Research and Application of Segmented Gravel Packing Sand Control Completion Technology for Long-Interval Wells

Aiming to address the challenges of non-uniform sand placement during sand control operations in long-interval multi-zone wells of unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs—caused by significant interval span, multiple pay zones, substantial interlayer heterogeneity, and severe reservoir anisotropy—which adversely affect long-term stable production in sand control wells, we developed the Segmented Gravel Packing Sand Control Completion Technology for extended well sections. This technology features a segmented gravel packing tool system with anchor-free design, anti-tubular-creep capability, and sand-jamming prevention functionality as its core component. The tool demonstrates bidirectional pressure-bearing capacity ≥30MPa, enabling gravel packing operations from dual-stage to multi-stage configurations. By establishing compact sand barriers in each formation section, it resolves the issue of uneven packing across layers caused by interzonal discrepancies, thereby significantly enhancing sand control effectiveness in extended well sections. Furthermore, the system employs an integral drillable tubing string configuration, eliminating the risk of workover operations due to tubing retrieval difficulties in later phases. As of December 2024, this technology has been successfully implemented in four long-interval multi-zone wells with 100% operational success rate and 100% sand control efficiency, achieving cumulative crude oil production of 2,593 tons in the deployment year. All treated wells currently maintain normal production status.