CASE STUDY

Brazil: Warp Fluid Technology shows value as

alternative to high-density brines
Warp* was used as completion fluid on a DST completion. No sag was
observed while the completion operations were performed allowing a
successful well test.
Raul Navarro WP BDM M-I SWACO

Well Information

Location.......................................................................................................................................................................................................Santos Basin, Brazil

Spud................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. April 2011
Water Depth............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 151 m (495 ft)
Measured depth..............................................................................................................................................................................................5,290 m (16,207 ft)
BHT..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................295 F (146 C)
Completion ................................................................................................................................................................................................Barefoot Completion
Liner 7 in. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................5010 m (16,437 ft)

The Situation

The 8 in. interval from 350 m to 4,940-5,290 m (1,148-16,207 ft) was drilled with Paradril* (SBM). The initial mud weight to drill the interval
was 10.4 lb/gal (1.25 s.g.). At 5012 m (16,443 ft), a gas influx was observed and the mud weight was raised to 15.4 lb/gal (1.85 s.g.) to TD the
well while avoiding a well control incident.
Owing to Brazilian environmental regulations, zinc bromide or cesium formates were not permitted for use in the project. However,
the operator was very keen to perform a well test, requiring a completion fluid which could be weighted up to 15.4 lb/gal (1.85 s.g.) and
address the following issues:

Transmissibility to activate completion valve

Compatibility with completion tools

Barite sag

The Solution

M-I SWACO proposed the operator use a paraffin-based Warp system as an alternative for the completion operation. Laboratory tests
were performed showing the difference in sag factor between the Paradril drilling fluid and the Warp drilling fluid after three and seven
days, even that Warp rheologies were lower than the Paradril rheology. The operator agreed to the alternative approach.
Bottom

Time (days)

Fig #1 Sag Factor Paradril vs. Warp

Time (days)

Fig #2 Bottom MW

The Results

The application of the WarP system proved highly successful on all fronts, including:

No problems opening and closing the valves on the DST string after the WarP system was static for three days prior the well test and
during the well test.

No sag observed during trips.

During all the circulations after trips, the initial and the final mud weight was the same.

Before cementing to abandon the well, there was a successful trip without drag or resistance to reach TD.

After pumping the WarP to the supply boat, there were no signs of sag in the mud pits.

The operator requested WarP for drilling and completing their next well in the same block.

The Details

Laboratory results demonstrated the advantages of using WarP over the Paradril SBM and the operator requested a 14.3 lb/gal (1.72 s.g.)
WarP system to be built at the liquid mud plant. The well was cemented from 5290 to 5045 m (17,355 to 16,551 ft) and the 7 in. liner (shoe @
5,010 m) was run and cemented. After the cement job, the conditioning string (Riser Brush/ Jetting Tool/ 9 5/8 in. Scraper/ Magnet/ Brush
and 7 in. Scraper/ magnet), was run in the hole and used to displace the 15.4 lb/gal (1.85 s.g.) Paradril to 14.3 lb/gal (1.72 s.g.) WarP. The 7 in.
liner shoe and cement were drilled with WarP until 5,054 m (16,581 ft) without any issues. The DST string was tripped in to simulate the well
test. While circulating the well to pull out, the DST string 520,000 ppm of gas was observed and the WarP weight was increased to 15.0 lb/
gal (1.80 s.g.).

Table 1 WarP fluid Properties

Before the well test was conducted, the DST string was tripped in and the well was left static to check the compatibility with the
completion tools and the valve response after over three days of exposure. The test was successful and during all the circulations the
initial and the final mud weight were the same showing no indications of sag.

Questions? Well be glad to answer them.

If youd like to know more about WarP and how its performing for our costumers please call your nearest M-I SWACO office.

This information is supplied solely for informational purposes and M-I SWACO makes no guarantees or
warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the accuracy and use of this data. All product
warranties and guarantees shall be governed by the Standard Terms of Sale. Nothing in this document
is legal advice or is a substitute for competent legal advice.

2011 M-I L.L.C. All rights reserved. *Mark of M-I L.L.C.

FPR.2301i.1106.R1 (E) Litho in U.S.A.

P.O. Box 42842

Houston, Texas 77242-2842
www.miswaco.slb.com
Email: questions@miswaco.slb.com