Unlocking Oil Potential in Mature Oil Fields Using Sand Agglomeration Technology and Eliminating Artificial Lift Pre-Mature Failures

Abstract

Abstract An advanced sand agglomeration technology (SAT) is proposed as a solution for the sand production issues that commonly occur in many oil-producing sandstone reservoirs in the Sultanate of Oman. In the past, several techniques have been applied to improve well productivity and increase the run life of artificial lift prior to failure due to sand production. Mechanical solutions, such as standalone screens or gravel packs, are difficult to handle and to recover after they fail. In addition, the aim of existing technologies is to minimize the sand issues inside the casing and not to stop sand production within the formation. Resins can be effective against sand production, but resin treatments noticeably reduce well productivity due to the negative effect on reservoir permeability in the critical near-wellbore zone. An advanced SAT is an effective solution against the sand production problem. The SAT is pumped into the formation to tackle the sand issue and convert weakly consolidated, semiconsolidated, or unconsolidated formations into agglomerated formations. The SAT alters the zeta-potential of the unconsolidated sand grains to the optimum value. This causes agglomeration of the grains and eliminates or significantly reduces sand production. Integrated technical work resulted in the successful implementation of SAT treatments in Oman. The treatments consisted of a simple bullhead operation with minimum equipment and personnel on the wellsite. After the treatments, the performance of the wells was closely monitored for 2 years. The performed SAT treatments saved the cost of frequent backflushing and hoist interventions by increasing the run life of artificial lift without affecting the well production. Prior to the SAT treatments, backflushing and hoist interventions were commonly required in these two wells. These interventions were not needed in these wells after SAT treatment. The advanced SAT was piloted for the first time in Oman and showed very promising results. The experience and knowledge gained during this trial campaign will be used during planned full-scale deployment of SAT treatments in other unconsolidated sandstone formations in Sultanate of Oman.