WorldOil

Keeping fines in their place to maximize inflow performance

Producing hydrocarbons is by definition disruptive; drilling, completion and production processes upset the equilibrium within a reservoir rock matrix that has formed over hundreds of millions of years. Many of the disruptions impair formation inflow performance, resulting in sub-optimal production. Prevention is better than cure: The industry is constantly searching for methods to eliminate expensive remedial operations, such as through-tubing completion repairs or full-scale rig re-completions. A variety of new technologies have been developed for implementation during the initial completion to combat problems associated with fines migration. Clay fines and their swelling and migration are routinely treated with clay stabilizers; however, non-clay fines and potential proppant failure/plugging are often ignored in completion and stimulation planning. Fit-for-purpose, engineered solutions can minimize inflow performance reduction caused by fines generation, fines migration, plugging of the rock matrix, proppant pack or screens.