Milestone in Development of Critical Matrix Management Technology
Darcy has announced that it has successfully crossed another milestone in its development of the Critical Matrix Management technology. This technology provides a low risk, high-value sand management completions method for optimising oil and gas reservoir inflow. In preparation for the full-scale deployment of its revolutionary sand management system, the company has completed an operator sponsored project to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the new system.
Test Rig
An independently verified test rig was built to replicate the harsh production conditions and simulate the geo-technical loading that could be experienced downhole due to sand laminates and shale stress conditions. The testing sequence also included tests to determine the sand retention thresholds whilst the Darcy system was subjected to excessive loading and circulation rates. Testing previously performed by Darcy had already highlighted the fact that the screen system shows superior mechanical strength properties over that of current forms of compliant or non-compliant sand control technology, in particular those that yield base pipe as the expansion method. The results show that the screen has a significantly higher collapse rating than the standalone base pipe. This can be attributed to the effects of Darcy’s Positive Compliance methodology.
Highlights
Highlights of the testing confirmed:
– the Darcy system is capable of withstanding greater loading than that of standalone screens or the base pipe;
– the system activation chambers are extremely robust. Even with severe deformation of the screen the chambers maintained pressure integrity;
– sand integrity was maintained by the Darcy Screen even under very heavy loading. Forces 220,000 lbs were observed before sanding occurred.
Chief executive Steve Bruce, who heads the Darcy management team, says: “We are experience a high level of interest from operators since the launch of the system. The production of sand and solids in oil and gas can represent a major problem in terms of well productivity, erosion damage and excessive sand production can also lead to a degradation, or in the worst case, compaction of the reservoir. “