Review of Shape Memory Alloy and Its Application in Sand Screening in Natural Gas Wells

Abstract

Sand production is a major issue in natural gas wells, causing damage to well equipment and decreasing well productivity. Sand screens are commonly used to control sand production, and Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for this purpose are gaining popularity due to their unique properties. This study aims to explore Nitinol (NiTi), a commonly used SMA owing to its excellent mechanical and shape memory properties in screen applications. An overview of NiTi SMAs, for sand screening in natural gas wells was discussed. The properties and characteristics of NiTi, in comparison with other SMAs, were explored. A comprehensive review of experimental studies and field applications of NiTi SMA sand screens was presented. Machining challenges of NiTi SMAs and suggestions from literature promoting their use as sand screens were further presented. The conclusions of this review paper indicate that NiTi SMA sand screens present unique properties that make them promising for sand control in natural gas wells. This review paper attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the application of SMAs as its primary objective, particularly NiTi, for sand screening in natural gas wells. The limitations, challenges and opportunities for improving the performance of NiTi SMA sand screens were highlighted. Models used for understanding the behaviour of SMAs were highlighted and compared. Suggestions were made on limitations with sand erosion. Finally, we provide suggestions for future research and development in this field. The novelty of this review paper lies in the comprehensive review of the properties, design considerations, optimization strategies, and experimental studies of NiTi SMA sand screens. This review paper is of interest to researchers, engineers, and professionals in the oil and gas business interested in sand control and the use of SMAs in well equipment.