Optimization of Downhole Sand Screens by Lab Studies in Multiple Gas Fields

Abstract

Abstract A lab study was conducted to evaluate the performance and optimize different sand screen sizes currently being run in Saudi Aramco Gas Fields. The study was inclusive of three phases, Phase (I) was to analyze the retention capability of the different sand screen sizes against formation core samples from Gas Fields-A, B, C and D. Phases (II) and (III) were mud filter cake permeability damage/clean up tests in "Well bore collapse" and "Open annulus" scenarios respectively. For all three phases, different sizes of premium sintered meshes were selected along with a wire wrap screen. With regards to sand retention capabilities in the specified gas fields, only the 200μ and 310μ premium mesh screens passed the sand retention criteria. Furthermore, there was no strong indication on which screen size is superior to the other. It was concluded from the study, that the 310μ premium mesh screen is the optimium screen for fields A and D as it provides slightly higher retained permeability values when compared to the 200μ screen. Moreover, the study indicated that permeability damage resulting from the deposition of filter cake residue on the screen can have a negative impact on the retained permeability of the screen. A significant increase in screen retained permeability was achieved once the filter cake was removed with an average increase of approximately 23%. Also, by using performance master curve predictions, it is believed that the 350μ premium mesh screens will not provide satisfactory sand retention in fields B and D. This paper highlights the successful application of a laboratory sand control evaluation and optimization study conducted on screens being run in Saudi Aramco gas fields. In addition, performance master curves were used to predict the performance of an additional premium mesh screen size against formation samples from the specified gas fields.