What is an Oil Sand Control Screen?

Oil sand control screens are critical equipment used in oil drilling and production operations to prevent formation sand from entering the wellbore, primarily applied in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs or offshore oilfields where sand production is likely. Their main functions include:

1. Sand Control: By using the filter structure of the screen (such as wire-wrapped, slotted, or composite structures), formation sand particles are prevented from entering the well, protecting well equipment and preventing sand burial of the oil layer or production shutdowns.
2. Maintaining Production: Ensuring smooth flow of oil and gas, reducing production efficiency decline caused by sand particle blockage.
3. Extending Well Life: Effective sand control can reduce casing damage, erosion, and corrosion, extending the service life of the oil well.

Common Types

• Wire-Wrapped Screen: Winding a specific cross-section wire around a metal base pipe and welding it, leaving gaps as screen openings. Simple to manufacture, but prone to wire disorder or deformation due to collisions in high-angle or horizontal wells, affecting sand control effectiveness.
• Slotted Screen: Direct cutting of slots in the pipe body, with smooth, burr-free edges and high compressive strength, suitable for complex well conditions, widely used and low in cost.
• Composite Screen: Combining multiple filter layers, with stronger compressive and corrosion resistance, suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure, or heavy oil thermal recovery environments.
• Other Types: Such as metal mesh screens, metal wire mesh screens, star-hole screens, etc., selected according to geological conditions and mining needs.

Technical Parameters (Taking Wire-Wrapped Screen as an Example)

• Length: 1.5m, 2m, 3m, 4m
• Outer Diameter: 73mm, 89mm, 114mm, etc.
• Filtration Accuracy: 0.1-2.0mm
• Material: Stainless steel 304, J55 or N80 oil casing
• Pressure: Less than 15Mpa
• Flow Rate: Less than 100m³/d

Application Scenarios

• Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoirs: Such as Bohai Bay Basin and Shengli Oilfield in China, where the formation cementation strength is low and sand production is easy, requiring efficient sand control.
• Offshore Oilfields: In horizontal or highly deviated wells, the screen needs to resist complex well conditions and erosion.
• High-Temperature and High-Pressure Environments: New types of screens can withstand 200℃ and 20,000psi, suitable for deep or extreme conditions.