Sand control in horizontal wells
The evolution of sand control from historical water wells to recommendations for 15,000 ft+ horizontal oil/gas wells.
This summary article backgrounds the need for formation sand entry prevention in downhole producing wells from man's first dumping of rocks into water wells drilled with rock or iron tools. Thousands of years later, the oil/gas industry invented basic gravel pack and sand screen methods to prevent inflow of unconsolidated formation sands. Now the drilling of horizontal boreholes over 15,000-ft long has created ever new challenges and need for sand control in extremely long sand intervals.
The discussion covers this story with: 1) A historical review; 2) Basic barefoot, gravel pack and stand-alone screen completions; 3) Selecting sand control type for a horizontal well; and 4) Innovation for future use.
HISTORY OF SAND CONTROL
Way, way back, when early humans needed water, they dug water wells with their hands. Then......
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Approximate Word Count: 3314
Approximate Pages: 13 (260 words per double-spaced page) |