Multilayered metal-mesh screens (MMSs) are widely used as standalone screens for sand control in unconsolidated formations. The nominal rating of such screens is usually based on the specifications of the filter layer. It is often found that screens with the same filter-layer nominal rating perform differently. It is shown in this study that the primary reason for this is that the sand-retention performance of multilayered MMSs is a strong function of not only the filter layer but also the protection layer and the support layer.
Introduction
The sand-retention ability of a multilayered MMS is evaluated by examining the pore-size distribution (PSD) of the screen as well as its slurry-test sand production [the sand-production evaluation is for plain-square-mesh (PSM) screens only]. Three major steps are involved in the evaluation process:
1. Generate a multilayered virtual mesh assembly (an example is provided in Fig.
