Stability and Failure of Sand Arches

When producing from an unconsolidated sand, sand arches may form behind the perforation opening. On the basis of a theoretical model, we have analyzed the stresses in the sand. The effect of flowing fluids has been studied, and criteria describing the stability and failure of the sand are given. The arching phenomenon was studied in the laboratory. The experiments qualitatively reproduced the theoretical results. To the extent that comparison was possible, the quantitative agreement between theory and experiments was fairly good.