The Search for Alternative to Screen: Is Permeable Cement a Viable Option?

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThe search for a cost-effective alternative to screens has been intensive in the sand control field. Different systems have been proposed in the past, including various solutions based on permeable cement, but none of them have made a real breakthrough.This paper presents a new permeable cement system that has significant advantages over previous systems. In particular, this permeable cement was formed in a one-stage process, eliminating the need for a subsequent treatment to generate permeability. This permeable cement system also has adequate strength and sufficient permeability for several sandcontrol applications. However, the durability of the permeable cement was evaluated and found to be poor. Some suggestions are made for possible applications of the permeable cement.