Integrated Log-Derived Geomechanical Characterization and Sand Production Prediction for Sand Management in the EL Field, Niger Delta
Keywords:
Geomechanical characterization, In situ stress, Critical drawdown pressure, Sanding prediction, Perforation orientationAbstract
Sand production remains a persistent operational challenge in weakly consolidated clastic reservoirs of the Niger Delta, often leading to wellbore instability, equipment erosion, and premature well abandonment. Despite numerous sanding studies in the basin, many rely on single‑parameter or empirical approaches that do not fully integrate reservoir geomechanics, stress evolution, drawdown effects, and completion design within a unified workflow. This study presents an integrated, log‑derived geomechanical characterisation of reservoirs in the EL Field, Niger Delta, with the objective of predicting sand production risk and optimising sand control strategies. Four reservoirs (K7.1, L9.1, M1.0, and M3.0) were analysed using wireline log‑derived elastic properties, empirical rock strength correlations, in‑situ stress modelling, sand production indices (SPI), and critical drawdown pressure (CDP) analysis. In addition, perforation orientation effects and sieve‑based grain size analysis were incorporated to guide completion design. The reservoirs exhibit average elastic properties of Poisson’s ratio 0.31, Young’s modulus 2.52 Mpsi, shear modulus 0.97 Mpsi, bulk modulus 2.13 Mpsi, and Biot’s coefficient 0.58. Rock strength analysis indicates a mean unconfined compressive strength of 5,672 psi, with the M‑series reservoirs showing higher strength and stiffness than the shallower K7.1 and L9.1 units. The in‑situ stress regime is dominated by normal faulting (σv > SHmax > Shmin), consistent with the regional Niger Delta stress framework. Sand production prediction results show that K7.1 and L9.1 are highly sanding‑prone, while M1.0 and M3.0 exhibit moderate to low sanding tendencies. CDP analysis further demonstrates that shallow reservoirs fail at relatively low drawdowns, whereas deeper reservoirs can sustain higher drawdowns but may release larger sand volumes upon failure. Based on integrated geomechanical and sieve analysis results, gravel pack completions are recommended for K7.1, L9.1, and M1.0, while a standalone wire‑wrapped screen is suitable for M3.0. The study demonstrates that integrating log‑derived geomechanics, sanding indices, CDP, perforation orientation, and grain size analysis provides a robust and transferable workflow for sand management in Niger Delta reservoirs.
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