Sand production is a global problem which causes millions of dollars in equipment damage, deferred or lost production and non-productive time (NPT) every year. Consequently, the development of an effective sand management strategy, balancing the risks of producing sand to surface with those of stopping it at the reservoir, is critical to maximising the productivity of unconsolidated formations. 

The current low oil price environment poses a significant challenge to the sand management community in addressing the immediate need for more efficient operations and reduced cost without losing sight of the longer term requirements for more complex completions with longer intervals, higher pressures and temperatures, multiple zones and smaller pore to fracture pressure windows.