Sand Screen Selection via Geomechanical Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sand screen selection methods fail to accurately predict the timing of auto-pack formation collapse and do not consider the risks of plugging and erosion in poorly sorted formations, leading to potential well completion and integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

Integration of geomechanical analysis to estimate sand volume production over the well's life, combined with particle size analysis and sand retention tests, to select appropriate sand screens that account for the likelihood and timing of auto-pack formation collapse, thereby selecting the most suitable sand screen type for specific well conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sand screen selection methods are used, then the selection process is simple and quick, but the accuracy of predicting auto-pack timing and assessing plugging/erosion risks is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction accuracy of auto-pack timingVSAvoidcomplexity of selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting geomechanical analysis, particle size analysis, and sand retention testing before final sand screen selection. These preliminary evaluations assess formation collapse characteristics, sand production risks, and screen performance under simulated conditions, enabling accurate prediction of auto-pack timing and plugging/erosion risks before the actual well completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation framework that includes geomechanical analysis and controlled laboratory testing as intermediate steps between formation characterization and final screen selection. This intermediary layer provides critical data on formation collapse behavior and sand screen performance, bridging the gap between conventional simple selection and the needed precise prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional sand screen selection methods are used, then the selection process is straightforward, but plugging and erosion risks in poorly sorted formations are not considered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell completion integrityVSAvoidcomplexity of evaluation framework

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting geomechanical analysis, particle size analysis, and sand retention testing before final sand screen selection. These preliminary evaluations assess formation collapse characteristics, sand production risks, and screen performance under simulated conditions, enabling accurate prediction of auto-pack timing and plugging/erosion risks before the actual well completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sand retention tests and erosion modeling that evaluate screen performance under simulated sand production conditions. The results of these tests provide feedback on screen reliability, allowing selection of screens that resist plugging and erosion in poorly sorted formations, thereby improving well completion integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If advanced geomechanical analysis and multiple evaluation criteria are applied, then sand screen longevity and well productivity are enhanced, but the selection process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesand screen longevityVSAvoidtime for selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting geomechanical analysis, particle size analysis, and sand retention testing before final sand screen selection. These preliminary evaluations assess formation collapse characteristics, sand production risks, and screen performance under simulated conditions, enabling accurate prediction of auto-pack timing and plugging/erosion risks before the actual well completion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service through the use of formation sand and cuttings in laboratory sand retention tests, where the formation's own materials are used to evaluate screen performance. This self-service approach provides realistic performance data without requiring external simulation materials, enhancing the accuracy of longevity predictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11927080B2Sand screen selection

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Examples described herein provide a method that includes performing a geomechanical analysis for a wellbore for each of a plurality of sand screens. The method further includes selecting a sand screen from the plurality of sand screens based at least in part on the geomechanical analysis. The method further includes deploying the selected sand screen in a tubular of the wellbore to filter particulate passing through an opening of the tubular.