Optimizing production from a dry-gas well using active topside sand control
The Caribbean, 2024
FP-1145

A leading player in the oil and gas industry in the Caribbean faced a challenge with an aging brownfield asset (over 30 years old) where a well had been shut-in due to sand issues. Sand production in the dry gas well posed a significant problem, disrupting overall production on the asset and requiring frequent well choking or closure. Given limited space and crane capacity on the offshore platform, a compact sand removal system was needed.

To maintain operational and economic flexibility, a standard rental solution was adopted for the asset. Through the use of simulations, along with insights from the FourPhase sand management database and advanced CFD and 3D planning tools, confidence grew in the chosen solution's efficacy. Keeping capital expenditures minimal while maximizing production is crucial for optimizing brownfield assets.

A compact DualFlow desander was deployed to address the challenge (see illustration above). With dimensions of just 6.6 x 6.6 feet and weighing under 20,000 lbs, the desander could be installed using the platform's available crane. The rental solution facilitated swift deployment and installation, leading to faster Production Flow Recovery (PFR™).

The previously shut-in dry gas well has been successfully brought back online and currently yields approximately 13 MSCF/day, resulting in significant additional daily revenue. Moreover, the risk associated with sand slugs in the process system has been minimized, ensuring a steady revenue stream.

Since operations resumed, the dry gas well has produced nearly 2,000 lbs (1,000 kg) of sand in less than a month. The installation of the desander has increased operator confidence. As FourPhase continues to gather data on erosion, velocity, and flow, the aim is to further boost production rates by an additional 40%, while ensuring sand-free flow.
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