Multi-well offshore campaign simplifies sand-control risk

Overview

An offshore operator in Angola planned a multi-well campaign that required reliable sand control in multiple zones while minimizing operational complexity. The operator sought a completion strategy that could provide effective wellbore support and zonal isolation without introducing additional offshore logistics, specialized chemicals, or time-intensive procedures. Traditional openhole gravel packing (OHGP), while proven, posed challenges in this environment because of its complexity, time requirements, and cost profile.

To meet these objectives, the operator selected the Endurance Hydraulic Screen® (EHS) system as an alternative sand control solution. The EHS system was chosen for its installation simplicity, operational flexibility, and suitability for offshore environments where efficiency, safety, and repeatability are critical. By providing sand control without the requirement for heavy pumping equipment or complex gravel packing operations, the system supported the operator’s goal to execute a streamlined, repeatable completion strategy in multiple wells in the campaign.

Challenge

The offshore Angola environment presented several operational challenges for the planned multi-zone completions. Conventional OHGP operations in this setting can be complex and time-consuming and may require extensive pumping equipment and logistics that increase offshore risk and operational costs. In addition, the operator wanted to simplify the overall fluid strategy and avoid using special chemicals, which can increase the complexity of offshore execution and logistics.

The combination of multi-zone requirements, offshore constraints, and the desire for a more efficient and cost-effective sand control approach meant the operator required an alternative solution that could deliver reliable zonal isolation and sand control and reduce operational steps. The selected completion strategy needed to support efficient installation, limit offshore equipment requirements, and help reduce the potential for nonproductive time and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) exposure during execution.

Solution

To address these challenges, Halliburton collaborated with the operator to plan a simplified sand control completion centered on the deployment of a 4-in. Endurance Hydraulic Screen® system in a 6.125-in. openhole. This approach eliminated the requirement for conventional gravel packing operations and was designed to provide effective downhole sand control suitable for a multi-zone offshore application.

The completion incorporated eRED® electronic remote equalizing technology installed on the shoe assembly. This remote open-close technology helped eliminate the requirement for ball drops, streamline operations, and reduce intervention steps. Swellpackers were deployed to provide zonal isolation, and a Halliburton FS2 isolation barrier valve was installed in the lower completion to support reservoir isolation in a single trip.

During execution, the filter-cake breaker was effectively spotted without requiring a washpipe, which further simplified the operation and reduced equipment requirements. By integrating these technologies into a single, efficient completion design, the solution aligned with the operator’s objectives to reduce offshore logistics, simplify execution, and support reliable sand control and zonal isolation throughout the multi‑well campaign. 

Result

The Endurance Hydraulic Screen system was successfully installed, with verification that confirmed proper setting of the VCH packer and activation of the EHS system within approximately 90 minutes. This efficient installation demonstrated the suitability of the completion design for offshore operations where minimizing time and complexity is critical. Filter-cake breaker placement was also completed effectively, which supported well cleanup objectives without introducing additional operational steps.

Overall, the integrated completion strategy reduced operational complexity compared to traditional OHGP methods. By eliminating heavy pumping equipment, ball drops, and washpipe requirements, the approach helped reduce offshore execution risk and simplified logistics. The streamlined method contributed to lower HSE exposure and cost efficiencies and met the sand control and zonal isolation requirements of the multi-well campaign. The results demonstrated the EHS system’s suitability as an alternative for offshore sand control applications where efficiency, reliability, and operational simplicity are key priorities.