IMPORT OF STRENGTH DEGRADATION PROCESS IN SAND PRODUCTION PREDICTION AND MANAGEMENT

摘要

Rock strength degradation in the context of sand production refers to a process where the initially intact rock gradually breaks down into completely disaggregated and producible aggregates in response to hydrocarbon production. A close examination of routine laboratory geomechanical test results and accordingly calibrated sanding prediction models shows that they only cover the onset of rock strength degradation and thus are insufficient in capturing the field-scale sanding process. To quantify the field-scale rock strength degradation, a practical approach is discussed and implemented in a strength-based numerical model for sand production prediction. Two field cases involving high gas rate wells with cased and perforated completion are presented. While the fields selected cover both weak and competent formations, they underscore the deficiencies in the conventional testing and prediction models used to infer outcomes that are not part of the process. They also highlight the necessities of incorporating the field-scale strength degradation into sand production prediction and management.