Method
of Sand Control Completion for Cold Production in Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Eliminating Perforating and Gravel Packing in Cased and Cemented Wellbores--CompletionConcepts,
6230 Clear Canyon Drive, Katy, TX 77450-8750;
281-794-4639
Mr.
Michael H. Johnson, Business Official, completionconcepts@msn.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG03-02ER83389
Amount:
$98,880
Although the cold
production of heavy oil reservoirs can enhance oil production, the accompanying
sand production presents environment problems related to cleaning and disposal
of the produced sand. Also, sand
production can damage downhole pumps and surface equipment.
A method of sand control is needed that not only protects well
productivity and minimizes formation damage caused during well construction, but
also eliminates the expense of perforating and gravel packing.
This project will develop a telescoping preformed perforation
containing a sand control media. The
device and associated methods of application will maintain heavy oil
productivity during cold production while eliminating sand production. In Phase I,
operators will be interviewed to determine the optimum form and function of the
telescoping member, a hydraulically actuated preformed telescoping perforation
tunnel will be designed, and 20 prototype devices will be built.
An appropriately sized sand control media for heavy oil reservoirs
formations will be selected, and the sand control media will be integrated in
the telescoping perforation. Lastly,
the permeability of the sand control media will be determined, along with the
hydraulic actuation pressures of the prototype.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: Eliminating
perforating and gravel packing while maintaining well productivity could
significantly lower development costs for operators.
While this application is targeting cold production in heavy oil
reservoirs, the technology developed could significantly reduce costs associated
perforating and gravel packing during well construction and completion
operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and on U.S. Land drilling and
production. Also, eliminating sand production would have a positive impact on
environmental and safety concerns.
Return to Abstracts' Table of Contents