Understanding Sand Control for Thermal Heavy Oil and Bitumen Production Operations

Abstract

Thermal recovery methods, in particular technology based on steam injection, are used extensively around the world for heavy oil and bitumen production. Because of the unconsolidated nature of the majority of such deposits, sand control is required. Design effectiveness of sand control depends on the reservoir type, production technology and operational practices. The industry is facing many challenges such as low oil prices, tight environmental regulations, the need to lower risks while assuring well integrity and longevity and project economics. All of that requires special technical solutions for thermal well design, including sand control. The paper provides an overview of sand control for thermal heavy oil and bitumen production operations, factors affecting sand control design for thermal projects, sand control devices and industry trends. Laboratory observations and field data are discussed. The impact of steam on different quality heavy oil and bitumen deposits in relation to sand control is discussed in detail. Efficient sand control design for thermal production operations requires a multidisciplinary approach and is an integral part of the well longevity and project economics. Better understanding of the impact of reservoir quality, thermal formation damage and operational practices on well performance is required to assure success of a thermal project.

Sand screens application and performance for sand control: A review of selection criteria, screen materials, and causes of failure

“…As shown, plugging and erosion tendency is different across various types of screens. For instance, due to the high flow area of wire-wrap screens and premium screens, they have good anti-blocking characteristic, though their application is usually constrained by their cost especially in [ [11] , [74] ]. According to Manning et al [ 75 ], ceramic screens are much superior in resisting highly erosive environments when compared to metallic screens.…”

Numerical simulations of sand‐screen performance in unconsolidated prepacked gravel screen

“…12 Among these, SL screens are favored for their simplicity and cost effectiveness, whereas WWS screens provide superior sand control capabilities due to their high overflow area, reduced pressure drop, and corrosion resistance. 13,14 PPGS resembles WWS but uses gravel media as filtering media, which may or may not be resin coated. 15 The thickness and size of the packing layer vary based on well requirements, such as formation sand size, flow rate, and hole size.…”

“…Currently, the common types of mechanical sand screens include slotted liners (SL), 11 wire‐wrapped screens (WWS), prepacked gravel screens (PPGS), and premium screens 12 . Among these, SL screens are favored for their simplicity and cost effectiveness, whereas WWS screens provide superior sand control capabilities due to their high overflow area, reduced pressure drop, and corrosion resistance 13,14 . PPGS resembles WWS but uses gravel media as filtering media, which may or may not be resin coated 15 .…”