A Comparison of Methodologies for Handling Produced Sand and Solids To Achieve Sustainable Hydrocarbon Production

摘要

All oil and gas wells produce sand or solids in varying types and amounts. The size and concentration of natural solids (i.e. formation sand) and artificial solids (i.e. workover debris) determine their net effect on production equipment and the resulting management of hydrocarbon production. Conventional exclusion methodology prevents solids from entering the wellbore but may adversely affect inflow production due to skin buildup. Inclusion methodology allows the solids to be produced with well fluids for surface separation and handling. A comparison of the performance, operability, cost impact, and effect on production rate is made for both methods through application examples. The goal is to show that the increased production resulting from allowing solids to be produced in some high sand rate wells allows more sustainable hydrocarbon production with a cost benefit compared to downhole exclusion for certain producing regions.