Sanding evaluation and real-time sand management decisions in high-rate gas wells, Ichthys Field, Browse Basin Australia

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the workflow of an integrated petrophysical, geomechanical sanding assessment and cement bond log evaluation to define a simple cut-off for reliable sand production assessments and well completion decisions. This workflow provides valuable insights for timely and fit-for-purpose sand management strategies particularly at early field life where the commonly used sanding prediction methodologies cannot be calibrated with field data because of the lack of sanding observations. The successful application of this methodology is shown in the Ichthys gas field, Browse Basin, with high rate and long high-angle producers with subsea wellheads and a long pipeline to an onshore plant. Advanced geomechanical analysis combing analytical and numerical sanding methodologies are used to define a single property cut-off for well-life sand-free production. The availability of such a simple cut-off has assisted the well construction engineers to follow a quick, cost-effective, simplified but thorough approach for sand production assessment and completion selection as opposed to being empirical, or too time consuming. The field first came on stream in July 2018. The workflow has been used in development wells and its validity and sand control decisions are confirmed, as to date all wells are producing sand-free. A similar workflow is being developed for the secondary target at some 400–500 m deeper for the subsequent phases of field development.