High-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) operations remain one of the challenging frontiers in the oil and gas industry. With an increasing focus on clean energy, sustainable operations, emissions reduction, and data integration, the global energy landscape is evolving. Hence, overcoming HP/HT challenges is critical to ensuring energy security, optimizing production, and pacing our transition.
HP/HT technologies are uniquely positioned to address mutual challenges in oil, gas, and geothermal energy exploration and development.
Scaling HP/HT innovations offers a pathway for the energy industry’s diversification. Cross-industry collaboration will be key to achieving this transition. By aligning research, resources, and expertise, the industry can drive sustainable energy solutions. This column explores key advancements in HP/HT technologies, including materials innovation, drilling and completion systems, and the role of digital solutions, while drawing insights from three influential papers.
The reliability of drilling, cementing, completions, and interventions materials in extreme HP/HT environments has long been a cornerstone of health, safety, and environment and operational efficiency. Innovative research has demonstrated how advanced manufacturing methods can redefine material performance. Paper IPTC 23353 showcases how dynamic composition modification using composite 3D printing is revolutionizing material design. A material’s robustness enables rapid production of tailored components, offering an adaptable solution for evolving HP/HT challenges. Dynamic materials manufacturing not only addresses immediate operational needs but also presents opportunities for scaling with the ability to fabricate components resilient to both extreme heat and corrosive environments.
Traditionally, HP solutions have prioritized well control and pressure management. However, enhancing production through techniques such as stimulation, acidizing, and fracturing is equally vital. Fracturing remains a critical requirement for unlocking the potential of HP/HT reservoirs. Tight formations, characterized by low permeability, necessitate advanced fracturing methods to achieve commercial production rates. Paper IPTC 23680 introduces a novel completion method that simplifies operations and improves stimulation efficiency. By replacing traditional packers with cemented multientry fracturing sleeves, this system reduces the need for interventions while enhancing fracture distribution. This technology not only addresses operational inefficiencies but also minimizes environmental impact by reducing water consumption and emissions. Its deployment in tight gas wells highlights the growing importance of sustainable fracturing solutions in HP/HT development.
Paper SPE 219625 shifts the emphasis on dynamic rock conditions in HT environments. It underscores the importance of mitigating thermal interference between closely spaced wells, a phenomenon that affects reservoir performance and the structural integrity of wellbore material. By adopting strategies such as adjusted well spacing and improved insulation, operators can balance well control with enhanced production efficiency. The research is relevant for field development strategies in challenging HP/HT reservoirs. With proper thermal management and innovative completions, operators can unlock additional reserves, making the case for a more-integrated approach to HP/HT field planning.
The integration of digital technologies, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) has become central to the oil and gas industry’s evolution. HP/HT operations, with their inherent complexities, can significantly benefit from these advancements. In 2024, multiple interesting articles were published on predictive analytics, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven decision-making to optimize drilling, completions, and production processes—for example, virtual drilling to couple real hardware with simulation models in the laboratory to optimize drilling processes.
The trends are evident. Digital solutions will be indispensable for future HP/HT developments. By adopting data-driven approaches, operators can transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive actionable-insight generation, enhancing safety and productivity.
This Month’s Technical Papers
Composite 3D Printing Allows for Optimization of Backup Rings for HP/HT Applications
Effect of Thermal Interference Explored in Offshore HP/HT Gas Field
Cemented Multientry Fracturing System Proves Effective for Deep Tight Gas Wells
Recommended Additional Reading
SPE 222091 System-in-the-Loop—Virtually Drilling 1 Million ft at High Temperature by M. Hempel, 2H Offshore, et al.
SPE 222700 Degradation Mechanism Study of FEPM Elastomer in HP/HT Sour Environments and Material’s Service Lifetime Prediction by Using a Physics-Informed Neural-Network-Modeling Methodby Jiaxiang Ren, China National Petroleum Corporation, et al.
SPE 219135 Novel Approach to Stimulation Design Optimization for Ultradeep, 200°C Formations: A Case Study in Kunteyi Block by Tengfei Hou, China National Petroleum Corporation, et al.
Abdul Muqtadir Khan, SPE, is a digital solutions project manager at SLB in Houston, where he leads the development of stimulation digital products from inception to commercialization. His research interests include hydraulic fracturing, acidizing, intervention technologies, and the application of machine learning in petroleum engineering. He holds an MS degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. An active contributor to the technical community, he has co-authored multiple technical papers and participates in various SPE initiatives. He also is an active reviewer for multiple reputable peer-reviewed journals including the SPE Journal and serves on the JPT Editorial Review Board.