Using Local Gravel to Control Sand Production in a Saudi Oil Field

Abstract

Sand production from oil and gas reservoirs is most commonly associated with unconsolidated and poorly cemented sandstones. Sand production problems are encountered throughout the world and recently are detected in Saudi Arabia. Several techniques could be used to minimize sand production such as drawdown control, installing screen liners, applying resin consolidation, gravel packing, etc. This work was conducted to investigate the possibility of using gravel packs made from gravel deposited in the central province of Saudi Arabia. Optimum gravel size, shape, crushing resistance and solubility in acids were tested. The results of the above analysis showed that the selected Saudi gravel properties meet the recommended API requirements. Furthermore, a physical model has been constructed to simulate sand control process. This model was used to study the effect of drawdown pressure, confining pressure and gravel-pack thickness on rate of fluids and sand production in a Saudi oil field. The experimental results showed that sand and fluid production are affected by the gravel pack thickness, drawdown pressure and confining pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to utilize the tested Saudi gravel in sand control applications after performing an economical feasibility study.