Consulting: Petroleum

Mechanisms of Erosion and Sanding

PFC3D model containing clustered material representing the formation near the well



A continuum (FLAC3D) model and discrete (PFC3D) model overlapping in the cubic region near the well. These models simulate the detailed hydromechanical interaction of fluid flow and of sand particles



Pore pressure in the continuum model (left) and contact forces between the discrete particles (right) during outflow of fluid and material from the center top of the cube

Production parameters greatly affect sanding. Itasca Consulting Group offers geomechanical modeling services and software that are based on both continuum and discrete-element representations of the medium. These tools, along with laboratory and field-testing, can be used effectively to understand and optimize production in order to minimize sanding.

Representation of the formation as discrete particles

In a distinct element approach using Itasca's PFC2D/PFC3D software, a large assembly of small particles bonded together exhibits a rich macroscopic behavior, which can capture the mechanical behavior of the formation. Additionally, particles can be clustered together to accurately represent the variety of size and shapes actually observed - as seen adjacent.

A continuum and discrete approach to modeling near-well fluid flow

Using FLAC3D, Itasca's advanced three dimensional continuum program, in conjunction with an overlapping discrete PFC3D model of the near-well region shows that the mutual interactions of the fluid phase and particles result in the creation of complex structures held together by contact forces and greatly affecting porosity near the well.