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Numerical simulation of gravel packing

Journal Article · · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Production Engineering; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/19753-PA· OSTI ID:7180355
To obtain maximum productivity from unconsolidated formations where sand control is required, it is important to understand the mechanics of gravel packing. This paper describes a finite-element, numerical simulator that can predict gravel placement in the perforations and annulus of a wellbore. The equations for the simulator include mass and momentum conservation. Wellbore geometry, physical properties, and fluid and gravel-pack properties are simulator input. Experiments in a 100-ft full-scale wellbore model for three gravel-packing configurations have been successfully simulated. These configurations are a circulating pack with a washpipe, a squeeze pack, and a circulating/squeeze pack with a washpipe and a lower telltale screen. The low cost, speed, and extrapolation capabilities of the numerical simulator will greatly enhance our ability to predict gravel placement in a wellbore.
OSTI ID:
7180355
Journal Information:
SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Production Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Production Engineering; (United States) Vol. 7:3; ISSN 0885-9221; ISSN SPENE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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