GravelPackSim
Software for Gravel Packing Fluid Displacement Operations
GravelPackSim
is a transient flow simulator that can be used to model gravel pack
displacement operations in a laboratory environment and serves to aid in the
proper design of experiments. This program allows you to calculate proppant bed
heights and pump pressures for various calculation scenarios and options.
Well/Screen
Annulus Configuration
GravelPackSim provides a database of standard
pipe sizes to configure the casing. Well deviation is assumed to be horizontal
for the simulations performed to design laboratory tests. The gravel packing
assembly can be configured by specifying inputs for the screen, wash pipe, and
blank pipe.
Slurry
Liquid slurry is configured by specifying inputs
for the base fluid, proppant properties, and concentration. Two types of
slurries can be created in GravelPackSim. These are broadly classified into
Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquid slurries. Non-Newtonian liquid slurry
behavior is characterized by a power-law model. Typical slurry base liquids are
water and brines. For steady-state calculations, the exact location of the
slurry front can be specified n the well/screen annulus along with a packing
progress stage. However, in the case of transient calculations, the location of
the slurry front is determined at each time step.
Calculation
Scenarios and Options
Calculations can be performed in both
steady-state and pseudo-transient modes. Typical calculation scenarios are
included to find the unknown pump and return pressures. In addition, the
well/screen annulus flow can be separately modeled. In these calculations,
proppant concentration, fluid leakoff, and dimensionless design bed height are
inputs. Calculation options include temperature, pipe roughness, and screen
assembly eccentricity specification. Parametric studies can also be performed
on pump/return pressures and flowrates.