Comparative Studies and Analyses of the Different Mechanical Sand Control Systems: A Case Study of a Well Completed in the Niger- Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract: Sand production problems are as old as oil drilling itself. It is argued to be the oldest problem plaguing the oil industry. This phenomenon leads to high economic losses in oil and gas production. If the passive methods of sand control of selective and oriental perforations fail, the active methods which involve the chemical and mechanical methods are called into play. This project work compares four mechanical sand control methods; Cased-Hole Gravel Pack, Wire-Wrapped Screens, Pre-Packed Screens and Slotted Liner. It studies the effectiveness of each system, total skin offered and their effects on well productivity. As a control, the data of a well completed without any sand control system in place in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria was obtained. the IPR/VLP plots were made and the flow efficiencies were calculated. The well was later simulated with the four cases mentioned above and the total skin and flow efficiencies calculated. It was discovered that the flow efficiencies showed a reduction due to the installation of the sand control tools and the skin offered by each sand control system. The flow efficiencies dropped from 0.476 025 to 0.475 977 for Wire-wrapped Screen, 0.475 930 for Cased-Hole Gravel Pack, 0.475 914 for Pre-Packed Screen and finally 0.052 890 for the Slotted Liner. The drops in flow efficiencies were validated by the increasing values of total skin factors from 0 for No Sand Control System, 0.000 484 86 for Wire-Wrapped Screen, 0.002 359 for Pre-Packed Screen, 1.76 for Cased-Hole Gravel Pack and 49.82 for The Slotted Liner. Parameters as Absolute Open Flow Potential (AOFP), Productivity Index (P.I.), Total Skin Value and Liquid (Oil) Production Rate showed that the Wire-Wrapped Screen was the best sand control solution for the given well