Technologies for Sand Control in the Development of Unconsolidated Reservoirs at the Bohai Offshore Oil Field

Abstract

The main productive reservoirs of the Bohai oil field are unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs with low degrees of cementation. During the development and production of such reservoirs, sand production is a widespread problem, which limits production efficiency and economic performance. Through long-term research in the Bohai oil field, a technological evolution has been achieved from conventional gravel packing to controlled sand production and further to adaptive sand control systems. A comprehensive set of technologies has been established, becoming one of the key methods for production stabilization and enhancement. This paper reviews gravel packing technology, controlled sand production technology, adaptive sand control technology, and hydraulic fracturing with gravel packing in highly deviated wells. It is shown that gravel packing technology has evolved from single-stage circulating gravel placement to multistage gravel packing.