Completion and Production

Saving Time, Optimizing Production, Maximizing Reliability and Assuring Flow

On high-cost deepwater projects, oil companies need to complete their wells quickly and without Non-Productive Time. Once on line, fields need to produce at economic rates while assuring maximum ultimate recovery. Completion and production systems must be extremely reliable, adapt to changing reservoir conditions, and require minimal intervention. And in the deepwater environment, which is prone to formation of hydrates, asphaltenes and other deposition, production systems need technology to keep oil and gas flowing.

Comprehensive Completion Line

Baker Hughes completion and production technologies are designed to meet these goals for deepwater operators. We can deliver a comprehensive range of industry-leading technologies for completions, from the reservoir face to the surface, including sand control systems and pumping services, flow control equipment, isolation packers and subsurface safety valves.

Baker Hughes creates the most value for our deepwater customers when we design and implement entire completion systems tailored to the specific needs of the reservoir. Baker Hughes performs detailed engineering on deepwater completion systems, which often must produce from high pressure / high temperature reservoirs. These completion systems require exotic materials, extensive testing, and tight-tolerance design of complementary components. Installation procedures and completion operations like perforating, gravel packing and stimulation must be designed and implemented as an integrated project.

Baker Hughes time-saving innovations include one-trip perforating/gravel pack assemblies; technology vessels with high rate pumping capacity; a full range of packer systems and bridge plugs to perform all needed operations; and isolation valves that permit temporary suspension of subsea wells.

“We deliver a comprehensive range of industry-leading completion technologies from the reservoir face to the surface.”

Production Optimization

Baker Hughes also delivers solutions that optimize production from deepwater wells. We have installed numerous intelligent well systems in waters as deep as 8000 ft. These systems include permanent monitoring gauges that measure conditions downhole and sliding sleeves that can be adjusted remotely in response to changes in the reservoir. Permanent monitoring systems include electronic and fiber optic gauge technology to precisely measure pressure, temperature and flow.

Horizontal Completions

Baker Hughes horizontal completion systems equalize flow over long laterals using isolation packers and reservoir optimization systems. This proven approach enables maximum contact with the reservoir and minimizes water production, even in formations with variable permeability.

Subsea Electric Submersible Pumps

Baker Hughes also is a leader in applying electric submersible pump (ESP) system technology to enhance subsea and deepwater production. Baker Hughes was the first company to apply dual ESP systems in subsea wells, and we have achieved a sound track record with this technology in the North Sea and offshore Australia. ESP systems have been installed in a riser in 4200 ft of water to increase a subsea well’s production by 2500 BOPD. Projects planned for Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico will use horizontal ESP systems on the seabed to boost production from subsea wells in waters as deep as 8000 ft, and ESPs will be installed in seafloor caissons to boost flow from wells 9000 ft below the ocean’s surface.

“Baker Hughes provides a full line of treatment chemicals certified to provide flow assurance in deepwater and subsea applications.”

Importance of Reliability

System reliability is paramount to deepwater completion and production systems. Baker Hughes has made significant investments in reliable completion technology, including prototype and testing facilities for completion systems, safety valves and ESP systems World-class manufacturing capabilities make Baker Hughes equipment the most reliable deepwater systems in the industry. Our packer systems, liner hangers, perforating systems and ESP systems are rated for operation at pressures exceeding 15,000 psi and at temperatures up to 400°F. Ongoing research is extending this range to even more demanding applications.

A Leader in Flow Assurance

Flow assurance is another critical concern for deepwater operators. Baker Hughes provides a full line of deepwater certified treatment chemicals that are specifically tested to qualify for use in umbilicals and subsea applications. Our treatments are designed to match the produced fluids and environmental conditions of each project. We are leaders in engineered chemical services to control asphaltene, paraffin, scale, H₂S, corrosion and other potential flow assurance problems. We were the first to introduce anti-agglomerate low dosage hydrate inhibitors, which also help reduce production facility capital requirements. Baker Hughes continues to develop innovative flow assurance solutions to help operators maintain high rates of production from their deepwater reservoirs.