Sand Management in Bongkot Field, Gulf of Thailand: An Integrated Approach

Sand production in the Bongkot Field, Gulf of Thailand, has led to significant incremental costs and has increased the risk of potential key flowline and control equipment failures. The geological complexity of the field and the many layers that may be perforated in any given well, makes direct identification of sand producing zones problematic. A multi-disciplinary sand production task force was established to identify the current sand production mechanisms; to evaluate various technical options for implementing sand control; and to recommend appropriate completion and intervention strategies. An integrated core, log and reservoir data acquisition programme allowed the development of a continuous, log-derived and core-calibrated rock strength prediction model, which was coupled to two independent sand prediction models. The models were used to delineate high risk sanding zones and indicated that sand production in Bongkot results from rock failure brought about by rapid and progressive reservoir depletion. The predictive models represent key tools in the development of effective sand management and control strategies for the reservoir life cycle. Conventional downhole sand control methods are largely inapplicable to Bongkot since they are constrained by the existing well completion types, sand layer heterogeneity, and practical installation problems in both existing and new wells. Cost effective containment of sand production in Bongkot will rest on the application of "best practice" reservoir management policies and the application of emerging sand control technology where conditions allow. Modelling individual well and field network performance will form an important platform for designing and evaluating sand management strategies.