A large independent crude oil and natural gas producer with significant interests in the Clearwater Formation in Northern Alberta was operating wells initially established in the late 1990s using CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand). The horizontal sections of the wells extended beyond 2,400 meters and each well was completed with 0.250-in. straight slotted liners. As the profile of the well formation changed over time, there was an increase in the level of water production and the operator turned to polymer flooding as its primary Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) strategy.

A large independent crude oil and natural gas producer with significant interests in the Clearwater Formation in Northern Alberta was operating wells initially established in the late 1990s using CHOPS (Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sand). The horizontal sections of the wells extended beyond 2,400 meters and each well was completed with 0.250-in. straight slotted liners. As the profile of the well formation changed over time, there was an increase in the level of water production and the operator turned to polymer flooding as its primary Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) strategy.

Slotted liners can be damaged through (1) enlargement of slot apertures by erosion, (2) excessive stress buildup, and (3) liner perforations that open new flow paths with excessive plugging. The result can be massive sanding. Scab liners are tools employed to remediate these situations (below figure).
This research aims to develop design criteria for scab liners in SAGD producer wells. The intent is to keep the sand production below an acceptable limit.