WIRELINE-INSTALLED SAND CONTROL IN CASED-HOLE WELLS

摘要

For a hydrocarbon production well extending into a production zone of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, the lower portion of the hole is typically cased with a liner and cement. Perforations are typically provided through the casing and into the formation, to allow hydrocarbons to enter the well trom the production zone. If the surrounding formation includes sand and/or shale, the sand and/or shale may enter the well through the perforations, or may plug up the perforations. This may significantly reduce the rate of production of hydrocarbons. Whilst a number of solutions have been proposed to address this problem, such solutions are typically not very effective, or are time-, cost- and labour-intensive. Consequently, many wells are produced at a low rate, below the sand lifting rate or limited to what the process (i.e. the sand management system) can handle. Other wells are shut in, since the wellbore is filled with sand and/or it is impossible to stop sand production down hole.