Unplugging Standalone Sand Control Screens with High-power Shock Waves: An Experimental Study

Habibi, Ali; Fensky, Charles; Perri, Mike; Roostaei, Morteza; Fattahpour, Vahidoddin; Mahmoudi, Mahdi; Ghalambor, Ali; Sadrzadeh, Mohtada; Zeng, Hongbo

doi:10.2118/199294-ms

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…This variation shows the mineral heterogeneity of the scale samples. This observation is in agreement with previous studies that showed the mineral heterogeneity of depositing minerals [7,37]. In this sample, there are four regions with different components: (1) organic matter, (2) iron sulfide, (3) Mg-based silicates and (4) calcite/aragonite.…”

Section: Sem/eds Analysissupporting

confidence: 93%

“…Furthermore, the type of the scales used in the petroleum industry varies considerably. Habibi et al (2020) [7] categorized the mineral composition of scale deposits removed from completion tools. They showed that the inorganic scale deposits are mainly silicates, carbonates and corrosion products.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A major challenge in mechanical scale removal in SAGD wells is that the scale deposits not only form inside tubulars but also develop inside the sand control devices' openings and plug them. The scale formed inside production pipes could be removed by typical mechanical methods; however, to remove scales inside slots, other advanced and special techniques, such as electro-hydraulic stimulation tools which generate strong shockwaves, can be employed [7]. If none of the cleaning procedures prove to be effective in conventional wells, several techniques can be employed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Laboratory Workflow for Characterization of Scaling Deposits in Thermal Wells

Habibi

Fensky

Roostaei³

et al. 2020

Energies

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Previous studies have shown that different parameters such as reservoir conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, and brine chemistry) and wellbore hydraulics influence the scaling tendency of minerals on the surfaces of completion tools in conventional resources. Although different studies have investigated the suitable conditions for the precipitation of scaling minerals, there is still a lack of understanding about the composition of the scaling materials deposited on the surfaces of completion tools in thermal wells. In this study, we presented a laboratory workflow combined with a predictive toolbox to evaluate the scaling tendency of minerals for different downhole conditions in thermal wells. First, the scaling indexes (SIs) of minerals are calculated for five water samples produced from thermal wells located in the Athabasca and Cold Lake areas in Canada using the Pitzer theory. Then, different characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and colorimetric and dry combustion analyses, have been applied to characterize the mineral composition of scale deposits collected from the surfaces of the completion tools. The results of the SI calculations showed that the scaling tendency of calcite/aragonite and Fe-based corrosion products is positive, suggesting that these minerals can likely deposit on the surfaces of completion tools. The characterization results confirmed the results of the Scaling Index calculations. The SEM/EDS and ICP-MS characterizations showed that carbonates, Mg-based silicates and Fe-based corrosion products are the main scaling components. The results of dry combustion analysis showed that the concentration of organic matter in the scale deposits is not negligible. The workflow presented in this study provides valuable insight to the industry to evaluate the possibility of scaling issues under different downhole conditions.

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Section: Sem/eds Analysissupporting

confidence: 93%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

A Laboratory Workflow for Characterization of Scaling Deposits in Thermal Wells

Habibi

Fensky

Roostaei³

et al. 2020

Energies

Self Cite

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The role of fouling materials strength on unplugging sand control devices using an electrohydraulic stimulation technique

Habibi

Fensky

Fattahpour³

et al. 2022

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

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Experiments with Stand-Alone Sand-Screen Specimens for Thermal Projects

Fattahpour

Roostaei

Hosseini

et al. 2020

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

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Summary Most of the test protocols developed to evaluate sand-screen designs were based on scaled-screen test coupons. There have been discussions regarding the reliability of such tests on scaled test coupons. This paper presents the results of tests on wire-wrapped screen (WWS) and slotted liner (SL) test coupons for typical onshore Canada McMurray formation sand. A unique sand control evaluation apparatus has been designed and built to accommodate all common stand-alone screens that are 3.5 in. in diameter and 12 in. in height. This setup provides the capability to have a radial measurement of pressure across the sandpack and screen for three-phase flow. Certain challenges during testing such as establishing uniform radial flow and measuring the differential pressure are outlined. Produced sand is also measured during the test. The main outputs of the test are to assess the sand control performance and the mode of sanding in different flow directions, flow rates, and flow regimes. It was possible to establish uniform radial flow in both high- and low-permeability sandpacks. However, the establishment of radial flow in sandpacks with very high permeability was challenging. The pressure measurement at different points in the radial direction around the screen indicated a uniform radial flow. Results of the tests on a representative particle size distribution (PSD) from the McMurray Formation on the WWS and SL test coupons with commonly used specifications in the industry (aperture sizes of 0.012, 0.014, and 0.016 in. for WWS and 0.012, 0.016, 0.018, and 0.020 in. for SL) have shown similar sanding and flow performances. We also included aperture sizes smaller and larger than the common practice. Similar to previous tests, narrower apertures are proven to be less resistant to plugging than wider slots for both WWS and SL. Accumulation of fines close to the screen causes significant pore plugging when conservative aperture sizes were used for both WWS and SL. In contrast, using the test coupon with a larger aperture size than the industry practice resulted in excessive sanding. The experiments under linear flow seem more conservative because their results show more produced sand and smaller retained permeability in comparison to the testing under radial flow. This work discusses the significance, procedure, challenges, and early results of physical modeling of stand-alone screens in thermal operation. It also provides insight into the fluid flow, fines migration, clogging, and bridging in the vicinity of sand screens.

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Unplugging Standalone Sand Control Screens with High-power Shock Waves: An Experimental Study

Cited by 4 publications

References 23 publications

A Laboratory Workflow for Characterization of Scaling Deposits in Thermal Wells

A Laboratory Workflow for Characterization of Scaling Deposits in Thermal Wells

The role of fouling materials strength on unplugging sand control devices using an electrohydraulic stimulation technique

Experiments with Stand-Alone Sand-Screen Specimens for Thermal Projects

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