Abstract
Numerous oil-producing wells in Southern Oman are completed with wire wrap screens (WWS), internal gravel packs (IGPs), and predrilled liners. These wells produce from mature clastic formations where fines migration and subsequent blockage of screens can result in impaired oil production. In the past, conventional treatment using coiled tubing and a jetting tool has been chosen to remove this damage. The gains resulting from these intervention activities were more often than not short-lived. This lack of longevity required frequent well intervention and oil deferment, often resulting in a loss of revenue.
Recently, a systematic approach was undertaken to evaluate the wellbore cleaning and stimulation tools that are currently available in the industry. This approach was implemented as a trial of three cleanout tools in oil-producing wells. This paper describes the results of using these tools for cleanout and stimulation of sand screens.
Excellent success was achieved with a pulse-jetting tool operating on the Principles of Coanda effect. This tool is further described in the following sections, and results of its use in a number of oil-producing wells are presented. The effect of the cleanout procedure is presented in terms of initial production and sustainment of production level.
