Inflow Control Devices Minimize Annular Velocity in Gas Wells with Stand-Alone Screen Completions

Abstract

Many gas wells in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs have been completed with stand-alone screens (SAS) that use either wire-wrapped screens (WWS) or mesh screens. This method is a cost-effective sand-control method for completions, especially in horizontal (Hz) wells where gravel packing (GP) may not be attractive for economic, operational, or logistical reasons. Because there are annular-flow failure concerns with this type of completion, a simple well-modeling study was conducted to look at the potential for application of inflow control devices (ICDs) to minimize annular velocity in Hz gas wells. This paper will discuss the annular flow results. The purpose of the study was to investigate methods that could mitigate ‘hot spotting,’ a type of screen failure that can occur in an SAS completion, especially in high-rate gas wells. This type of failure occurs when fluid flow carrying abrasive particles is concentrated over a small area such that the entrance velocity is above the threshold for erosion. Swellable packers have been used to compartmentalize the SAS completion into many segments in an attempt to control annular movement of abrasive particles by minimizing annular velocity. However, the well modeling study discussed in this paper has shown that compartmentalization alone may not be sufficient. This paper discusses the nodal-analysis software modeling tool that was used to build the well hydraulic models and to investigate the following flow behaviors: Annular velocityEffect of compartmentalization on annular velocityAnnular velocity in SAS-ICD completionEffect of compartmentalization on annular velocity in SAS-ICD completionEffect of ICD resistance on annular velocity The study will show that 1) an SAS-ICD completion can be effective in minimizing annular flow, and 2), it appears to be the most effective means of minimizing annular flow in gas wells, ultimately reducing the chance of failure.

Erosion of sand screens by solid particles: a review of experimental investigations

“…Moreover, they stated that, 'sand screen erosion is a process where a huge number of discrete particles erode a screen at multi-angle in the turbulent regime'. Other studies such as those conducted by Greene and Moen (2012) and Regulacion and Shahreyar (2011) found that annular flow plays an essential role in the erosion and failure of sand screens in horizontal gas wells. However, Gillespie et al (2009) attributed early life failures of the screen to severe plugging with solids in a drilling fluid, which could have occurred during installation.…”

Sand screens application and performance for sand control: A review of selection criteria, screen materials, and causes of failure

“…They stated that ‘the sand screen erosion is a process of a huge number of discrete particles eroding screen at multi-angle in the turbulent regime’. Greene and Moen [ 79 ] and Regulacion & Shahreyar [ 80 ] have noted that in horizontal gas wells, annular flow is a critical factor contributing to the erosion and failure of sand screens. Similarly, Gjedrem [ 70 ] found that high annular velocity tends to cause of extreme screen erosion.…”