Application of zero-thickness interface elements to sanding prediction analysis

Abstract

A computational micromechanical analysis based on zero thickness interface elements for modelling solid prediction in hydrocarbon reservoir sandstones is presented. The model is capable of modelling localization of deformation, disintegration and cracking of cemented rock formation that leads to initiation and continuous sand production during hydrocarbon production and reservoir depletion. Using only few physical parameters, the model is calibrated at the macroscale by reproducing the typical behaviour of geomaterials in compression element tests that is characterized by transition from brittle dilatant to ductile compactant behaviour with increasing confining stress. In the presented application presented, the model was calibrated first using the results of two triaxial tests performed on samples that were recovered from a deep well and then a sand production analysis was carried out. The model predictions are compared well with the experimental results of thick wall cylinder tests. The proposed methodology is very promising as it can predict not only the initiation of sanding, but also the continuous produced sand volumes under geometry changing conditions which is still a challenging research problem.