Solids Production Geomechanics Evaluation in a Fractured/Vuggy Carbonate Reservoir from Abu Dhabi Offshore Field: Exploring the Parameter Space with Advanced Finite Element Simulations

ABSTRACT: Solids production can occur in carbonate rocks even with high strength matrix, because of presence of natural fractures and vuggy or weak zones. Solid production is known to be a common factor in many oil and gas producing wells in carbonate reservoirs both at the early production period but also in later life of a reservoir under depleted conditions. There are many geomechanical material properties affecting the magnitude and behaviour of solids production. As part of the work done for a previous paper, a finite element model for an open-hole configuration was built to simulate a real case of solids production on a carbonate reservoir located in Abu Dhabi Offshore Field. This model was further enhanced to be extensively utilised for the scope of the current paper. Several simulations are conducted varying numerous geomechanical material properties of the model to assess the influence of each one of them on the magnitude and behaviour of the solids production. This assessment provides a comprehensive correlation between the variation of each geomechanical material property and the effect it has upon the amount and pattern of solids production. The assessment above and any possible future assessments of this type could guide the choice of completion and help the solid management decisions for the development of such carbonate reservoirs. 1. INTRODUCTION Solids production is a common industry dilemma in balancing efficient production volumes with damaging solids entering the well and top-side facilities. However, it should also be considered that solids production can occur in carbonate rocks, even with high strength matrix, due to the presence of natural fractures and vuggy or weak zones. A previous paper, (Pourpak et al., 2024) conducted a detailed postmortem analysis of solids produced from a fractured/vuggy carbonate reservoir from an Abu Dhabi offshore field. This analysis provided valuable insights regarding the mechanisms of solids production, and was supplemented with calibrated advanced finite element simulations. This paper further develops the modelling to explore the geomechanical parameters space of downhole and drilling conditions which may affect the volumes of solids produced. This aims to provide general guidance for operations in circumstances where data acquisition may be limited.