Open Hole Sand Control Optimization Using Shape Memory Polymer Conformable Screen With Inflow Control Application

Abstract

This paper covers the novel application of combining shape memory polymer (SMP) conformable screen with inflow control devices (ICD) to provide operational efficiency, wellbore stability and production enhancement in unconsolidated reservoirs openhole completion. It is not uncommon to have unconsolidated reservoirs with permeability heterogeneity. It becomes more challenging when the formation sands are non-uniform and poorly sorted. The Conventional solution for these type of reservoirs encompasses the use of gravel pack techniques in combination with sand control screens that are equipped with inflow control devices (ICD). However, operational execution is complex and risky especially when openhole isolation packers are added to isolate and compartmentalize the multiple zones. An alternative solution to this challenge is the simplified combination of SMP conformable screen with ICD. An SMP conformable screen with ICD replaces the burdensome gravel pack operation, provides conformable sand control and maximizes the benefits of the already proven inflow control technology. This integrated application brings efficiency to well site operation by reducing the quantity of downhole accessories, reducing rig site operating hours, and saving overall capital expenditures (CAPEX) or operating expenditures (OPEX). The shape memory polymer provides improved wellbore stability and efficient sand control regardless of the uniformity of formation sands in the different reservoir layers. The combination with ICDs will ensure that production longevity and recovery are optimized by efficiently equalizing inflow profiles. Technical contributions which include filtration performances, inflow control modeling and completion fluid management are provided to expatiate on the performance analysis of this innovative approach in resolving a critical challenge in horizontal sand control completions.

Sand Production Management during Marine Natural Gas Hydrate Exploitation: Review and an Innovative Solution

“…The cavity expands with the ongoing hydrate production, and this might be the main reason for the sand-control failure of the open-hole gravel packing in the world's first marine hydrate production test. Gravel settlement in Figure 8 could be tackled with a shape memory polymer conformable screen, 117 prepacked screen, 17 or inside casing gravel pack for short-term NGH production trials; however, the cavity enlargement remains to be solved for long-term NGH development.…”

Application Perspective of Environmentally Responsive Materials in the Downhole Operation

“…The application of smart polymers in expanded cementing slurry was studied, and the expansion ratio and mechanical properties of cement stone under different shape memory polymer additions were evaluated [11]. The application of shape memory polymer in open-hole sand control screen was studied and field application was realized [12]. Such stimuli-responsive materials shown huge potential applications in the downhole environment.…”

Study on Mechanical Behavior and Deformation Law of Expansion Pro-cess of Expansion Screen Base Pipe

“…The effects of near-wellbore flow rate, chemical composition of produced water, particle size distribution of formation sand and fines content, and formation clay composition on screen pipe performance were analyzed by Mahmoudi Mahdi in 2018 [10]. The technical advantages of studying inflow control devices with shape-memory polymer conformal screen pipes as an alternative to gravel pack operations were analyzed by Osunjaye Gbenga in 2017 [11]. The relative sand passing volume and calculated circulation performance indexes under different sand control accuracy were analyzed by Changyin Dong in 2016, and an empirical model for optimizing the design of mechanical screen pipe sand control accuracy was established [12].…”