The main objectives of this project were to develop completion guidelines to optimize horizontal well completions.
In a horizontal well, depending on the completion method, fluid may enter the wellbore at various locations along the well length. The pressure distribution in a horizontal well can influence the well completion and well profile design, and have an impact on the production behavior of the well. Pressure-drop versus flow behavior along the well and the relationship between the pressure-drop along the well and the influx from the reservoir were studied.
The researchers completed wellbore hydraulics studies and developed new friction factor correlations for slotted liners and perforated pipes. It was shown that the use of conventional friction factors for horizontal well flow introduced significant errors in well performance prediction. New completion guidelines were developed for perforated wells. The final project meeting was held in February 2000.