Sand Control 137

Figure 3.6 Fine laminations exposed by di¡erential weathering.

The use of log data in this way can then be used to predict the strength of rocks
that have not been cored (either the same well or on wells in the same intervals
within the same field). The following caveats apply:
1. The rock type (formations and diagenetic processes) should be the same or
similar.
2. The resolution of logs means that thin seams and intervals can be missed
(those less than 1 to 3 ft thick). Qiu et al. (2005) report a case where weak thin
intervals were missed and the well consequently produced unexpected sand.
Some thin pay analysis techniques, for example, image logs, such as micro-
resistivity, can be used to improve the resolution. Figure 3.6 shows variable
strength rocks from an Omani outcrop. Differential erosion has left the stronger
intervals outstanding. The weaker, eroded intervals would not be differentiated
by conventional gamma, porosity or sonic tools (petrophysicist for scale.).

3.1.2. Regional stresses

The second component in determining the propensity for sand production is to
understand the stresses imposed on the rock, before a wellbore or perforation is
made. The convention in rock mechanics is for compression to be a positive stress