Research and Application of Artificial Wellbore Wall Sand Control with Production Enhancement and Water Control Technology in the Western J Oilfield

Abstract

Addressing the core challenges of exacerbated sand production and high water channeling risks during production enhancement operations in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs of the Western J Oilfield, this study aims to develop an integrated artificial wellbore wall technology combining sand control, production enhancement, and water control functions. The objective is to ensure safe production uplift and improve oil recovery efficiency. The methodology employed epoxy resin-coated particles to construct the artificial wellbore wall for sand barrier formation. Formation rock mechanical parameters and the critical sanding pressure differential were calculated based on the Mohr-Coulomb criterion and well logging data. Innovatively, pre-flush water control particles were introduced to fill large water flow channels. Relative permeability curves and displacement experiments were utilized to validate their performance in restricting water flow while maintaining oil conductivity. Results demonstrated that the artificial wellbore wall significantly increased the critical sanding pressure differential (from 9.10 MPa to 18.61 MPa), providing a safe operational window for optimizing injection/production parameters during rate increase. The epoxy resin-coated particles exhibited stable performance with a compressive strength exceeding 11 MPa and permeability greater than 4μm2 after 30 days. The water control particles showed strong hydrophilicity (saturation at iso-permeability point > 70%) and excellent selective functionality, characterized by a high average oil-water relative permeability ratio of 13.1, enabling effective plugging of water channeling pathways. Field trials confirmed that this integrated technology successfully controlled water production while enhancing liquid rates, resulting in increased daily oil production and extended production cycles. The findings indicate that artificial wellbore wall sand control is a prerequisite for safe production enhancement, while the pre-flush water control particles provide targeted water management. Their synergistic effect resolves the conflict between increased liquid production and induced water channeling. The integrated “Pre-flush Water Control Particles + Epoxy Resin Artificial Wellbore Wall” process, incorporating efficient water control functionality within the sand control barrier, offers a breakthrough technological solution for safe production enhancement and sustained production in unconsolidated sandstone oilfields.