ADVANCES IN SAND PREDICTION AND MANAGEMENT FOR UNCONSOLIDATED RESERVOIRS

Sand production is one of the most troublesome issues in oil and gas development, especially in unconsolidated reservoirs where the formation lacks natural strength. It often leads to equipment wear, production losses, and higher maintenance costs. This study looks at better ways to predict and manage sand production by bringing together different techniques such as geomechanical modeling, log analysis, and real-time monitoring. Traditional control methods like gravel
packing, sand screens, and chemical consolidation are compared with more recent innovations such as the Tixier log-based approach and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS). Insights drawn from field experiences in Nigerian reservoirs show that when prediction, control and monitoring are combined in a single system, sand problems can be handled more effectively and at a lower cost. Overall, this research highlights that a well-integrated sand management strategy can greatly improve production stability and extend the life of oil wells in challenging reservoir environments.