Addressing sand production challenges — an integrated research approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 445
Author(s):  
Seng Lim ◽  
Bailin Wu ◽  
Xavier Choi ◽  
Chong Yau Wong ◽  
Bahrom Madon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Methodology ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Production Equipment ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Unconventional Resource

Sand production may be induced by many factors, such as reservoir pressure depletion, excessive draw-down pressure and water-cut. When transported from the formation, the sand particles can cause serious damage to completion and topside assets, impacting the overall productivity and safety of the operating wells. The sand management strategy for a particular field requires careful planning, evaluation and implementation to ensure effective and safe well productivity. The associated CAPEX and OPEX implications and risks can be high if the sanding problem is not managed carefully. This requires a good understanding of field-specific sanding problems. PETRONAS and CSIRO have collaborated on an integrated research program to provide a better understanding of the critical issue affecting sand production and develop associated predictive tools. This involved a multidisciplinary team from geomechanics, fluid mechanics and mathematics to examine the entire sand production process from sand generation, control and transportation to ensure an optimum sand management strategy. This extended abstract provides an overview of the research methodology based on experimental and numerical modelling techniques supported by field information. The study focuses on sand production behaviour, as well as failure of down-hole sand control equipment. The research led to better prediction and quantification of the sand production propensity, as well as erosion severity on critical production equipment. Insights and operational guidelines were also established to assist production and facility engineers in managing sand production challenges. This integrated research methodology would be applicable to unconventional resource areas, such as coal seam gas or shale gas production.

scholarly journals A Solution to Sand Production from Natural Gas Hydrate Deposits with Radial Wells: Combined Gravel Packing and Sand Screen

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Yiqun Zhang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Panpan Zhang ◽  
Gensheng Li ◽  
Shouceng Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Natural Gas Hydrate ◽  
Vertical Well ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Gravel Packing ◽  
Radial Well

Sand production is one of the main problems restricting the safe, efficient and sustainable exploitation of marine natural gas hydrate. To explore the sand-control effects of gravel packing, experiments that simulate hydrate extraction in the water-rich environment were conducted with designed hydrate synthesis and exploitation devices. Three sand control completion methods, including 120 mesh sand screen, 400 mesh sand screen, 120 mesh sand screen combined with gravel packing, are adopted. Sand and gas production rates were compared under different well types and sand control completion methods. Results show that the gas production modes of radial wells and vertical wells are almost the same at the same time due to the small experimental scale and high permeability. The sand production of the vertical well with gravel packing combined with a sand-control screen is 50% lower than that of the vertical well with sand-control screens only. Radial well with gravel packing combined with sand-control screens produced 87% less sand than screen mesh alone. The cumulative gas production and recovery rates of a radial well with the composite sand control method are better than those without gravel packing in the same development time.

Evaluation and Optimization of a Newly Developed Chemical for Sand Consolidation: HTHP Gas Wells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Al-Taq ◽  
Mohammad Alqam ◽  
Abdullah Alrustum
Keyword(s):  
Compressive Strength ◽  
Production Equipment ◽  
Chemical System ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Sand Sample ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Gas Wells ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Preparation Step

Abstract Sand production is a common problem in wells completed in unconsolidated or poorly consolidated formation. Several problems are associated with sand production including erosion damage, and plugging of the well and surface production equipment, such as lines, valves, etc. Various mechanical solutions have been implemented to control or eliminate sand production. Screenless completion is an alternative method to conventional sand control techniques. Screenless completion methodology involves sand consolidation, a field-proven technique which offers viable and effective strategies to prevent sand production throughout the life of the well. Sand production can lead to production loss through sand filling up, production tubing restrictions, etc. Consequently, the need for an effective sand control is mandatory. Sand consolidation is a promising technique due to significant advancement in chemicals development for sand control. The challenge with the chemical consolidation systems is their ability to provide the highest possible compressive strength with minimum permeability reduction. A newly developed sand consolidation system was assessed in this study for its effectiveness in both sand consolidation and retained permeability. Two techniques were investigated in preparation/conditioning of sand samples. Following the conditioning state, the sand samples were treated with equivalent amounts of the two components of the newly developed sand consolidation system (Resin-A and Resin-B). A consolidation chamber was used to cure sand under simulated downhole conditions of a temperature (300°F) and a stress of 3,000 psi. The consolidated sand sample prepared using 3 wt% KCl brine preflush was associated with a reduction in plug permeability of more than 99% with a compressive strength of 1,100 psi. In the second method, which employed a diesel preflush in the sand sample preparation step, an average permeability of 63 mD and unconfined compressive strength nearly 900 psi were obtained. The effect of temperature and flow rate on return permeability were investigate. The paper presents in detail the lab work conducted to evaluate/optimize a newly developed chemical system for sand consolidation in HT/HP gas wells.

ISCA: Quick Real-Time Sand Potential Prediction Simulator based on Critical Drawdown Failure and Machine Learning Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. I. Biladi
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Control Analysis ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Oil And Gas Production ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Prediction Techniques

Sand production is almost an inevitable problem in oil and gas production facilities. As the reservoir depletes, sand grains from the reservoir begin to flow into the wellbore, this can cause serious problems to the wellbore. Excessive sand production can eventually plug and erode tubing, casing, flowlines, and surface equipment or even lead to formation collapse. In general, once sand production has occurred and if it is not handled properly it can end the production life of a reservoir and wells. This problem mostly occurs in mature fields with marginal economics for workover. The more reasonable option is to predict or mitigate the sand production, which can help identify the most economical way of sand control methods at the early stage. Many conventional sand prediction techniques have been developed which are based on field observation and experience, laboratory sand production experiments, and theoretical or numerical modeling. These conventional techniques have proven their effectiveness, but to achieve them can be time-consuming and costly. In this paper, we try to predict sand production with high efficiency and accuracy by using a quick simulator. Integrated Sand Control Analysis or ISCA is a simple simulator to help predict early sand production based on critical borehole and calculate critical drawdown pressure prediction. ISCA is supported by several mathematical models that function to predict various types of formation. Integrated with Machine Learning makes ISCA also compatible with big data analysis. The results in this study show that the combination of Machine Learning and analytical model can achieve accuracy above 90% based on the comparison of laboratory results with software predictions. With a high level of accuracy results this software can be considered as a reliable tool to predict and analyze sand production.

Comprehensive Transient Modeling of Sand Production in Horizontal Wellbores

SPE Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (04) ◽  
pp. 468-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Nouri ◽  
Hans H. Vaziri ◽  
Hadi Arbi Belhaj ◽  
M. Rafiqul Islam
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Predictive Tool ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
Gravel Pack

Summary Installing sand control in long horizontal wells is difficult and particularly challenging in offshore fields. It is, therefore, imperative to make decisions with regard to the most optimum completion type objectively and based on reliable assessment of the sanding potential and its severity over the life of the well for the intended production target. This paper introduces a predictive tool that forecasts not only the initiation of sanding, but also its rate and severity in real time. A series of well-documented experiments on a large-size horizontal wellbore was simulated using a finite difference numerical model. The model accounts for the interaction between fluid flow and mechanical deformation of the medium, capturing various mechanisms of failure. The model allows capturing the episodic nature of sanding and the resulting changes in the geometry and formation consistency and behavior within the sand impacted regions. Sand detachment is simulated by removal of the elements that are deemed to have satisfied the criteria for sanding based on considerations of physics, material behaviour and laws of mechanics. The proposed numerical model is designed to account for many of the factors and mechanisms that are known to influence sanding in the field and as such can be used as a practical tool for predicting the frequency and severity of sand bursts and changes in operating conditions that can be considered for mitigating or managing such problems. The model shows reasonable agreement with the experimental results in terms of borehole deformation and sanding rates. The model correctly predicted initiation of shear failure from the sides of the borehole and its propagation to the boundaries of the sample. It was further seen that the propagation of the shear failed zone resulting from sand production agreed well with the numerical pattern of failure growth upon removal of elements satisfying the sanding criteria. The approach and concepts used are considered suitable for application to field problems involving horizontal wells. Introduction A significant proportion of the future oil and gas production is expected to come from sand-prone reservoirs, many of which are offshore. While these reservoirs are highly prolific they are complex to develop and manage. Typical cost of completing a major offshore well exceeds $100 million and these wells are expected to remain productive for 20 years and longer. The control of solids production in these high-rate wells over the life of the well is a challenge and requires a good understanding of the mechanical behavior of the formation under a variety of conditions. Various options are available, ranging from placing active sand control, such as gravel pack and frac pack, to natural completion, such as a cased and perforated hole. Objectivity is required in choosing the correct completion type, which must account for the production strategy and natural changes in the reservoir such as changes in the stress state, permeability, and multiphase flow, including water cut. Once the completion type is chosen, it must be operated optimally to maximize production while maintaining efficiency and longevity. For instance, in sand-control completions, operations must be tailored to mitigate generation and transport of fines that can cause plugging of the gravel pack and lead to screen erosion, whereas in natural completions, the emphasis would be in preventing formation sand production or keeping it under the tolerance that can be handled by the facility. Utilization of a reliable sand production prediction tool is essential in selecting the optimum completion technique and optimization of the operational conditions.

scholarly journals Laboratory Investigation on Optimum Selection of a Sand Control Method for an Interbedded Sandstone and Mudstone Reservoir

Geofluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Shaofeng Hu ◽  
Lihua Wang ◽  
Yishan Lou ◽  
Yanfeng Cao ◽  
Wenbo Meng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Control Design ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Control Mode ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Bohai Bay ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Sand Control

It is critical to select an optimized sand control method for an interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoir (ISMR) due to its serious sand production hazards. However, currently, most general sand control methods cannot meet the requirements of sand control in interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoirs (e.g., Bohai Bay oil and gas fields from China). Ensuring efficiency of sand control and increasing the oil and gas production rate in this interbedded sandstone and mudstone become more and more important. In this paper, a “multilayer rotatable sand control experimental device” for the interbedded sandstone and mudstone reservoir was developed. A series of sand control experimental studies were conducted by using the proposed device. The net-to-gross ratio (NTG) and well inclinations are two major factors considered in the experimental analysis. In addition, a sensitivity analysis regarding formation particle size distribution (PSD), clay content, and mineral compositions is performed in the experiment under a moderate sand control mode. With systematic experimental test results in this work, combined with numerous existing sand control models, a set of optimum sand control design and the associated optimization template for ISMR were developed, which have been successfully applied in Bohai Bay. Field application results show that NTG and well inclination are two critical parameters in the design of sand control in ISMR. The optimal indexes of a sand control mode are determined as NTG of 0.4 and well inclination of 45°. The introduction of these two key factors in sand control design broadens the application range of moderate sand production.

Young Adults’ Contextualization of Environmental and Sustainability Issues: A Critical Issue for Environmental Education Intervention

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony KOLA-OLUSANYA
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Critical Issue ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

As soon as decision makers are expected to make differences towards sustainable future, young adults’ ability to make informed and sound decisions is considered essential towards securing our planet. This study provides an insight into young adults’ knowledge of key environment and sustainability issues. To answer the key research questions, data were obtained using a qualitative phenomenographic research approach and collected through 18 face-to-face in-depth interviews with research participants. The findings of this study suggest that young adults lived experiences that play a huge role in their level of awareness of topical environmental and sustainability issues critical to humanity’s future on earth. 

scholarly journals A robust fuzzy logic-based model for predicting the critical total drawdown in sand production in oil and gas wells

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0250466
Author(s):  
Fahd Saeed Alakbari ◽  
Mysara Eissa Mohyaldinn ◽  
Mohammed Abdalla Ayoub ◽  
Ali Samer Muhsan ◽  
Ibnelwaleed A. Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Fuzzy Logic ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Maximum Error ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Sand Production ◽  
Gas Reservoirs ◽  
The North ◽  
Sand Control ◽  
North Adriatic Sea

Sand management is essential for enhancing the production in oil and gas reservoirs. The critical total drawdown (CTD) is used as a reliable indicator of the onset of sand production; hence, its accurate prediction is very important. There are many published CTD prediction correlations in literature. However, the accuracy of most of these models is questionable. Therefore, further improvement in CTD prediction is needed for more effective and successful sand control. This article presents a robust and accurate fuzzy logic (FL) model for predicting the CTD. Literature on 23 wells of the North Adriatic Sea was used to develop the model. The used data were split into 70% training sets and 30% testing sets. Trend analysis was conducted to verify that the developed model follows the correct physical behavior trends of the input parameters. Some statistical analyses were performed to check the model’s reliability and accuracy as compared to the published correlations. The results demonstrated that the proposed FL model substantially outperforms the current published correlations and shows higher prediction accuracy. These results were verified using the highest correlation coefficient, the lowest average absolute percent relative error (AAPRE), the lowest maximum error (max. AAPRE), the lowest standard deviation (SD), and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE). Results showed that the lowest AAPRE is 8.6%, whereas the highest correlation coefficient is 0.9947. These values of AAPRE (<10%) indicate that the FL model could predicts the CTD more accurately than other published models (>20% AAPRE). Moreover, further analysis indicated the robustness of the FL model, because it follows the trends of all physical parameters affecting the CTD.

scholarly journals Cyber Warfare Impact to National Security - Malaysia Experiences

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azian Ibrahim ◽  
Noorfadhleen Mahmud ◽  
Nadrawina Isnin ◽  
Dina Hazelbella Dillah ◽  
Dayang Nurfauziah Fauz Dillah
Keyword(s):  
National Security ◽  
Cyber Security ◽  
Management Strategy ◽  
Research Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cyber Warfare ◽  
Senior Manager ◽  
Risk Management Strategy ◽  
Strategic Research ◽  
The Government

This study analyzed the cyber warfare impact on national security and focusing on Malaysia experiences. The issues regarding cyber warfare have become a serious concern since it was a risk of national security in Malaysia. The objectives of the study are to analyze issues related to cyber warfare that affected Malaysian system security, to determine causes that caused to cyber warfare. This study used a qualitative research approach to evaluate the current defense approaches related to cyber warfare in Malaysia. The interviews were conducted with the respective respondents: the Senior Manager, Research Management Centre, Strategic Research, and Advisory Department of Cyber Security Malaysia Department. This study can contribute to expanding the security of national security by demanding the government to adopt a broad acquisition risk management strategy. It can assist in the development of highly effective aggressive and defensive methods to any company dealing with future cyber warfare challenges and risk.

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