GMI's expertise in geomechanics and sophisticated finite-element technology, combined with Statoil's long-term experience in the North Sea, provide a strong basis for sand production prediction. Essential input parameters include a geomechanical model of the field and a rock mechanical material model.

Sand chokes production rates and hikes up costs. We'll help you optimize recovery from your reservoirs with better Sand Production Prediction.

Our sophisticated finite-element modeling, based on methodology developed by Statoil, delivers superior sand production predictions. Combining this methodology with other information brings GMI customers stable perforation intervals and a high-performance perforation design for better results.

Overall, we'll help:

• Improve production by determining maximum sand-free drawdown
• Optimize completion and well intervention planning by discovering maximum sand-free depletion
• Select smart perforation intervals
• Determine the best perforation strategy
• Optimize sand production prediction workflow

The main objective of each sand production study is to optimize the production rate by predicting the maximum sand-free drawdown. Finite-element models for different completion types are available to predict the maximum drawdown for arbitrarily oriented wells.

Capitalize on Advanced Material Modeling

Our experts use elasto-plastic material models calibrated against laboratory tests for use in the finite-element simulations. The simulations use a fully coupled stress/strain pore pressure diffusion approach. An extensive library of analogous material models is used when lab tests are unavailable.

Manage Sand-Free Drawdown, Depletion

The tendency for wells to produce sand changes continually with production as stresses vary. Each sand production study predicts the maximum drawdown for arbitrarily oriented wells by utilizing finite-element models for different completion types. The benefits to you: optimized production rates and crucial input for well completion decisions. Our experts can also calculate finite-element models for various stages of depletion, allowing for prediction of the maximum sand-free depletion and longer reservoir life.

Perforation Optimization

Combining flexible geometry finite-element models with in-situ rock strength yields selective perforation zones that avoid weak reservoir intervals, permitting higher draw-downs. These models can also consider different phasing, shot density and various geometries to optimize the full perforation strategy.