Pros and Cons of Open Hole Completion

Advantages:

  • It has a lower cost and a more straightforward design.

  • It provides maximum exposure to the pay zone, increasing the productivity index and the performance of the well.

  • Lower pressure losses due to larger diameter conduit

  • Causes less formation damage: Since the reservoir section is drilled using non-damaging drilling fluid and is not cemented or perforated, less formation damage occurs. Less damage keeps the reservoir close to its original conditions, not requiring severe stimulation efforts.

  • The well can be deepened in the future if required

  • Completion can be modified in the future by running a liner if required

Disadvantages:

  • There is a higher risk of hole collapse: Since there is no mud cake or cemented casing to support, less consolidated rock could collapse during production.

  • There is no control over sand production: Small sand production can be managed through not-so-expensive means, but significant sand production could require a major workover operation.

  • There is limited zonal isolation: If multiple open zones contain different fluids, the production cannot be easily controlled.

  • It is difficult to carry out selective zonal stimulation: Since there is limited zonal isolation, stimulation fluid could go to the high permeability zone, leaving the lower permeability zone improperly stimulated.