Sand Production Forecasts for Unconsolidated Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

Development of appropriate strategy for the management of reservoirs with sanding problems is rather complex and requires an integrated approach to finding the optimum solution to solving the problem. This requires integration of key aspects of reservoir characterisation, drilling, completion and production technologies including sand tolerances (Seabed wellhead/flow lines, topside facilities. Providing an accurate forecast of the tolerance depends on accurate prediction of sand failure and the corresponding volume of produced sand. This is a transient phenomena further complicated by gas reservoir fluid flow. In this paper the results of a comprehensive Thick Wall Cylinder[TWC] experimental sand production studies carried out on synthetic sandstones are presented. The sand production prediction model for liquid flow are further calibrated and upscaled with field data for gas reservoirs. The prediction model developed is further validated with independent field data with good results. The results represent a first for sand production forecast for gas reservoirs. Mitigation of sanding requires reliable sanding prediction, precise well design, accurate technology selection as well as optimum completion strategy.