| Reducing sand cleanout cost by controlling sand production into horizontal wells while enhancing the surrounding permeability of the formation is an important aspect in optimizing cold production from unconsolidated heavy oil reservoirs.; The objective of this experimental investigation is to study the sand flow behavior in the vicinity of a slot in a horizontal well under different conditions. The parameters studied include slot size (0.018 in to 0.048 in), saturation fluid (air and dead synthetic oil), flow rates (50–150 cm 3/h), and sand properties (morphology and grain size distribution).; The results suggest that sand production through the slots can be controlled, depending more on the sand grain sorting than the morphology of the grain or its average diameter. Sand production behavior is strongly influenced by the arrangements of the sand grains in the vicinity of the slot including the formation of sand bridges, arches, or plugging. Significant changes in the permeability and porosity were determined in the vicinity of the slot. The changes in the parameters were less significant away from the slot. |
