Experimental study on the performance of sand control screens for gas wells

摘要

Based on the sand control mechanism, similarity criterion and factors affecting the stability of borehole plastic region, a large-scale laboratory test apparatus for simulating the performance of sand control screens for gas wells was developed. A series of sand control simulation experiments were performed. Based on the particle size analysis of formation sand and geological conditions, parameters of sand control screen, such as sand retention efficiency, were investigated. By simulating formation conditions, such as pressure gradient and gas flow rate, the performance of several types of screens, including slotted screen, wire wrapped screen and premium composite screen that are commonly used in oilfield, was evaluated. Experimental results were discussed and premium composite screen was found to be most efficient for sand control among all the tested screens. This study provides a sound experimental method for evaluating the performance of sand control screens for gas wells.