Sand control screens exhibit degrees of plugging

Abstract

To limit sand production and minimize wellbore collapse, horizontal wells in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs have been completed with large diameter prepacked screens placed in the open hole. Now all-metal screens that act like a surface filter rather than a depth filter are gaining popularity for their more robust chemical and mechanical integrity. Three commercially available all-metal screens have been studied to determine which allows a substantial amount of drilled solids and drill-in fluid to pass through it for optimum clean-up. Tests were conducted to determine which screens have the capacity to tolerate solids without reducing production. Test procedures and results are presented.