Sand control systems are prominently used for well completion operations in the oil and gas industry. Production of sand is a major constraint that engineers face during this process due to breakage of rocks comprising of crude oil and natural gas. The production process can be hampered due to the extreme changes in pressure during drilling operations. Furthermore, this creates down-hole cavities and blocks the tubing. It is very difficult to ensure sand-free crude oil and natural gas due to the adverse impact of drilling on the production activity. Sand control systems ensure smooth functioning of the well. Hence, the demand for these systems is increasing, thereby boosting the growth of the sand control systems market.
Gravel packing, standalone screens, plastic consolidation, and resin coat gravel are some of the techniques used in the sand control systems. The use of gravel packing technique is in high demand as it can gravel pack and accommodate any type of well of any deviation easily. Sand control techniques are preferred by majority of petroleum companies across the globe owing to their flexibility and customized nature as per specific requirements depending on type and structure of wells.
The sand control systems market has been classified into open hole and cased hole. The open hole segment is gaining momentum due to its use in deep water and offshore projects. The open hole system is widely used due to its key advantages such as reliable installation, cost effectiveness, and ability to ensure well productivity for longer period. An increase in the use of sand control systems in well completion processes have augmented the growth of the sand control systems market.
The demand for sand control systems is increasing substantially due to newly discovered oil and gas reserves with high potential. Furthermore, these discoveries are creating lucrative opportunities which are inducing the growth of sand control systems market.
The key market players are investing in R&D activities to specialize in sand control and other co-related services to maintain their dominance in the sand control systems market. The major players are utilizing their technical expertise to increase the efficiency and reliability of the products. Taking into consideration the above mentioned aspects, the sand control systems market is expected to show a significant growth.
Sand Control Systems Market – Snapshot
Sand production is a major challenge that engineers face during drilling and well completion operations in the oil & gas industry. Production of sand occurs due to earth stresses and additional stress caused by the drilling activity. This breaks down the rocks comprising crude oil and natural gas. This is prominent in unconsolidated rock formations. The produced sand erodes equipment, creates down-hole cavities, and blocks tubing. This can hamper the production process. In certain cases, the casing can collapse due to sudden and extreme changes in pressure and stress during drilling operations. Additionally, down-hole equipment can deteriorate due to the accumulation of sand. In extreme cases, the accumulation of sand can result in severe blowout. Ensuring sand-free crude oil and natural gas production is critical to the effective maintenance of well productivity over an extended period of time. Production of sand while drilling adversely impacts well operations. Therefore, sand control systems play an important role in the proper functioning of a well.