A novel multi-path sand-control screen and its application in gravel packing of deepwater horizontal gas wells

Gravel packing is a promising sand control method for natural gas wells in deepwater environments. However, premature screenout, wellbore shrinkage, and packer installationlimit gravel packing efficiency in long-reach horizontal wells. In this paper, we introduce a novel multi-path screen that provides alternative pathways once the circulating annulus is blocked. The basic geometric parameters of the screen are given first. Then, the frictional pressure loss in each circulating unit during packing is evaluated. Finally, the application of this screen in a long-reach horizontal well in the northern South China Sea is discussed. The application results demonstrate the applicability of multi-path screens in complex downhole completion conditions. The multi-path screen described here may widen the application ranges of gravel packing techniques to meet the exploitation demand for unconventional natural gas resources, such as marine natural gas hydrate.