Unplugging Standalone Sand-Control Screens Using High-Power Shock Waves

Abstract

Summary Previous studies showed that different parameters influence the plugging of completion tools. These parameters include rock mineralogy, reservoir-fluid properties, and type of completion tools. Although different methods have been used for unplugging these tools, there is still debate regarding the performance of these methods on damage removal. In this study, we assessed the performance of high-power shock waves generated from an electrohydraulic-stimulation (EHS) tool on cleaning completion tools plugged during oil production. These devices were extracted from different wells in Canada, Europe, and the US. First, we quantified the extent of cleaning for the plugged slotted liners using the EHS tool at the laboratory scale. Next, we analyzed the mineral composition of the plugging materials removed after the treatment by conducting scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), colorimetric, and dry-combustion analyses. Finally, we reviewed the pulsing-stimulation-treatment results applied to several field case studies. The results of unplugging slotted liners at the laboratory scale showed that up to 28.5% of the plugged slots are cleaned after 120 pulses of shock waves. The mineral-characterization results showed that the main plugging materials are calcite, silicates, and iron-based components (corrosion products). The cleaning performance (CP) of the EHS tool increases by increasing the number of pulses and the output energy (OE) applied to the tool. The CP parameter is high at (i) high concentrations of carbonates, barium (Ba)-based components, and organic matter, and (ii) low concentrations of corrosion products and sulfates. The results of field case studies showed that the cleaning of the EHS tool is not limited to the sand-control devices and it can clean other tools that are less accessible for other techniques, such as subsurface safety valves. This paper provides a better understanding of the performance of shock waves on damage removal from plugged completion tools. The results could open new insight into the applications of shock waves for cleaning the completion tools.

Experimental Study on Pulsed Plasma Stimulation and Matching with Simulation Work

“…Torch drilling mechanism is used to develop a high-temperature gradient which can modify rock properties and create fractures into the rock texture. Habibi et al [23] used shock waves to clean a slotted liner plugged during production. Agarwal and Kudapa [24] and Alharith et al [25] presented comprehensive reviews on the work accomplished on the plasma fracturing technique.…”

A Review on Chemical Sand Production Control Techniques in Oil Reservoirs

“…Sand production causes many problems, including severe erosion–corrosion in surface and subsurface equipment, the occurrence of chokes in wells, various safety problems, such as well control loss and fire, sand accumulation in separating equipment and reducing their capacity, and increasing operational costs as for the maintenance of equipment. − Still, the most challenging issue brought upon by sand production and migration is the movement of sand particles in the reservoir toward the well, because of the pressure differences and trapping of these particles near the wellbore. This phenomenon results in the reduction of reservoir permeability, which leads to a sharp decline in oil production and even well blockage at higher levels. , …”