Abstract
Sand production presents significant challenges in the management of mature offshore fields. Field A has faced persistent sand production issues since 2015, resulting in 16 incidents of loss of primary containment (LOPC) across surface valves and flowlines within a six-year period, leading to substantial production losses. The presence of sand has also caused significant locked-in potentials (LIP) in Field A, resulting from the choking or shut-in of wells due to the risk of sand production, and adversely impacted well performance even after remedial sand control measures were implemented. Consequently, considerable efforts were directed towards enhancing the effectiveness of sand management in Field A.
A comprehensive approach encompassing seven lenses of sand management was adopted, integrating subsurface and surface considerations. Digital technologies played a pivotal role in transitioning the team from reactive to proactive sand management practices. Continuous monitoring, improvisation, and enhancement of these seven lenses over the years have been instrumental in safeguarding production in Field A. Emphasis has been placed on the integration of these technologies through effective reservoir, well, and facilities management (RWFM) workflows, involving production engineers, operations engineers, and offshore crew members, thereby enabling holistic sand management.
As a result, significant production improvements were observed, and no LOPC events have occurred since 2020 at Field A. The applications of game-changing technologies such as erosion-resistant thru-tubing sand screens (ERTTSS), surface bulk desander systems, acoustic sand monitoring, ultrasonic flowline thickness sensors, and other initiatives also instilled higher confidence in managing sand production issues.
In conclusion, this paper offers a comprehensive summary of the key elements within the holistic sand management approach adopted in Field A. Overall, this paper highlights the operational philosophies underpinning real-time monitoring systems, predictive maintenance, and proactive intervention approaches implemented in Field A, that serves as a valuable resource for oil and gas operators seeking to optimize sand control practices and enhance overall production efficiency in mature oil and gas field.
