Background and History
All offshore wells produce some sand. Many problems are associated with the produced sand such as particle erosion at high-flow velocities and blockage of pipes when wells are shut in for a period of time. Many oil and gas companies are interested in early detection of sand production from a well when several wells are connected to a single riser in offshore production conditions. Means of sand and erosion control are possible only when the quantity of the produced sand from each well is identified. Another potential problem related to sand production is possible blockage of risers with sand when a well is shut in for a period of time. For a riser that is a few miles in length, the amount of sand that can settle during a shut in can be significant and may be enough to block a section of the riser.
To address these problems, the investigators proposed to forma HIP to study sand detectors for their application in multiphase production piping systems by experimentation and theoretical analysis. A proposal was sent to many oil, gas and service companies in February of 1998 and a three-year project was proposed and performed during 1998-2001. After discussion with many industry representatives, it was proposed to extend the HIP to gather additional data and address additional issues that are related to sand production management and control. Therefore in 2001, the principal investigators formed a JIP research consortium called Tulsa University Sand Management Projects (TUSMP) to extend the membership to other oil/gas companies who are interested in sand production management and control.
Short Term Goals and Ongoing Projects
- Evaluation of laboratory and field data from acoustic sand detectors and developing models that help interpret output from sand detector systems.
- Determine optimal location of sand detection systems in piping systems.
- Evaluating erosion probes by gathering laboratory and field data and developing models to interpret output from erosion sensors. With regards to pipe systems, determining the best location for utilizing these sensors.
- Developing guidelines for critical sand deposition velocity and settling velocity in multiphase flow pipes based on experimental data and modeling.
- Help design base of risers in offshore production by investigating sand deposition in vertical, inclined and curved pipes.
Possible Future Projects
- Sand separation in multiphase flow
- Sand screens
- Erosion of separators and downhole equipment