Expandable tubular completions for carbonate reservoirs

A major Middle East operator has applied expandable tubular solutions for water shutoff and zonal isolation in fractured carbonate reservoirs. In this paper, we review the operator's experience with the implementation of this emerging well technology. Expandable tubular solutions have proven successful in terms of installation reliability, isolation of fractures, and zonal isolation without cement to segment horizontal wells. Case histories highlight the benefits, risks, and performance of expandable tubular completions. Post-installation production performance proves the viability of mechanical inflow profile control for better management of unwanted production of water in fractured carbonate reservoirs.