Sand production from (relatively) unconsolidated reservoirs is a
frequently encountered, costly operational problem which has a significant
impact on the case of well operation and the economics of oil or gas
production. It is usually associated with shallow, young formations, but has
also been encountered at depths greater than 4000m. Other types of unstable
formations also show similar production problems -i.e. they allow “pieces” of
the formation to break away and enter the perforation or wellbore. Soft chalks,
shales, siltstones and rubble zones can all flow particles, undergo plastic
failure or slough particles due to mechanical formation failure the stresses
imposed by well production.
This course will highlight:
The rock mechanical process that
lead to sand production
What institutes a sand production
problem from a production operator’s point of view
Indicate the operational measures
taken to identify a sand problem well
The various types of sand control.
These include sand consolidation and the mechanical methods:
screens/prepacks/gravel packing/frac packing
The completion operations required
for the installation of sand control
Introduce the new approach to stand
alone screen (through tubing and through casing)
Training Objectives
What are
the Goals?
At the end of this course,
participants will learn to:
Describe the impact of an incorrect
decision of whether to allow for the installation of sand control during
the original completion design
Explain the reasons for the lack of
definition of “what constitutes a sand problem In the field”
State measures taken to modify
completion/surface facilities to “live with” sand production
Construct a methodology for
predicting sand failure
Discuss the various rock mechanical
measurement that may help with this prediction
Identify and contrast the
advantages/disadvantages of the various sand control options (none, sand
consolidation, bare screen, internal and external gravel packs, “Frac and
Pack”)
Discuss openhole completions design
and drill-in fluid selection
Discuss the characteristics and
functions of the fluid and proppant used in a gravel pack
Design a gravel pack be selecting
the optimum gravel pack size and fluid for a gravel pack operation
Target Audience
Who is this Training
Course for?
This course is suitable to a
wide range of professionals and will greatly benefit:
Production supervisors
Production engineers
Completion supervisors and engineers
Reservoir engineers
Geologists
Drilling supervisors and engineers
Workover and well service supervisors
Training Methods
How will this Training
Course be Presented?
Participants will engage in a highly interactive learning
experience, with a blend of class room learning, exercises, group work and
discussion. The instructor will apply a range of proven adult learning teaching
and facilitation techniques, which will address participants’ learning
preference styles. Active participation is essential, to share experiences and
expertise of the tutor, as well as the participants. We can all learn from each
other.
Organisational Impact
Reducing operational risk by identifying the
impact of an incorrect decision of whether or not to allow for the
installation of sand control during the original completion design
Discuss what institutes a sand production
problem from a production operator’s point of view
Describe the various types of sand control
Apply best practices to ensure successful sand control completions
Conduct successful frac packs
Evaluate sand control performance
Evaluate new technologies for proper
applications
Personal Impact
Describe the impact of an incorrect decision of
whether or not to allow for the installation of sand control during the
original completion design
Explain the reasons for the lack of definition
of “what constitutes a sand problem in the field”
State measures taken to modify
completion/surface facilities to “live with” sand production
Construct a methodology for predicting sand
failure
Discuss the various rock mechanical measurement
that may help with this prediction
Identify and contrast the
advantages/disadvantages of the various sand control options (none, sand
consolidation, bare screen, internal and external gravel packs, “Frac and
Pack”)
Discuss openhole completions design and
drill-in fluid selection
Discuss the characteristics and functions of
the fluid and proppant used in a gravel pack
Daily Agenda
Day One: Sand Production Meaning, Reasons
& Prediction
What is the sand production?
“Fines” Production
Sand Cementation
When is Sand Production a Problem?
Reasons Of sand production, Formation
properties and production practices?
What are the consequences of sand production in
reservoir, wellbore and on surface equipment?
Predicting sanding potential
Field observations
Formation Strength Log
Sonic Log
Laboratory Experiments
Overview of sand production issues and sand
management options
Day Two: Mitigating Sand Production Without
Screens
Living with Sand Production
Drilling and Completion best practices to
reduce sand production tendency
Production best practices
Opening and closing procedures for the well
Optimum draw down to control sand
Perforation selection for sand production
controlling without mechanical methods
Perforating only strong intervals
How many SPF to be selected
Small entrance hole or big entrance hole
Perforation orientation
Perforation phasing
Prevention phase and decision based on
technical information
Sand production measurement
Sand production monitoring
Intrusive detectors
Non-intrusive detectors
Day Three: Mechanical Sand Exclusion
Formation Grain Size Distribution
Gravel and screen selection
Testing and selection of screens and completion
fluids
Sand Control Screen Types
Wire-wrapped screens (WWS)
Pre-packed screens (PPS)
Premium screens (sometimes called mesh or woven
screens)
Types of Gravel packs
External Gravel Packs
Internal Gravel Pack
Perforating specifically for gravel packing
Gun design and deployment
Perforation sizing and shapes
Perforation cleaning methods
Advantages / Disadvantages of gravel packing
Operational Considerations
Fluids for gravel packing
Fluid loss control
Day Four: Mechanical Sand Exclusion
Continued - (Fracpack & Openhole Gravel Pack)
Frac Packing in cased completions
Fracturing Fluid Systems
Sand Control in Open-hole Completions
Application of Open Hole Completions
Fluids related to drill-in (fluid loss control)
Expandable Screens
Deviated Well Problems and Solutions
Fluid requirements and selection criteria
Gravel Pack Evaluation
Day Five: Chemical Sand Consolidation &
Alternative New Standalone Screen Technology
Chemical Consolidation Methods
Limitation and operational consideration
Resin-coated sand
Combination packing/consolidation systems
Standalone Screens
Criteria of standalone screen selection
Standalone screen failures
Successfully using standalone screens
Vent screen case study
·Certificate Awarded
Certificate
of Completion will be awarded at the end of the Training.
