This paper presents a case study where the creative use of wireline-derived sand strength in the offshore production test process improved operational efficiency. Sand strength was computed using wireline data only and subsequent testing of two wells verified the accuracy of the calculations. Well logs provided the basis for evaluation of formation petrophysical and mechanical properties. These log-based properties enabled a foot-by-foot profile of the critical drawdown pressure to be generated. Analysis of critical drawdown pressures in the Bohai Wells A and B, located in the northeastern People's Republic of China, provided a costeffective method to predict potential sand production problems. This information proved invaluable in reducing the risk and costs associated with the testing of viscous oils in the shallow, moderately unconsolidated sandstones of Bohai Bay.

Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESPs) are used to boost production in hydrocarbon and enhance investment recovery in the oil and gas industry is affected by solid particles. Sanding reduces the integrity and reliability of ESPs with enormous consequences. Better knowledge of the performance of Electric Submersible pumps in sand producing well through system failure modelling ensures effective planning and good operational philosophy. Life-failure-data were collated and analysed in this paper using Weibull Distribution to determine the shape (β) and the scale (ή) parameters of ESP system components. The system failure mode analysis carried out highlighted the failure patterns of ESPs. Mechanical based failure components displayed constant failure pattern while electrical based failure components displayed decreasing failure pattern. A simple Reliability Block Diagram is designed to model the system failure. This is simulated to ascertain the reliability, availability and maintainability of ESPs in sand prone wells.