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

70132 Although the cold production of heavy oil reservoirs can enhance oil production, the accompanying sand production presents environment problems related to 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 caused 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 media. The device and associated methods of application will maintain heavy oil productivity during cold production while eliminating sand production. In Phase I, operators will be interviewed to determine the optimum form and function of the telescoping member, a hydraulically actuated preformed telescoping perforation tunnel will be designed, and 20 prototype devices will be built. An appropriately sized sand control media for heavy oil reservoirs formations will be selected, and the sand control media will be integrated in the telescoping perforation. Lastly, the permeability of the sand control media will be determined, along with the hydraulic actuation pressures of the prototype. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Eliminating perforating and gravel packing while maintaining well productivity could significantly lower development costs for operators. While this application is targeting cold production in heavy oil reservoirs, the technology developed could significantly reduce costs associated perforating and gravel packing during well construction and completion operations in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and on U.S. Land drilling and production. Also, eliminating sand production would have a positive impact on environmental and safety concerns.