed at different ratios. Rheometer readings at 50°C after 16 hr static aging at 70°C.
SPE-199243-MS 11

During operations, it would be necessary to use slugs to pull dry pipe. The slug in question was to
use CaBr2 brine at 1.71 SG. A potential risk of adding bromide brine to the LSOBCF is introducing an
incompatibility between the different fluids; an extensive test matrix was started to review this. Seven
different ratios of LSOBCF and 1.71 SG CaBr2 brine were mixed together: 97.5:2.5, 95:5, 92.5:7.5, 90:10,
87.5:12.5, 85:15, and 82.5:17.5. The maximum expected slug size (volume) and number to be pumped
during operation was used to calculate the different compatibility ratios, with 82.5:17.5 representing the
highest likely volume of slug introduced to the LSOBCF. Rheology was measured at 50°C before and after
16 hr static aging at 70°C. Additionally, the sag stability and PST were tested after static aging. The results
demonstrate that there are no surprises to be expected if the stock fluid of CaBr2 is used as the slug in the
LSOBCF. The rheology after static aging exhibits a slight increase in the high shear values with increasing
CaBr2 content; however, this increase was considered acceptable, given the limited volume of planned brine
additions for slugs when tripping (Fig. 11).

Figure. 11—LSOBCF and 1.71 SG CaBr2 brine mixed at different

ratios. Rheometer readings at 50°C after 16 hr static aging at 70°C.

Filter-Cake Repair Capability. Filter cake is developed by the RDIF during the drilling phase. This fluid
was designed and tested extensively to provide minimum solids and filtration invasion. Before running the
screens in the well, the entire well was displaced to 1.45 SG LSOBCF (more details in the "Field Experience"
section). As previously mentioned, the LSOBCF contains only a small amount of solids—40 to 60 kg/m3
ground marble for filter-cake repair. Going on losses during the running of screens is considered a potential
risk; therefore, a separate test to review the LSOBCF’s abilityto reduce any such losses was performed.
A RDIF filter cake was established on a 40 µm ceramic disk at 70°C and 103 bar pressure; the total fluid
loss (spurt + 30 min fluid loss) was 1.05 ml. The external filter cake was then scraped off before the same
disk was used again to test filtration with 1.45 SG LSOBCF. The total fluid loss with the LSOBCF was now
2.3 ml, demonstrating that LSOBCF can reduce any potential losses during operations. Fig. 12 shows the
appearance of the disk and filter cake at the different stages.
12 SPE-199243-MS

Figure. 12—Disk and filter cake at the different stages: (left) filter cake after filtration
with RDIF, (middle) after scrape off, and (right) after filtration with 1.45 SG LSOBCF.

PST. A PST apparatus is used to characterize the plugging potential of a fluid/screen combination—if a
particular well fluid flows through the completion screen under flow back conditions. A 20 psi (1.4 bar)
pressure is applied to a 1000 ml fluid sample at ambient temperature, forcing it against a sand control screen.
For this case, the wire wrap screen size was 275 µm. The standard test procedure is to flow 3- × 1000 ml
consecutive samples through the same screen and record the time for fluid to flow completely through each
time. The screen is dismantled from the cell after the last flow and inspected for any plugging. The screen
is not cleaned between tests.
PSTs were performed for both aged RDIF (in the unlikely event of improper displacement to LSOBCF)
and for the LSOBCF. PST results were similar for each individualtest, confirming that there was no plugging
potential from either fluid. Average flow time for RDIF was 14.7 and 14.3 sec for LSOBCF (Fig. 13).

Figure. 13—PST and test coupons left to right: 275 µm screen before test, after RDIF, and after LSOBCF.

Formation Damage Test. Representative field core samples for FRT were supplied for this study. Cores
from the same depths with similar permeabilities to gas in the range of 7 to 7.1 D were chosen to test the
fluids. A "low" perm core of 4.3 D was also chosen to evaluate performance at different permeability. Core
porosity varied from 36.2 to 36.5%, and length on all cores was close to 4 cm.
Core mineralogy was determined upfront using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Fig. 14 shows that the
entire rock mineralogy consists of 80 to 85% quartz, 5 to 8% kaolinite, 3 to 4% potassium feldspar, 3 to 5%
illite and mica, and smaller concentrations of pyrite and other minerals.
SPE-199243-MS 13

Figure. 14—XRD of whole rock on cores 2 and 3.

According to XRD results, the clay content of the reservoir formation was close to 80% kaolinite, 10 to
12% illite, and up to 5% chlorite.
Formation Damage Test Conditions and Sequences. The core was saturated in the saturator to 100%
formation brine. Irreducible formation brine was then achieved using the ultracentrifuge. Base effective
permeability measurement to matched viscosity mineral oil at irreducible formation brine saturation was
performed in the formation-to-wellbore direction. The core was dynamically exposed to 1.45 SG RDIF for
48 hr followed by 48 hr of a static period. Displacement operation was simulated by dynamically exposing
the LSOBCF across the wellbore face of the core at a high flow rate. Overbalance throughout the previously
mentioned stages was 91.5 bar (1,327 psi), and filtrate loss was measured at all stages. Test temperature
was 70°C.
The core was then offloaded, and a 275-µm, 16 mm thick screen coupon was inserted at an offset
distance of 25.4 mm from the wellbore face of the core sample. The core sample was then reloaded and
re-equilibrated to reservoir conditions. Drawdown to flow-matched viscosity mineral oil in the formation-
to-wellbore direction was performed by gradually increasing underbalance pressure up to 3.45 bar/50 psi
at a stable flow rate; pressure at which initial production flow through the filter cake was recorded. After
a stable flow rate was achieved, the planned drawdown was ended, and effective permeability to matched
viscosity mineral oil at residual saturation (Ko@Sr)was measured again using the same method as when
the base effective permeability was determined.
The core was offloaded again, filter-cake/screen/mud observations were made, and the core (minus the
screen, fluid body, and filter cake) was reloaded. A further effective permeability measurement (Ko@Sr) to
matched viscosity mineral oil in the formation-to-wellbore direction was undertaken using the same method
as previously mentioned.
The final subtest consisted of the core sample being spun down in an ultracentrifuge before being reloaded
and re-equilibrated to reservoir conditions. A final effective permeability measurement was performed using
the same method to determine the change from initial base effective permeability.
The objective of Phase 1 testing was to review potential damage from the RDIF only while cores in
Phase 2 were exposed to RDIF followed by LSOBCF before the effective permeability was measured at
the different steps as described. Phase 1 was tested at the same conditions as Phase 2; it was confirmed that
RDIF was engineered to provide low fluid loss and low damage.
14 SPE-199243-MS

The base effective permeability to matched viscosity mineral oil (Ko@Swi) was measured to be 4253
mD for the Phase 1 test, while cores used in Phase 2 had permeabilities of 3619 and 4211 mD, respectively,
for cores 2 and 3. The "low" permeability core had 1714 mD at the same conditions.
During the application of RDIF and LSOBCF, fluid loss was recorded at all times; Table 3 shows the
cumulative values. The bridging package in the RDIF consisted of 160 kg/m3 of ground marble of various
sizes together with micronized barite as the weighting agent. Bridging appears to be very effective, and
total fluid losses are similar on both tests: 2.8 ml total filtrate loss (equals to 0.398 pore volumes) for Core
2 and 2.6 ml (0.354 pore volumes) for Core 3 during dynamic and static application of 1.45 SG RDIF to
core faces. When continuing with the dynamic LSOBCF flowing, the filtrate losses measured in ml/(pore
volumes) were 0.011(0.0016) and 0.018(0.0026), respectively, for 1.36 and 1.45 SG LSOBCF. LSOBCF
contains 60 kg/m3 of small size marble for filter-cake repair.

Table 3—Total filtrate recorded during formation damage test of Phase 2. Filtrate is
given in volume (ml), and the equivalent pore volume for each core and fluid is applied.

Results show slight improvement after drawdown when 1.45 SG LSOBCF is used compared to 1.36 SG
LSOBCF, which was the operator’s previous go-to solution. When the screen is taken out from the cell and
the filter cake is scraped off, the regained permeability improvement from previous steps is larger for the
1.36 SG fluid, namely 8.9 vs. 3.5% for the 1.45 SG LSOBCF, ending with a similar total percentage change
on base permeability. Test results provided close to the same change on base permeability for both fluids
after spin down (Fig. 15).

Figure. 15—Comparing results on regained permeability for Phase 2 applying RDIF followed by 1.36- and
1.45 SG LSOBCF, respectively; after drawdown, after removing filter cake/screen, and after spin down.

Following formation damage testing, further analysis of the cores were undertaken to better understand
the cause of the minor reduced permeability. A third-party laboratory took microcomputed tomography
SPE-199243-MS 15

(micro-CT) images after 1) initial base permeability determination, 2) exposure to RDIF and drawdown, and
3) after spin down. Images show that minor amounts of high intensity change at and close to the wellbore
face and along the length of the core are most probable because of the removal or redistribution of fines.

Mixing LSOBCF at the Mud Plant and Fluid QA/QC

Although mixing LSOBCF screen running fluid had been conducted numerous times before, this was the
first global big-scale mixing where the new extended CaBr2 brine was the brine phase. Despite stable
mixing results from laboratory testing, large-scale mixing introduces more room for contamination and
uncertainties in terms of cleanliness of the mixing environment, mixing order, shearing, and accuracy
of chemical additions. To mitigate any wrongdoing, a detailed plan for big-scale mud plant mixing was
established.

Preparing the Mud Plant for Mixing

The mud plant had previously been used to mix the RDIF, which was the planned drilling fluid in the well
that would have to be displaced out to the 1.45 SG LSOBCF. Despite having conducted laboratory testing
upfront that demonstrated good compatibility between the two fluids, there is always a potential risk of
solids in the form of barite, bridging materials, or other chemicals being abandoned in the mixing facility.
To mitigate the potential risk of introducing a contamination, all storage tanks, lines, and mixing tubes were
thoroughly cleaned before mixing. Additionally, a plan was established to lock off, or isolate, the part of
the mixing facility where the 1.45 SG LSOBCF was mixed to keep the potential risk of contamination at
an absolute minimum. The extended CaBr2 brine and the final product of 1.45 SG LSOBCF were kept in
designated tanks, isolated from other fluids at the mud plant to minimize the potential risk of contamination.
Once inspected and verified cleaned, mixing could resume.

Mixing the 1.76 SG Extended CaBr2 Brine

Mixing the 1.76 SG brine was conducted in a separate brine mixing facility at the mud plant. The same
precautions used for the oil-based part of the mixing facility to mix the final 1.45 SG LSOBCF were taken,
in terms of cleanliness and reducing the potential risk of contamination. Mixing began after determining
the theoretical quantities of salt and water necessary to achieve a density and TCT of 1.76 SG and -7°C,
respectively. After the extended CaBr2 brine was mixed at the mud plant, density was measured, and a
sample was visibly inspected for any undissolved salt crystals. Once verified to be in order, a sample was
sent to the laboratory for verification of density and correct TCT. In the meantime, all mixing was put on
hold until correct results could be confirmed.
Once the extended CaBr2 brine had passed the acceptance criteria, it was determined to be ready to be
mixed into the LSOBCF to create the final product of 1.45 SG LSOBCF. In addition to conducting the
laboratory testing, a sample of the received 1.76 SG extended CaBr2 brine from the mud plant was kept on
the bench at room temperature in the laboratory and was inspected daily for any visual changes (i.e., salt
crystals precipitating) until the day of shipment.

Mixing the Final 1.45 SG LSOBCF with Extended CaBr2 Brine

With the final 1.76 SG extended CaBr2 brine ready, mixing the final 1.45 SG LSOBCF could resume.
Because this was the first global mixing of an LSOBCF with an extended CaBr2 brine as the internal brine
phase, it was determined to start with a small batch of 30 m³ and evaluate fluid properties before mixing the
final required volume of 450 m³. Target fluid properties were decided using the testing results for the final
laboratory mix previously verified through extensive compatibility, stability, and formation damage testing
as the goal. A preoperation meeting with the involved laboratory and mud plant personnel began before
the final mixing could resume. The importance of sufficient shearing of the fluid to achieve the necessary
16 SPE-199243-MS

properties had previously been demonstrated when introducing a new fluid without any field mud available
to blend into the mix (McMillan et al. 2015). Therefore, it was decided to shear the fluid using a specially
designed hydraulic shearing unit (Fig. 16).

Figure. 16—Hydraulic shearing unit used to impact shear on the 1.45 SG LSOBCF.

The specially designed hydraulic shearing unit has a significant impact on the fluid stability and rheology
profile; therefore, care was taken not to "overshear" the fluid. Mixing the first small 30 m³ batch was split
into two shearing rounds:

• Pump it through the shearing unit once, verify density, and send a sample to the laboratory for
testing and verification of fluid properties.
• Pump it through the shearing unit twice, verify density, and send a sample to the laboratory for
testing and verification of fluid properties.
Both samples, one with only one round of shearing and one with two rounds of shearing, were
tested for the following fluid properties and compared against the final target laboratory mix for
confirmation:
• Rheometer rheology at 20, 50, and 70°C

• 16 hrs static aging at 70°C

• PST on 275 µm screen (three samples were run on the same 275-µm screen without cleaning in
between)
• Electric stability

• Density

The fluid was tested at 70°C to mimic the anticipated downhole conditions. Note that a retort test to
confirm the OWR was not conducted because of safety reasons. Conducting a retort test on a highly saline
fluid can cause precipitation of salt crystals that can potentially plug the retort, resulting in an explosion.
As for the 1.76 SG extended CaBr2 brine, the sample of 1.45 SG LSOBCF was also left on the desk at
room temperature and visibly inspected daily for any change in appearance, with a special focus on phase
separation. Laboratory testing results demonstrated that it was necessary to shear the fluid twice through the
SPE-199243-MS 17

specially designed hydraulic shearing unit to achieve similar results compared to the target laboratory mix.
Fig. 17 shows the 1.45 SG LSOBCF rheology profile at 50°C from the target laboratory mix throughout the
small testing mud plant batches and to the final total volume of 450 m³ LSOBCF necessary for displacement
into the well.

Figure. 17—Rheology profiles of target 1.45 SG LSOBCF and resulting mud plant batch mixes.

Once all target fluid properties were achieved, the full-scale mixing of the remaining 1.45 SG LSOBCF
to achieve a final volume of 450 m³ could proceed. The total volume was divided into three designated and
separate storage tanks and was daily circulated; correct density was verified upon the day of shipment to
the rig. PSTs were performed at every step to help ensure that the fluid would pass through the production
screen coupons. These tests were compared to the original laboratory testing to help ensure consistency and
to verify laboratory results (Fig. 18).

Figure. 18—PST results run on LSOBCF during mixing at plant compared to laboratory qualification mix.
18 SPE-199243-MS

Field Experience
Lateral 1
The 9 1/2 in hole was drilled from 2982 m MD to section total depth (TD) of 5206 m. Typical drilling
parameters included the following:

• Flow rate: 2600 L/min

• Weight on bit: 2 to 14 ton

• Rev/min: 165 torque, 8 to 13 kft-lbs

• Rate of penetration: 50 m/hr

At section TD, the well was cleaned with fine-mesh shale shaker screens using the following strategy:
1. Approaching TD, two of the shakers were dressed with API 230 mesh bottom screens, with the
remaining three shakers dressed with API 270 mesh bottom screens.
2. After two bottoms up, all shakers were fitted with API 270 mesh screens.
3. After four bottoms up, API 325 mesh screens were fitted on two of the shakers. This was the final
configuration.
4. During this circulation, PSTs were performed on 275 µm screen coupons. After a total of 5.8 bottoms-
up circulations were made with the drill-in fluid, displacement began to the 1.45 SG LSOBCF.
5. While displacing to LSOBCF (in accordance with simulations in Table 2), all shakers were fitted with
API 120 mesh screens to allow the cold, unsheared LSOBCF and interface to be processed by the
shale shakers without any overflow. These were changed back to API 270 mesh for run in hole with
the screens because the LSOBCF temperature had increased in the well.
Fig. 19 shows samples of the screening process at TD. The PSTs were performed on 275 micron screen
coupons with a pressure of 20 psi. The first two images are of PSTs performed on the screened RDIF, both
of which passed through the screen at 21 sec/L. The last two images are of the LSOBCF on the rig before
displacement (Reserve Pit 3) and a sample of LSOBCF taken from the header box after displacement.

Figure. 19—PST results from the first field application.

Once clean LSOBCF had been verified on surface, a 7 m3 1.89 SG (screened) RDIF spike fluid slug was
pumped, and the drillstring was pulled out of hole without any issues.
After racking back the drilling assembly, the standalone sand screens were picked up and run into the
well. The lower 5.5 in. screens were run to TD with only twovery minor restrictions at 3793 and 5208 m.
SPE-199243-MS 19

After setting the screens between 5305 and 3903 m, bottom up (BU) from 3850 m provided the following
PST results with the 275 micron screens on eachexhibiting no solids: 1,000 strokes/PST 27 sec, 4,500
strokes/PST 23 sec, and 7,700 strokes (BU)/PST 21 sec.
The upper 5.5 in. screens were successfully run and set with no issues between 3903 and 2942 m. After
setting a whipstock, the 10 3/4 in. casing wasthen displaced back to 1.39 SG RDIF ready for drilling lateral
Y2H. In the meantime, the residual LSOBCF was stored on the rig’s reserve water-based mud tank, ready
for displacing into Y2H after drilling.
Y2H was drilled but abandoned because of an uneconomical net-to-gross reservoir being encountered;
Y3H was then drilled from 2817 to 4886 m. However, it was decided to pull back to 4513 m and displace
the well to LSOBCF after steering issues. After running and setting the screens successfully, the whipstock
was retrieved, and the multilateral technology junction was run before continuing with the upper completion
operations (Fig. 20).

Figure. 20—As-run completion diagram of the well.

Productivity Results
After well cleanup, the well has been producing at approximately 80 Sm3/h with WC=0 and GOR ~60 Sm3/
Sm3. PI is approximately 110 Sm3/d/bar at drawdown (DD) of 20 bar. The well is gas lifted and should be
able to produce at approximate 80 Sm3/h (approximately 12,000 B/D). The well is producing as expected,
although with higher DD than modeled. There are several factors that could have caused this difference and
requires further evaluation, which is planned.
Tracer sample analysis also show good production from both branches.

Conclusions
Based on previous LSOBCF experience using CaBr2 and CaCl2 as the internal phase, a higher density screen
running fluid was engineered using a novel brine. This extended CaBr2 brine was used to design a 1.45
SG LSOBCF with an OWR of 43.5/56.5 and 60 kg/m3 of sized ground marble for filter-cake repair. An
extended laboratory testing matrix was started for the qualification of reservoir fluids, including formation
and completion damage performance. The fluids fulfilled or exceeded all passing criteria.
20 SPE-199243-MS

The qualified LSOBCF was mixed at base using strict QA/QC processes and mobilized for use in the field
located in the central part of the North Sea. The field fluid performance mirrored that which was designed,
and the multilateral extended reach well was successfully and uneventfully completed by running 5.5 in.
AICD screens and swell packers in the LSOBCF. The complex operation was accomplished without any
fluid-related issues and added improved well control compared to historical fluid solutions for the field.
Following the release of the well by the drilling unit, a further eight weeks elapsed before bringing the well
online. Despite this extra shut-in time, well productivity was as expected.

Acknowledgements
The authors thank AkerBP and Halliburton for permission to publish this paper, Alan Marr and Alexandra
Morrison at Halliburton for their contributions in developing the extended calcium bromide brine, Fredrik
Sølvberg for thorough operational planning and data collection, and to the engineers/staff at Halliburton
fluids lab in Tananger for their extensive testing of involved reservoir fluids.

References
McMillan, D. N. LundeO. H.MikalsenR. et al. 2015. Development and Field Application of an Innovative, Minimally
Damaging, Low-ECD Invert Emulsion Fluid for Enhanced Drilling and Completion of HP/HT Wells.. Presented at
the SPE European Formation Damage Conference and Exhibition, Budapest, Hungary,3–5 June. SPE-174176-MS.
10.2118/174176-MS..
van der Zwaag, C. H. SvanesG. S.SchiefloeB. S. et al. 2011. Reduced Solids Oil-Based Completion Fluid for Horizontal
HPHT Openhole Completions. Presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference Noordwijk, The
Netherlands7–10 June. SPE-144163-MS. 10.2118/174176-MS.