Abstract

Controlling formation sand is costly and usually involves slowing either the production rate or using gravel-packing or sand-consolidation techniques. There are several factors generally believed to influence a well's tendency for sand production including reservoir depth and pressure; flow rates; formation cementation, compressibilities and natural permeability; surface exposed to flow; fluid type and phases; draw down; and formation sand characteristics. In focusing on cementation strength, one must know the strength of the cohesive contact bonds between the grains which can be produced by the action of cement and contact stiffness. The author (1993) describes the use of acoustic wave propagation properties in the evaluation of cementation strength. Stein et al. (1976) investigated the relationship between the log data and mechanical properties of friable sands. Based on those studies, this paper presents simple models of interpreting the optimum sand-free production rate by using acoustic wave properties and density data of the formation rocks which have been in common use in borehole formation evaluation.