Optimization of fracturing and sand control systems based on energy utilization efficiency in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs

Energy conservation and consumption reduction is a critical technical demand in oilfield development. Fracturing and sand control, the primary technical measure for boosting and stabilizing oil and gas production in medium-high permeability unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs, is plagued by low energy utilization efficiency. Current research on oil well production energy utilization efficiency mostly focuses on surface gathering and transportation systems and artificial lift systems, with inadequate studies on perforation, sand control and fracture zones during production, and a lack of coordinated optimization methods from an energy efficiency perspective. To solve these problems, a calculation and evaluation model for energy consumption and utilization efficiency of the three zones was established and modified via energy efficiency evaluation experiments, which proved that construction parameters affect each zone’s energy consumption. A collaborative optimization case analysis of a typical fracturing and gravel packing well was conducted using the orthogonal combination design method, revealing that optimizing perforation and fracture parameters is the key to improving operational energy utilization efficiency. Specifically, perforation density should be over 24–30 holes/m, diameter larger than 12–14 mm, fracture width above 12–14 mm, and larger particle size proppants should be prioritized. Optimization balanced the energy utilization efficiency of the three zones in the typical well and raised energy utilization efficiency by about 51.2%, providing technical and theoretical support for oilfields to realize energy conservation and consumption reduction and enhance the energy utilization efficiency of fracturing and sand control operations.