Pioneering Low Resource Remedial Sand Control System: Low Emissions Sand Control

Abstract Sand control failures account for 7% of well interventions with this figure increasing with the need for well interventions to retrofit sand control in late onset, but still economical producing wells. The intervention to re-establish primary sand control inevitably requires downhole resources such as sand screens and remedial operations such as bailing operations and potentially lower, and commonly upper completion removal operations. The installation method and logistical demands for mobilising and associated cost are often prevent a commitment to operations that will bring benefits to a producing well on many levels. This paper outlines the way a novel sand control solution can mitigate many of these obstacles while simultaneously reducing resource demands. Conventional remedial sand control techniques like Stand Alone Screens (SAS) or retrospective Gravel Pack completions require a rig or coiled tubing unit and associated pumping spread. Additionally, pumping fluids may be source of additional cost and resources in the shape of management and logistics. The pioneering, conformable, remedial sand control screen, is a relatively lightweight, robust, simple intervention-based system that has proven to be a cost-effective a low resource solution for sand management well interventions. It utilises a filter media of multi-layer open cell matrix polymer (OCMP), which is designed to retain sand whilst allowing fluid flow through it. The system can be deployed into wells with tight restrictions. Once set, the filter media expands to conform to the wellbore internal diameter, effectively filling the annular space and ensuring sand control. Compared to a conventional screen, the pioneering intervention system requires far fewer resources and has far less logistical constraints. The system can and has been deployed rigless and without the need for fluid pumping. In addition, the system can be manufactured in bespoke lengths not only for the application but also for logistics. Applications where a conventional Range 3 (40ft) design is suitable for installation can be replaced with much shorter 20ft joints for ease of transport between manufacturing facility and wellsite. The optimisation of size and its robust lightweight design removed the requirement for specialised freight aircraft meaning delivery to small airfields was possible with greater options for road transport. These same features bring benefits in handling at wellsite and allow for numerous rigless deployment methods as will be demonstrated.