An overview of frac packs: A technical revolution (evolution) process
Several completion methods are the current options typically considered when completing oil and gas wells in unconsolidated sand reservoirs. These include (1) rate control, where the flow rate is held below the sand-production threshold or below erosional limits handling produced sand at surface; (2) screen-only completions, which are common to horizontal and extended-reach wells; (3) underreamed open-hole gravel packs; (4) cased-hole gravel packs; (5) in-situ resin treatments; (6) high-rate water packs; (7) water fractures; (8) frac packs; and (9) screenless frac packs. Frac packing is a developing sand-control alternative, and use of this method continues to increase in both absolute numbers and percentage of all sand-control completions implemented. Frac-pack pumping strategies represent a definitive break in the long history of sand-control developments. Most early procedures categorically avoided pumping strategies that break down unconsolidated formations. Discarding the don`t-break-down paradigm has resulted in a new generation of sand-control concepts. This paper provides a brief overview of frac-pack evolution and discusses how growing acceptance of the method is creating a revolution in well-completion practices where sand control is required.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 580771
- Journal Information:
- JPT, Journal of Petroleum Technology, Vol. 50, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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