Work

Influence of weave geometry and layering on the progression of sand retention and permeability in standalone screens using resolved CFD-DEM

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Premium-type standalone sand screens have gained popularity in screen-only oil and gas well completions due to their cost-effectiveness and operational simplicity. Their filtration performance involves two sequential yet interdependent phases: (i) the initial bridging of sand particles at the screen interface, and (ii) the subsequent role of the deposited filter-bed, which governs long-term sand particle retention and fluid flow. The geometry of the screen, particularly the weave pattern and layering, strongly influences both phases, yet its impact on the full-cycle filtration process remains insufficiently understood. Although several studies have examined the performance of various screen designs, few have investigated how weave configuration affects the coupled evolution of screen-induced bridging dynamics and filter-bed interaction. In addition, inconsistent methods across studies have made comparisons difficult.To address this gap, this study investigates how screen geometry, specifically weave pattern and layering, influences filtration performance throughout the progression from screen-induced bridging to sustained filter-bed–dominated flow and retention. A spatially resolved CFD-DEM model evaluates four premium-type standalone screen configurations: plain and twill weaves in both single-layer and multilayer forms. By holding design parameters such as aperture size, wire diameter, layer geometry, and mesh alignment constant, the analysis isolates geometric effects on bridging behaviour, sand retention efficiency, and retained permeability.The results support a clearer basis for selecting screen weave configurations by linking screen-induced bridging behaviour with the retained permeability of the resulting filter system. This study reinforces the importance of evaluating filtration as a time-dependent progression that shapes sand retention and fluid flow performance.

Source: International Journal of Multiphase Flow

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2025.105481

Authors: Razqan Razak, Paula A Gago, Zhixi Chen, Stephen Tyson, Sheikh S Rahman

Institution: UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Drilling and Well Engineering

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funders: Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Imperial College London, University of New South Wales