Modified SSSV for Oil Wells With Sanding Tendency

Abstract

Many of Saudi Aramco's wells have been experiencing a substantial increase in sand production resulting from increased drawdown and water production. As a result, sand has accumulated in the internal mechanism of many subsurface safety valves, rendering the valve's internal mechanism inoperative. A design change that was proposed by the manufacturer to eliminate the possibility of sand accumulation in the valves was approved by Saudi Aramco for installation on a trial basis. The design modification incorporated technology typically used in tubing retrievable subsurface safety valves.The modified valves were installed and tested in sandproducing wells. Based on field results, other valves have been modified and installed. Their performance and ability to maintain the safety control required is presently being monitored, and the results to date have been encouraging.