Years of Success with Premium Expandable Screens System through Managed Applications and Installation

Abstract

Abstract Since the inception of expandable sand screen technology in the late 1990's, it has seen its ups and downs during its inaugural and acceptance phase. Expandable premium screen technology has seen in recent years an increase in the number of applications in several oilfield typologies. From high rate gas producers to Oil production up to the most challenging gas storage application expandable screens have shown to be a reliable completion for a variety of well types. As with any new technology there were lessons learned. This knowledge led to the fine tuning of the entire system and required adjustments to the operation procedures and design parameters in order to improve its reliability. The ultimate goal of any technology is to reduce operational cost, maximize productivity, and deliver a reliable completion for many years to come. After several years of activity, it is now possible to provide a summary of experience in several different applications. The quantity of Expandable Premium screen installations to date supply the opportunity to statistically evaluate the success of this technology but also provide significant operational experience. The objective is to go through the data base of installations owned by operator and Service Company and provide a Best Practice handbook used not only to optimize deployment and operations but also to increase productivity and improve well longevity. Through the evaluation of several expandable premium screen applications it will describe how starting from conventional sand control techniques the operating procedures have been refined, modified and improved to meet the requirements that the new technology requires for successful execution.