The Simulation and Analysis of Sand

Erosion for Base Management

Practices
MSc. Thesis

Raza Malik
Industry Supervisor Peter Griffiths
Imperial College Supervisor R.W Zimmerman
1

Outline

Sand Production is increasing in importance as

newer field developments tend towards more
mature fields.

Sand Production can adversely affect the

economics, productivity, and operational safety
of a well.

There is still much debate regarding the sand

production and erosion process from a
mechanistic perspective.

Therefore means of simulating sand erosion in

industry is a non-unique process, and the
selection of an optimal prediction technique is
much debated.
2

Objectives & Deliverables

To present a draft and critical

analysis outlining how BPs Base
Management
should
simulate
erosion caused by sand.

Investigate the origin of Sand

Production
and
delve
into
mechanistic sand transport models
and simulation Use these to
present a technical and analytical
basis for decision making.

Use this to present a holistic critical

analysis of the various simulation
methodologies, and how sand
erosion should be modelled.
3

Contribution to the Industry

Provide a practical and an industrially sound perspective on sand erosion
modelling, and use real industry data to analyse various means of simulating
sand erosion.
Develop a systematic screening process and/or an analytical means to justify
how the sand production and erosion process could be modelled for
practical use in industry.
Produce a literary draft which will provide an analytical basis for sand
production and erosion modelling. This will have practical implications for
the collaborating company and the industry as a whole.

Timetable
May

June

July

August

Literature Review
Introduction & Cause and Effects
of Sand Erosion
Sand Production Simulations
Sand Transport Models/Erosion
Case Studies/Industry Data
Generate Results/Final Report
Writing

Introductory
Presentation

Progress Reports

Report
Submission

Risks & Mitigation

Insufficient data and/or any potential delays in obtaining data.

- Obtain data from analogue fields/Request data early.

Timeframe
- Ensure that workflow is structured and devise a working strategy/timeline in
collaboration with both college and industry supervisors.

Risk of not complying with defined schedule

- Produce weekly mini-reports to ensure that targets are met. Have a one-week
safety buffer in timetable.

Use of Sensitive/Confidential data and Permission issues

- Ensure data is requested early and mask identity of confidential data if necessary.

Thank you for your

time.