Successful Application of Non-Intrusive Solids Detection Monitor in High Rate Gas wells

Solids production problems in the petroleum industry are well documented and several effective methods have been developed over the years to alleviate these problems. These issues become more costly and disastrous when dealing with high rate sour gas wells. Uncontrolled solids production in these types of wells can lead to choke cut-outs, eroded flowlines and damaged production facilities. Under conditions of high pressures and high rates, the ability to determine the solids production and controlling it is of paramount importance for reasons of safety, protection of the environment and the asset plus the attendant economic considerations. Solids monitoring was attempted during the first phase of Saudi Aramco’s first offshore Non-Associated Gas (NAG) field operations. However the monitoring equipment failed to detect large particulates during the clean-up operations resulting in erosion of some of the choke trims. Fortunately, upon inspection there was no damage to the choke bodies or flowlines. These solids detectors were used on one well together with the Solids Management System (SMS) utilized for cleaning up the wells to 50 MMSCFD with the rig on location to confirm its ability to measure the solids production. For the second phase of operations, the solids detectors were recalibrated based on the previous findings and lessons learnt. The experience proved invaluable in the wells’ ramp-up operations, which were completed safely and without incidents. This paper describes the process and procedures employed in the ramping up operations of the wells to 120 MMSCFD without adversely affecting the production surface facilities. Furthermore, the lessons learnt and enhancements to the solid detectors resulting in the successful implementation are presented. This is the first time in the industry that these non-intrusive monitoring devices have been used successfully for this type of application.