sand Production Prediction
Autor: Essays.club • April 11, 2017 • Case Study • 710 Words (3 Pages) • 1,293 Views
Sand Production Prediction
W.R. Moore, SPE. BJ Services Co.
Many investigators over the years have researched the causes of
sand production and searched for a reliable means to predict it. Sand
production prediction is important because of the safety,
environmental, and operational concerns involved when produced
sand particles fill and plug the wellbore, erode downhole and
surface equipment, and increase operating expense. Currently, no
method of sand production prediction is universally regarded as
accurate and reliable within the industry.
A number of prediction models have been developed to identify
completions that may be expected to produce sand. Earlier attempts
to develop prediction techniques included statistical models,
numerical models, mechanical properties logs, sand strength logs,
and core studies. Often the individual attempts to develop a predictive
model were specific to the type and locale of the reservoir being
studied; i.e., water production, pore pressure depletion, perforation
geometry, pressure drawdown caused by skin effects, and a variety
of other critical parameters were not always considered.
The dilemma of an independent U.S. operator faced with a
completion decision regarding sand control is not that different
from the problems considered by large North Sea production
companies. Quite often, the most cost-effective method to
determine the need for sand control is by analogy from data
collected from offset wells. Complex 3D numerical modeling in
concert with extensive laboratory analysis of core and log data is
not always economically practical but is the most technically
correct method with an acceptable degree of accuracy when
properly performed. l
TABLE 1-DATA CONSIDERED IN A COMPLETE
EVALUATION FOR PREDICTING SAND
PRODUCTION POTENTIAL
1 . Field data.
2. Cyclic loading.
3. Directional in-situ stresses.
4. Quality of cementation.
5. Perforation geometry and spacing.
6. Perforation cavities geometry and shot density.
7. Cavity evolution effect of varying perforation
geometry.
8. Well pressure.
9. Flow rate (fluid forces).
10. Permeability, viscosity, and relative permeability
for two- and three-phase flow.
11. Rock deformation characteristics.
12. Rock strength characteristics.
13. Flow through porous media where nondarcy flow is
included.
14. Log-derived rock mechanical properties.
15. Laboratory tri-axial measurements of core
samples.
16. Regional tectonic forces.
JVf • November 1994
Historically, much attention has been given to sand production
prediction. The vast differences and complexities observed
between the models and techniques that have been developed
suggests
...