Sand Management Solutions

Transcription

1 WHITE PAPER Sand Management Solutions An informed decision process using reservoir characterization for effective sand management Schlumberger Oilfield Services, the largest oilfield services company in the world, is the leading supplier of technology services and solutions to the international petroleum industry. With operations in more than 100 countries, Schlumberger Oilfield Services is one of two business segments of Schlumberger Limited, a global technology services company spanning the oil and gas, telecommunications, utilities, finance, and public sector markets. Summary Success in preventing or delaying sand production results not only from the integrated application of relevant technologies but also the advantages provided by the synergy of cross-disciplinary services directed toward a common objective. The Schlumberger Sand Management Solution process works with you to achieve your goals. A dedicated group of experts and the most extensive portfolio of sand control related services team with your local experts to design and implement workflows that address specific project needs. Through the customized management of fluids and sand production throughout the life of a field, Sand Management is a complete process for optimizing well productivity and maximizing the return on investment (ROI) of assets. Contributors to this paper Jorge Lopez de Cardenas Sand Management Solutions Manager, OFS Adi Venkitaraman Sand Management Solutions Champion, OFS For more information on Oilfield Services and Sand Management Solutions, please visit and select completion or sandmgt@slb.com.

2 Sand Management Solutions The synergy that results from combining dedicated multidisciplinary expertise and the most extensive portfolio of completion-related services results in the optimum solution for the life of the well and the field. Remediation Prediction Figure 1. The Schlumberger Sand Management Solution process comprises four main phases. Introduction Preventing, delaying, and managing sand production are critical components of optimizing production. Successful management of the potential for sand production without compromising productivity requires an integrated approach. The Schlumberger Sand Management Solution is a customized process that teams in a partnership with the client for informed decision making, building from reservoir knowledge through completion design and implementation. The synergy that results from combining dedicated multidisciplinary expertise and the most extensive portfolio of completion-related services results in the optimum plan for the life of the well and the field. The Sand Management plan consists of four main phases (Fig. 1): prediction prevention monitoring remediation. Monitoring Prevention The resulting workflow is productivity and performance driven, helping to optimize production and maximize ROI by preventing or delaying sand production throughout the life of a well or field. These synergistic solutions address specific sand problems, using proven processes, advanced analysis techniques, and innovative technology to go far beyond traditional approaches in choosing completions for weak sands. Prediction and completion optimization The two main objectives of the prediction phase are to determine the potential of a formation to produce sand identify and rank completion options to provide the required level of protection against sand production during the life of the well. The Sand Management Solution uses a novel sand prediction model developed from years of research to predict the sanding propensity of formations. The model identifies a stability envelope generated from inputs of the rock mechanical properties, in situ stresses, and the expected downhole perforation Sand Management Solutions White Paper

3 parameters or openhole geometry and orientation. The basic foundation of reliable sand prediction lies in good understanding of the geomechanical properties of the reservoir. The extensive suite of Schlumberger reservoir evaluation products includes the DSI * Dipole Shear Sonic Imager, FMI * Fullbore Formation MicroImager, OBMI * Oil-Base MicroImager, and MDT * Modular Formation Dynamics Tester, which are used to provide accurate characterization of geomechanical properties in all types of boreholes. Once the reservoir properties have been determined through logging and testing, the applicability of different completion options in various environments is assessed (Fig. 2). The productivity of the well is forecasted using production forecasting tools such as NODAL * production system analysis and ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software. The productivity model is then coupled with economic and risk analysis using the Merak Peep economic evaluation model and decline analysis software and Merak Decision Tree risk management and analysis software to rank the completion options based on the criteria most relevant to the client s needs. Prevention and execution The second phase prevention and execution implements the optimum completion method selected. To achieve the objective of delivering the hydrocarbons as predicted over time, the technologies that underlie the success of the completion are identified, integrated, and executed to maximize reliability and performance (Fig. 3). By leveraging the process as a single Sand Management Solution rather than a series of separate activities, the client can maximize the ROI for a well. Examples of completion technologies that may be considered are oriented perforating, open- and cased hole gravel packs, and frac and packs. Oriented perforating: Over the last several years oriented perforating has proved quite effective in preventing or delaying the onset of sand production while saving money by avoiding the use of sand exclusion equipment. Successful implementation of the technique depends on determining the preferred orientation direction through reservoir characterization and stability analysis, designing the best perforation option for the optimum balance between stability and productivity, and executing it correctly and accurately (Almaguer et al., 2002; Sulbaran et al., 1999). Openhole gravel pack: In addition to the traditional requirements of sound job design (screen selection, fluid selection, and pump schedule), studies consistently show that key requirements for success are the proper choice of drilling and completion fluids for filtercake formation and removal, respectively, and complete packing of gravel around the screen (no voids). Unique technologies that can achieve these objectives are MudSOLV * filtercake removal service and Alternate Path services. Especially in combination, these two methods enhance both the longevity of the completion and productivity over the results of conventional methods (Ali et al., 2001). Cased hole gravel pack and frac and pack: Several joint Schlumberger-industry projects have conclusively established the key role of perforating in ensuring the successful performance Completion optimization Yes Formation stability issues No Sand management method Stimulated or natural Sand exclusion Gravel pack High-rate water pack Frac and pack Openhole gravel pack Expandable screens Customized integrated technologies Manage sand at surface Artificial lift Downhole desander Screenless completions Oriented perforating Selective perforating Screenless frac Consolidation Customized integrated technologies Natural Stimulated Figure 2. Completion options are evaluated and ranked to meet client needs.

4 Schlumberger Oilfield Services Control sand production Maximize productivity Screen/gravel/fluid selection Packing behind screen Job design Figure 3. Synergy between the components of the optimum completion chosen in the prediction phase helps find the right balance between productivity and controlling sand. Example shown is for cased hole gravel packs. of gravel packs and frac and packs (Blok et al., 1996; Venkitaraman et al., 1997, 2000a, 2000b; White et al., 2000). The perforation design must minimize any impairment resulting from the fines generated during the perforating process. Delivering the optimum results from the completion method depends on the choice of the gun system in terms of downhole performance (such as area open to flow) and the perforating strategy. The combination of PowerFlow * slug-free big hole shaped charges and the PURE * Perforating for Ultimate Reservoir Exploitation system minimizes perforation damage and produces more productive perforations. Underbalanced perforating is the technique of choice for removing perforation damage and producing productive perforations, and the PURE system optimizes the gun underbalance to obtain the maximum effective dynamic underbalance. Recent studies (Walton et al., 2001; Behrmann et al., 2002) have demonstrated that it is not simply the initial underbalance in relation to the estimated reservoir pressure that governs perforation cleanup. By accounting for the properties of the reservoir, wellbore, and gun string in the job design, the novel PURE technique consistently minimizes perforation damage and subsequent sand or solids production. These services can be combined with Alternate Path technology to achieve optimum packing as well. Cased hole gravel packs Minimize perforation-induced gravel-pack impairment Perforation designed for gravel packs Monitoring and evaluation Monitoring well performance through the ongoing measurement of key variables greatly increases the effectiveness of well and reservoir management. With the early detection of sand production, intervention can be quickly implemented, avoiding costly surprises. Monitoring options include permanent sensors at the surface or downhole and production logging. Measurable parameters related to sand production are the flow rate, water cut, pressure drops, and temperature distributions as well as sand detection. Direct applications of monitoring include drawdown management and production rate control for sand avoidance. A stability envelope may be constructed to provide drawdown guidelines. Periodic intervention can also be performed to control certain parameters that influence sanding. InterACT * real-time monitoring and data delivery provides secure, real-time two-way communication to improve remote decision making. Critical well data from hostile or remote locations are available on demand throughout the production life of the well. Wellsite operations are remotely controlled from the client s office, without requiring human presence at the wellsite. The result is greater operational efficiency, lower costs, and reduced safety and environmental concerns. The basic foundation of reliable sand prediction lies in good understanding of the geomechanical properties of the reservoir. Sand Management Solutions White Paper Continued

5 Sand Management Solutions Well intervention With rig Rigless Screen Screenless Screen Screenless The client drives the informed decision process, in liaison with the Schlumberger team. Vent screen/frac Frac and pack Gravel pack Expandable selective screen Optimized perforating Screenless frac Selective perforating Remediation The remediation phase of the Sand Management Solution targets wells that have been completed and are already producing. The focus is determining the optimum method to recomplete wells that may have failed because of unexpected sand production, poor performance of a primary sand control mechanism, or a planned intervention for delayed sand control. The unique and robust Schlumberger engineering methodology identifies candidates based on their potential to deliver hydrocarbons. Rapid screening uses tools such as OFM production management software. Detailed screening can involve ProCADE * or ProFIT * well analysis software; other software applications are available for commingled, multistage reservoirs. Once the candidate well is selected, the Sand Management Solution process is applied to identify different recompletion options (Fig. 4). The remediation process follows the same engineered approach as for new wells, with emphasis on execution through the integration of key technologies relevant to the success of the recompletion option in terms of performance and reliability. Examples of cost-effective through-tubing options are gravel-pack remediation, screenless recompletions, and the use of vent screens. If recompletion of the well is required, then all primary sand control options are available for consideration. Vent screen Vent screen/frac Add perforations Cement to isolate Cement and frac Screenless frac Figure 4. Example application of the Sand Management process to a candidate well in the remediation phase. Conclusions The Sand Management Solution is a customized methodology that integrates the key elements of process, technology, and the organization. The client drives the informed decision process, in liaison with the Schlumberger team at the GeoMarket * level, beginning with identification and formulation of the sanding problem. The team then identifies the experts who can team to solve the problem. The extensive Schlumberger resource base includes state-of-the-art expertise at product and research centers and is available on a real-time basis through the latest Web-based project management and knowledge management tools such as Project.net collaboration infrastructure and interface and the InTouchSupport.com * online support and knowledge management system. The close Schlumberger-client partnership ensures that the process is ideally customized, whether only one or all four phases of prediction, prevention, monitoring, and remediation are employed. Throughout the process, the team works closely with the client to successfully solve sanding problems while optimizing production through the life of the well and the field. Sand Management Solutions White Paper Continued

6 Sand Management Solutions References Ali, S.A., et al.: High-Productivity Openhole Gravel Packs, Oilfield Review (Summer 2001), Almaguer, J., et al.: Orienting Perforations in the Right Direction, Oilfield Review (Spring 2002), Behrmann, L.A., et al.: New Underbalanced Perforating Technique Increases Completion Efficiency and Eliminates Costly Acid Stimulation, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA (September 29 October 2, 2002). Blok, R.H.J., et al.: Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Perforating on Gravel-Pack Impairment, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, USA (October 6 9, 1996). Sulbaran, A.L., Carbonell, R.S., and López-de-Cárdenas, J.E.: Oriented Perforating for Sand Prevention, paper SPE presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands (May 11 June 1, 1999). Venkitaraman, A., et al.: Qualitative Analysis of Perforation-Induced Gravel-Pack Impairment Experiments, paper SPE presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands (June 2 3, 1997). Venkitaraman, A., Behrmann, L.A., and Chow, C.V.: Perforating Requirements for Sand Control, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Paris, France (October 24 25, 2000a). Venkitaraman, A., Behrmann, L.A., and Noordermeer, A.H.: Perforating Requirements for Sand Prevention, paper SPE presented at the SPE Formation Damage Symposium, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA (February 23 24, 2000b). Walton, I.C., et al.: Laboratory Experiments Provide New Insights into Underbalanced Perforating, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (September 30 October 3, 2001). White, W.S., Morales, R.H., and, Riordan, H.G.: Improved Frac- Packing Method for Long Heterogeneous Intervals, paper SPE presented at the SPE Formation Damage Symposium, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA (February 23 24, 2000). Additional reading Bennett, C., et al.: Design Methodology for Selection of Horizontal Open-Hole Sand Control Completions Supported by Field Case Histories, paper SPE presented at Europec 2000, Paris, France, (October 24 25). Brady, M., et al.: Filtercake Cleanup in Open-Hole Gravel-Packed Completions: A Necessity or A Myth?, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, USA (October 1 4, 2000). Guinot, F., et al.: Screenless Completions: The Development, Application and Field Validation of a Simplified Model for Improved Reliability of Fracturing for Sand Control Treatments, paper SPE presented at the SPE European Formation Damage Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands (May 21 22, 2001). Jones, R.H., and Bolin, T.D.: New Single-Trip Perforating and Gravel Pack Procedure with Advanced Stimulation Design Reduces Formation Damage in High Permeability Sandstone Reservoirs: Case Histories, paper SPE presented at the Formation Damage Symposium, Lafayette, Louisiana, USA (February 18 19, 1998). Jones, L.G., et al.: Fracturing and Gravel Packing with Alternate Paths, paper SPE presented at the 68th SPE Western Regional Meeting, Bakersfield, California, USA (May 11 15, 1998). Palthe, P., et al.: A Novel Technique for Single-Selective Sand Control Completions Cuts Completion Costs in Half: Method Development and a Case History from the Gulf of Mexico, paper SPE presented at the SPE European Petroleum Conference, The Hague, The Netherlands (October 20 22, 1998). Parlar, M., et al.: Emerging Techniques in Gravel Packing Open-Hole Horizontal Completions in High Performance Wells, paper SPE presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Brisbane, Australia (October 16 18, 2000). Penberthy, W.L., Jr.: Sand Control Completion Options for Horizontal Wells in Soft Formations, Petroleum Engineer International (February 1999), Riordan, H.G., Godwin, K., and, Gadiyar, B.R.: Simultaneous Gravel Packing and Filtercake Cleanup with Alternate Path Technique in Openhole Completions: A Case History from the Gulf of Mexico, paper SPE presented at the SPE Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (September 30 October 3, 2001). SC_03_049_0 September 2003 * Mark of Schlumberger Registered mark of Schlumberger Trademark of Schlumberger Mark of ExxonMobil Corp.; technology licensed exclusively to Schlumberger.