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Sand in my Valve!

Sand production is a common problem in the oil and gas industry and can have significant impacts on the performance and reliability of a surface controlled sub-surface safety valve (SCSSV). Sand production occurs when sand particles are produced along with the oil or gas and can cause damage to the valve and its components, leading to failure. In this essay, we will discuss the effects of sand production on a SCSSV and some ways to prevent failure. One of the main effects of sand production on a SCSSV is erosion. Sand particles can cause abrasion to the valve body and its components, leading to corrosion and eventual failure. Sand particles can also accumulate in the valve body and cause obstructions, reducing its ability to function properly. This can lead to increased pressure and stress on the valve components, further increasing the likelihood of failure.

Another effect of sand production on a SCSSV is clogging. Sand particles can accumulate in the valve body and restrict the flow of fluid, reducing its ability to function properly. This can lead to increased pressure and stress on the valve components, further increasing the likelihood of failure. Clogging can also make it difficult to remove the valve for maintenance or repair, leading to further operational issues (to hear about how debris in a wellborn can cause problems - check out what happened with a SCSSSV Isolation Sleeve www.ballycattertech.com/detail-view-blog/39/completions). To prevent the effects of sand production on a SCSSV, it is important to implement preventative measures to reduce the amount of sand that is produced. One such measure is to use a sand control technique, such as gravel packing or screen installation, to prevent sand from entering the production tubing. This can help to reduce the amount of sand that reaches the SCSSV, reducing the likelihood of erosion, clogging, and other issues.

Sand screens really work

Another measure to prevent the effects of sand production on a SCSSV is to install a sand screen in the well. Sand screens are designed to stop sand particles in the fluid before it reaches the valve, reducing the amount of sand that enters the valve body and its components. This can help to reduce erosion, clogging, and other issues, improving the reliability and performance of the SCSSV. In addition to these preventative measures, it is also important to regularly inspect and maintain the SCSSV to ensure its proper functioning. This may include pulling and cleaning the valve body, checking for signs of erosion, and replacing damaged components as necessary. Regular intervention maintenance can help to reduce the likelihood of failure and prolong the lifespan of the SCSSV.

Perform well interventions before you have a problem
Keep the moving parts clean...

In conclusion, sand production can have significant impacts on the performance and reliability of a SCSSV. The effects of sand production can include erosion, clogging, and other issues that can lead to valve failure. To prevent the effects of sand production on a SCSSV, it is important to implement preventative measures such as sand screens, gravel packs, and regular well intervention maintenance. By taking these steps, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of failure and ensure the safe and reliable operation of a SCSSV.

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The Pulling Tool that ALMOST Fit When you are planning a wireline job no detail is too small. I had planned a job in offshore Australia where the job was fairly simple - it was just pull gas lift valve out of the completion. It was a single valve installed many years ago and I just needed to pull the valve and set a dummy. I had reviewed the well file and the only thing that stood out was the lack of activity on these wells since the wells had been drilled there had been no workovers or well interventions completed after 20 years. As with most well interventions there was limited time to prepare, and this was a fairly straight forward job. Luckily the pulling tool was locally available, as well as the slickline crew (meaning they were mostly in the same country), and equipment. We needed a large bore kickover tool but this was in stock and available so it looked like it was going to be fairly easy this time. I lined up a supervisor who used to work on the production side on the same platform, so things were coming together nicely. The oil industry is really good at adopting a technology (once it is proven) and then applying it to solve issues specific to their specific environment. However, the industry is not so fast to adopt new ways of doing things which is reasonable considering the safety and financial risks involved in the business we are in. When cost estimating the first of any type of work in an asset or area, the actuals will almost always be higher than average, but as lessons are learned and the work becomes standardized, efficiencies appear that will drive costs down and increase asset value…but, you have to start somewhere. An extreme example of this would be pulling a gas lift dummy valve – probably one of the most common activities in a platform-based oil well, however, if it has not been done on a platform, asset, company, area, before, it can be met with a healthy amount of skepticism. This was a standard operation and all the pieces were coming together. I have always enjoyed using a GANTT chart and seeing what is on the critical path when planning a project execution. No-one wants to be on the critical path, but everyone will use every possible day they can get before becoming the long lead item. On this job the critical path was the availability of the slickline unit, so there was time to look at other aspects. This gave time to have a thorough review of the program.
Wat veroorzaakte de druk, dat maar bleef stijgen? Het vinden van de juiste materialen op het juiste moment kan een uitdaging zijn wanneer je druk bezig bent met produceren. Zoals bij de meeste bedrijven, hebben wij onze standaard inkoopprocedures die meestal prima werken, en gelukkig was onze inkoopafdeling ook redelijk begripvol wanneer er problemen opdoken (wat altijd leek te gebeuren om 1 uur 's nachts op zaterdag, om de een of andere reden). Het onderhoud was vrij goed verlopen, iets langer dan gepland, maar er was niets groots gevonden tijdens de inspecties. De fabriek was helemaal afgerond en het projectteam had zijn werk voltooid. En het productieteam was op dat moment net bezig met het opstarten, toen de compressoren uitsloegen door hoge druk.

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