MULTI-WELL SAND PRODUCTION PREDICTION STUDY TO SUPPORT FIELD DEVELOPMENT PLAN, LOWER ACACUS FORMATION, AREA 47, GHADAMIS BASIN

Abstract

This work presents the synthesis of an extensive study on sand production prediction conducted 
on six structures in block 2, Lower Acacus Formation, Area-47 in Ghadamis Basin, Libya. These structures, 
upon declaring their commerciality, were identified for North Hamada Field Development. Thirteen wells 
(exploratory and appraisals), have been drilled and tested in these structures. Some of these wells have 
exhibited sand production phenomena during their initial production tests. A sand production prediction 
study was performed to investigate and quantify the magnitude of the problem, suggesting proper sand 
control remedy and optimum completion parameters for cased and open hole scenarios.
Geomechanical Modeling and Wellbore Stability (WBS) Analysis have been performed simultaneously 
for each well, to assess mechanical properties and stresses that have been used for sanding analysis. 
A petrophysical and rock physics analysis of log data from all wells allowed to integrate available 
measurements by means of multi-well workflows utilizing, 1D-geomechanic model, rock physics and 
completion modules. All analyses confirmed the occurrence of sanding in some critical sections at different 
reservoir pressure depletion regimes. Predicted sanding tendency on existing wells, was in good agreement, 
with observations made from DST’s.
These results have been used to start planning for the upcoming operation phase. They also constitute the 
base for the development of an integrated 3D geomechanic reservoir model enabling large scale analysis of 
the regional sand production phenomena.