Horizontal Screen Failures in Unconsolidated, High-Permeability Sandstone 
Reservoirs: Reversing the Trend

Arukhe, James; Uchendu, Chike; Nwoke, Linus

doi:10.2523/97299-ms

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…However, even with all these advancements, screen failures are still reported [13][14][15][16][17] . While running into a well, the screen may be damaged by the effects of drag, torque, residual drilling fluid, mud filter cake, fluid loss control pill, or erosive material (either natural or drilling/completion related).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Self-Mitigating Sand Control Screen

et al. 2009

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Sand screens often serve as the primary barrier to sand production from weakly consolidated reservoirs. Screen technology has improved significantly in the areas of sand retention, mechanical integrity, and quality control. As future field developments trend towards more hostile environments, requiring fewer wells at higher rates, the overall reliability and longevity of sand screens will be increasingly more important in this high cost environment. This paper introduces a self-mitigating sand screen technology, MazeFlo™, that uses redundant sand control and compartment baffles to improve reliability and longevity for sand-prone well production. The technology self-mitigates downhole screen damage by isolating the effects of any mechanical failure of the screen to a local compartment, while allowing continued hydrocarbon flow through the undamaged sections. The compartment maze is comprised of baffles and tortuous flow paths that balance the incoming flow momentum from the outer screen. This flow redistribution mitigates risk of inner screen failure, while posing no additional plugging risk over conventional screens.These self-mitigating screens reduce the frequency of sand-related workovers, extend well production, and increase recovery. Due to its simplicity and unique passive control capability, self-mitigating sand screens will expand the applicability of less complex and more cost effective standalone screen completions. Self-mitigating screens can also be easily combined with other emerging technologies such as zonal isolation and inflow control devices.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Self-Mitigating Sand Control Screen

et al. 2009

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“…Formation sand production can result in (1) plugged gravel packs, (2) plugged sand screens, (3) plugged tubulars, and potentially sand fill in the surface flow lines and surface equipment, as well as (4) lost production. [3][4][5][6] In addition to damage caused by plugging, surface equipment can be eroded because of abrasive, sand-laden fluid flowing from the well. In a worst-case scenario, sandproduction problems can cause total well failure or the need for recompletion resulting from casing collapse, openhole collapse, or both.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of Curable Thin Film for Sand Control

et al. 2006

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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe use of expandable screens simplifies completion procedures. Many operators perceive that screen performance depends on whether it is fully compliant with open hole; however, it is impossible to guarantee total compliance. Evidence indicates that, in addition to filling the micro-annuli and plugging the screen, mobile fines and sand have the potential to create hot spots and erode the screen, thus creating sandproduction problems.This paper presents laboratory results that illustrate the feasibility of applying a curable, low-viscosity composition to stabilize and strengthen unconsolidated formations. Overdisplacement is not necessary in this process. The composition forms a tacky, ultra-thin film, creating bonds between grains that cure with time and temperature once coated onto the surfaces of formation particulates. Unconsolidated formation sands, even those with high content of clay fines, were consolidated with negligible loss of initial permeability.The results obtained from this study demonstrate the importance of stabilization of the formation. The screens, whether wire-wrapped, pre-packed, expandable, or simply slotted pipes, serve as a mechanical support to prevent collapse of the wellbore. A combination of treating unconsolidated formations with an ultra-thin, curable composition and installing a mechanical liner should provide an economical and reliable means for sand control. The use of such curable sand-stabilization treatments may therefore eliminate the perceived need for compliant expansion, placing a premium on the mechanical strength of the sand-control technique selected.

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