Gravel Packing

What is gravel packing as in drilling?

Gravel packing is a well completion technique used to prevent the production of formation sand in oil and gas wells. The technique involves placing a packed screen and/or a pre-packed screen in the wellbore. A sand-sized (typically 0.020-0.08) filter media, usually gravel, is then placed around the screen to form a sand-free annulus between the screen and the wellbore. The gravel is held in place by an external “filtration packer”. The technique can be used in both open- and cased-hole completions and is a common practice in well completions in sandy areas.

What is a gravel pack drilling offshore?

A gravel pack drilling offshore is a technique used to prevent the formation of sand in the production of oil and gas. It works by planting a gravel mixture around the outside of the well casing, which acts as a barrier to the migration of sand particles. The gravel is typically sized according to the grain size distribution of the formation and includes an accurate amount of stabilizing agents. The technique is often used in offshore wells as it allows for quicker installation and maximum efficiency.

How to gravel pack well?

1. Start by digging the hole for the well. Make sure to dig it deep enough to accommodate the length of the well casing.
2. Place the casing into the hole and secure it in place.
3. Place gravel and stones around the sides and bottom of the casing.
4. Fill the void between the casing and the surrounding gravel with a 50/50 mixture of sand and bentonite slurry.
5. Install a packer and a continuous slot screen along the interior of the casing.
6. Begin backfilling the annulus between the casing and the gravel with a bentonite slurry.
7. Continue filling the annulus until it is full and the slurry is level with the surrounding gravel.
8. Compact the gravel and slurry annulus with a vibrator to ensure there is no voids.
9. Install a protective cap on the top of the casing.
10. Exercise the well pump and check for leaks

One thought on “Gravel Packing

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *