Publications

In the effort to increase gas production, Medco E&P Indonesia embarked on a gas development program at SD cluster. Two critical problems were encountered during drilling at SD cluster - lost circulation and well kick. Addressing these two issues, Medco E&P Indonesia was determined to drill the wells safely, efficiently, and cost effectively. Reviewing the circumstances of gas well, S 2010-4, designed with cased-hole completion, the lost circulation problem followed by well kick occurred whilst drilling the producing reservoir. These problems resulted in nonproductive rig time and additional expense, requiring 31 days to complete, 14 days longer than planned. Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) method was successfully employed in drilling SD 2006-1 reentry where lost circulation and kick at the production zone were controlled. However, due to preparation time and cost considerations, an alternative, equally adequate, more cost effective method was needed. Open-hole completion well design was considered as replacement for the PMCD method. Open-hole completion is a method applicable for producing a single limestone reservoir that is consolidated and will not evoke production problems in the future. Casing must be installed just above the producing interval, then, controlled drilling for only 20 ft of the production zone from the casing shoe to prevent lost circulation. Open-hole completion results in cost saving of more than 300,000 USD and the well is completed three days faster than planned without loss and kick problems. Wells drilled with open-hole completion design currently meet the gas production target.