QUESTION TWO

a) Describe the main functions of an artificial gravel pack

 Prevents fines from entering the well
 Increases effective hydraulic radius
 Supports the formation and prevents collapse of the well sides
 Laterally retains and effectively strengthens the casing

b) Construct a grain size distribution curve

Artificial
grain size
Sieve size (mm) =
(mm) Mass retained Mass passing Percentag natural x
(Natural) (kg) (kg) e passing 5
2 0 1.87 100 10
87.165775
1 0.24 1.63 4 5
60.427807
0.5 0.5 1.13 5 2.5
18.716577
0.25 0.78 0.35 5 1.25
2.6737967
0.125 0.3 0.05 9 0.625
0.063 0.05 0 0 0.315
Mass passing These
through sieve values are
0.063 0 0 0 the sizes
for the
gravel
TOTAL 1.87 pack
 Grain size distribution curve
120

Natural grain size

100
Artificial grain size

80
Percentage passing

60

40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10
Sieve size

c) Confirm that an artificial gravel pack is required

Coefficient of uniformity (natural) = D60 / D10
D60 = 0.5mm
D10 = 0.19mm
Cu = 0.5/0.19
= 2.6316 < 3
Coefficient of uniformity ((artificial)
D60 = 1.15mm
D10 = 0.95mm
Cu = 1.15/0.95
= 1.2105 < 3
Therefore, since Cu (natural) and Cu (artificial) are both less than 3, an artificial gravel pack is
required.

d) Construct the grading curve for the gravel pack using the same graph paper
See graph above

e) Suggest a suitable screen slot size

Suitable screen slot is 0.95mm