THE ADVANCES OF NUMERICAL SIMULATION FOR GRAVEL PACKING IN HORIZONTAL WELLS

This paper reviews the latest advances of numerical simulation for gravel packing in horizontal wells. The discussions focus on the following topics:gravel packing process mechanism and technology;calculation model for equilibrium bank height and critical velocity in packing.A description is made on slurry flow in screen/wellbore annuli,carried fluid flow in wash-pipe/screen annuli and fluid transfer between two flow system and fluid leak-off into formation.The mathematical model for bank height inαwave packing,factors affecting horizontal well gravel-pack efficiency and existing problems are also discussed.