completion fluid

A solids-free liquid used to "complete" an oil or gas well. This fluid is placed in the well to facilitate final operations prior to initiation of production, such as setting screens production liners, packers, downhole valves or shooting perforations into the producing zone. The fluid is meant to control a well should downhole hardware fail, without damaging the producing formation or completion components. Completion fluids are typically brines (chlorides, bromides and formates), but in theory could be any fluid of proper density and flow characteristics. The fluid should be chemically compatible with the reservoir formation and fluids, and is typically filtered to a high degree to avoid introducing solids to the near-wellbore area. Seldom is a regular drilling fluid suitable for completion operations due to its solids content, pH and ionic composition. Drill-in fluids can, in some cases, be suitable for both purposes.