Sand Screens can be damaged with sand migrating through the slots. Abrasion is the primary reason for screen failure due to excessive sand production
Challenge
Screen erosion is always a major concern in any screen installation. Erosion of sand control screens in oil and gas wells can lead to unsolicited completion failures and significant losses in production.
Saltel Xpandable steel Patch can isolate damaged sections or the eroded sand screen to reduce or eliminate the sand production. The casing Patch alternative can reduce the production of sand to stop the sand grains’ abrasive effect.
Solution
Saltel Patch is run on tubing, drill pipe, or intelligent coiled tubing. At depth, it is expanded using a high-pressure inflatable packer, and the sealing system is energized against the internal casing wall. The setting tools are then extracted to leave a resistant inner lining inside the well. Once set, the patch acts as a diverter, molding the internal shape of the damaged screen, leaving large ID for running most standard downhole tools, and reduces the amount of sand produced. In some cases, patches could be set in overlap to extend the length of the diverter.