Frac Packing: Fracturing for Sand Control

Abstract

Sand production damages oilfield hardware and creates downhole cavities. In addition, when solid materials reach the surface they must be separated from the fluids and then sent for environmentally approved disposal. The challenge for completions engineers is to keep loose formation solids in place without hindering well productivity. In the past, completion methods for sand-prone reservoirs usually restricted production efficiency. New technologies have emerged to overcome this problem, and many of these are finding application in the Middle East and Asia. In this article, Mariano Sanchez and Ray Tibbles explain how frac-pack methods can address these issues and help operators to safeguard their assets.