Use of Porosity as a Strength Indicator for Sand Production Evaluation

Abstract Production history, fluid pressure and uniaxial compressive strength are basic data to evaluate the risk of sand production. Evaluations of the compressive strength based on logs are illustrated for the example of a well on the Germigny-sous-Coulombs structure. Then relationships between compressive strength and porosity are developed using a theoretical approach of grain contacts, the analysis of published rock mechanics data and mechanical measurements on plugs taken from well cores. It is shown that compaction factor can complement porosity in the analysis. A field example illustrates the relationship between a critical differential pressure and compaction factor or porosity.