Taming the Monster: Arresting Excessive Sand Production Problem in ARAMU037

Abstract Chemical Sand Consolidation (SCON) has been used as a means of downhole sand control in Niger Delta since the early 70s. The countries where SCON has been used include Nigeria (Niger Delta), Gabon (Gamba) and UK (North Sea). SCON provides grain-to-grain cementation and locks formation fines in place through the process of adsorption of the sand grains and subsequent polymerization of the resin at elevated well temperatures. The polymerized resin serves to consolidate the surfaces of the sand grain while retaining permeability through the pore spaces. In a typical Niger Delta asset, over 30% of the wells may be completed with SCON. A high percentage are still producing without failure since installation from1970s. Where the original SCON jobs have failed, re-consolidation has also been carried out successfully. Chemical Sand Consolidation development has evolved over the years from: Eposand 112A and B, Eposand 212A and B, Wellfix 2000, Wellfix 3000, Sandstop (resin based), Sandtrap 225, 350 & 500 (resin based) and lately Sandtrap 225,350, 500 (solvent based) and Sandtrap ABC (aqueous based). There have been mixed results experienced with the deployment of either of the latest recipes of SCON. This was due to the fact that the conventional deployment work procedure was followed with the tendency for one-size-fits-all approach to the treatment. This paper details the challenges faced with sand production in ARAMU037, the previous interventions and how an integrated approach to the design and delivery of the most recent intervention restored the way to normal production. The well has now produced for about 2 years with minimal interruption with the activity paying out in less than 6 months. The paper also recommends the best practice for remedial sand control especially for wells in mature assets.