HPHT Well Design — 7,100m TVD, 20,000 psi, 195°C
Deepwater · 1,850m water depth · Pre-salt carbonate · 8-12 mol% CO₂ · Zero NPT from design
Project Overview
An operator required full-scope well engineering for a deep offshore HPHT exploration and appraisal well in 1,850 metres water depth — targeting a pre-salt carbonate reservoir with CO₂ content of 8–12 mol%. Conditions were extreme: bottom hole temperature of 195°C, static reservoir pressure of 1,380 bar (20,000 psi) and total vertical depth of 7,100 metres. Every element of the well design had to be engineered from first principles for 20K service conditions.
SPD’s Approach
SPD delivered full well engineering from pore pressure and fracture gradient modelling through to execution-ready well programmes, materials qualification, barrier philosophy and emergency well control procedures. A full 20K rated wellhead and BOP stack qualification testing programme was managed by SPD from specification through to factory acceptance. Foamed slurry cement was designed for the salt section. Every elastomer, seal and metallurgy selection required detailed sour service evaluation.
Results & Value Delivered
✔ Zero NPT from Well Design — Well drilled to total depth with no NPT attributable to well design.
✔ Reservoir Encountered as Prognosed — At 7,100m TVD, confirming the subsurface model.
✔ 20K Qualification Managed — Wellhead and BOP programme completed without delay to spud date.
✔ Two-Barrier Philosophy Maintained — ALARP demonstrated to regulator throughout.