This paper presents a combined experimental and numerical-modeling study on sand-screen performance. The objective is to develop an improved methodology for optimal sand-screen-aperture selection by addressing some of the limitations present in existing sand-retention tests. A new sand-retention-test facility has been developed that incorporates a number of improvements into the design and experimental procedure.
Existing Approach to Sand-Screen-Performance Evaluation
Empirical criteria have traditionally been applied for selecting screen size on the basis of one or two parameters derived from the particle-size distribution (PSD). Because of the problems associated with the empirical criteria, the industry standard practice is to conduct laboratory sand-retention tests on screen coupons. This is particularly relevant for premium sand screens, the filter media of which are fundamentally different from those of a slotted liner or wire-wrap screen.
