Method of Sand Control Completion for Cold Production in Heavy Oil Reservoirs Eliminating Perforating and Gravel Packing in Cased and Cemented Wellbores

70132 Although cold production of heavy oil reservoirs can enhance oil production, the accompanying sand production presents environment problems related to the cleaning and disposal of the produced sand. Also, sand production can damage downhole pumps and surface equipment. A method of sand control is needed that not only protects well productivity and minimizes formation damage during well construction, but also eliminates the expense of perforating and gravel packing. This project will develop a telescoping preformed perforation containing a sand control medium. The device and associated methods of application will maintain heavy oil productivity during cold production while eliminating sand production. In Phase I, operators were interviewed to determine the optimum form and function of the telescoping member, a hydraulically actuated, preformed, telescoping perforation tunnel was designed, and prototype devices were built. A sand control medium for heavy oil reservoirs was integrated into the telescoping perforation. Lastly, the permeability of the sand control medium was determined, along with the hydraulic actuation pressures of the prototype. Phase II will focus on: (1) reliability, in terms of corrosion and erosion resistance, productivity and flow assurance, and casing attachment methodology; (2) system development, including the incorporation of cementing equipment and cementing methodology and field handling equipment; and (3) manufacturing issues, including the incorporation of the sand control medium into a scaled-up telescoping housing. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Eliminating perforating and gravel packing while maintaining well productivity could significantly lower development costs for operators. Although cold production in heavy oil reservoirs is the target application, the technology could significantly reduce costs associated with perforating and gravel packing during well construction and completion operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.¿ The elimination of sand production also would have a positive impact on environmental and safety concerns.