Application of new types of screens to solve the problem of sand production in oil fields

Abstract

During the drilling, completion and production of the wells sand production is one of the common operational problems encountered throughout producing petroleum from unconsolidated reservoirs. It has negative effect on the economy and production and in severe cases, it may lead to abandonment of the well. Furthermore, large amount of sand production can lead to a variety of complications, technical problems, such as erosion of casing. Sand screen is a mechanical means of controlling sand production and has been considered as one of the effective and widely applied sand control method in petroleum industry over the years. Nowadays, most of the treatments are sand screen which is reliable, cost effective, long term and common sand controlling technique. In order to achieve an effective gravel packed completion sand screens are the most important part of completion design. All the above mentioned is discussed in the first part of the research report. Additionally, as background information, sand production and causes, confirmation and monitoring of sand production and sand control methods are presented in the first part as well. The second part of the report emphasizes main points while applying the sand screen methods to the sand producing reservoirs. In Azerbaijan, a number of wells with producing sand are completed with putting sand screens. The operation and other factors are researched through the real field example – West Absheron Field.