11
Method
of Sand Control Completion for Cold Production in Heavy Oil Reservoirs,
Eliminating Perforating and Gravel Packing in Cased and Cemented Wellbores--CompletionConcepts,
6819 Highway 90 Blvd., Suite 670, Katy, TX 77494;
281-391-4400, www.completionconcepts.com
Mr.
Michael H. Johnson, Principal Investigator,
Mr.
Michael H. Johnson, Business Official,
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83829
Amount:
$749,500
Although
cold production of heavy oil reservoirs can enhance oil production, the
accompanying sand production presents environment problems related to the
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 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 medium. The device
and associated methods of application will maintain heavy oil productivity
during cold production while eliminating sand production.
In Phase I, operators were interviewed to determine the optimum form and
function of the telescoping member, a hydraulically actuated, preformed,
telescoping perforation tunnel was designed, and prototype devices were built.
A sand control medium for heavy oil reservoirs was integrated into the
telescoping perforation. Lastly, the
permeability of the sand control medium was determined, along with the hydraulic
actuation pressures of the prototype. Phase
II will focus on: (1) reliability, in terms of corrosion and erosion resistance,
productivity and flow assurance, and casing attachment methodology; (2)
system development, including the incorporation of cementing equipment
and cementing methodology and field handling equipment; and (3) manufacturing
issues, including the incorporation of the sand control medium into a scaled-up
telescoping housing.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: Eliminating
perforating and gravel packing while maintaining well productivity could
significantly lower development costs for operators.
Although cold production in heavy oil reservoirs is the target
application, the technology could significantly reduce costs associated with
perforating and gravel packing during well construction and completion
operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska. The elimination of sand
production also would have a positive impact on environmental and safety
concerns.