Publications

A DEM-based approach for evaluating the pore throat size distribution of a filter medium

Published in Powder Technology, 2017

This paper presents a new approach for evaluating the PoSD of a filter medium using a discrete element method (DEM). Good agreement was observed between the simulated and theoretical PoSDs in an ideal sieve and a simple cubic packing case. The study showed that for a monodisperse random close packing (RCP) of spherical grains, the largest pore throat is about 1/4.5 of the grain size, and the smallest pore throat is about 1/6.6 of the grain size. For a polydisperse RCP formed by 20–40 mesh grains, the largest pore throat is about 1/5.3 of the effective grain size, and the smallest pore throat is about 1/10 of the effective grain size. The approach can be easily extended to evaluate the PoSD of any type of filter medium, including RCPs with any PSD. The PoSD computed provides essential information for filter layer design and selection.

Recommended citation: Chu-Hsiang Wu, Mukul M. Sharma. (2017). "A DEM-based approach for evaluating the pore throat size distribution of a filter medium." Powder Technology, ISSN 0032-5910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2017.09.018

Factors Governing the Predicted Performance of Multilayered Metal-Mesh Screens

Published in SPE Drilling & Completion, 2017

This paper presents a systematic study that shows how the overlap between different mesh layers, the alignment of the protection and support layers, and the relative pore-size ratio, defined as the ratio of pore size of the protection/support layer to that of the filter layer, have a large impact on the sand-retention performance of an MMS. The pore-size distribution (PoSD) of multilayered plain-square-mesh (PSM) and plain-Dutch-weave (PDW) screens is calculated with a novel numerical technique. Influences of screen sintering, coupon sampling, and screen designs on the PoSD of a screen are modeled by varying the layer overlap, shifting the layer alignment, and modifying the design of the protection and support layers. The PoSD data are used as an input into an analytical model for evaluating sand production of PSM screens in slurry-type sand-retention tests (SRTs) for screen-design optimization.

Recommended citation: Wu, C.-H., Sharma, M. M., Chanpura, R. et al. (2017). "Factors Governing the Predicted Performance of Multilayered Metal-Mesh Screens." SPE Drilling & Completion. https://doi.org/10.2118/178955-PA

Coupled CFD-DEM Simulation of Hydrodynamic Bridging at Constrictions

Published in International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2016

This paper presents a coupled CFD-DEM approach to simulate the flow of particulate suspensions in the intermediate concentration regime where solid volume concentration is 1% < φ< 50%. In particular, hy- drodynamic multi-particle bridging during flow through a single constriction in a rectangular channel is studied. It is shown that for neutrally buoyant, monodispersed particulate suspensions, the probability of jamming increases with the particle concentration. There also exists a critical particle concentration (φ∗) for spontaneous bridging, which depends on the ratio of pore size to particle size, the flow velocity, the particle-fluid density contrast, and the flow geometry leading to the constriction.

Recommended citation: Mondal, S., Wu, C.-H., Sharma, M. M. (2016). "Coupled CFD-DEM Simulation of Hydrodynamic Bridging at Constrictions." International Journal of Multiphase Flow. 84: 245–263, ISSN 0301-9322. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2016.05.001

Characterizing, Designing, and Selecting Metal Mesh Screens for Standalone-Screen Applications

Published in SPE Drilling & Completion, 2016

In this paper, we use computed tomography (CT) images of real screen coupons to construct 3D replicas of two metal-mesh screen (MMS) types: plain square mesh (PSM) and plain Dutch weave (PDW). An entirely computer-based method of creating 3D screen assemblies is also presented. The virtual screens were compared and validated against the ones generated from the CT images. We also conducted DEM simulations of pre-pack tests through these multi-layer MMS assemblies. The retention efficiency of MMSs for different particle sizes have been calculated for better slurry test modeling. We have shown that the effective size of MMS assemblies can be significantly lower than the nominal rating of the filter layer.

Recommended citation: Mondal, S., Wu, C.-H., Sharma, M. M., Chanpura, R. A., Parlar, M., & Ayoub, J. A. (2016). "Characterizing, Designing, and Selecting Metal Mesh Screens for Standalone-Screen Applications." SPE Drilling & Completion, 31(2):85–94. SPE-170935-PA. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/170935-PA

Particle Size Distribution Measurement Techniques and Their Relevance or Irrelevance to Sand Control Design

Published in SPE Drilling and Completion, 2015

This paper reviews the current practices in particle size distribution (PSD) determination and the use (and misuse) of the information obtained from these measurements. A methodology is proposed toward determining what is relevant under gradual-formation-failure conditions for wire-wrap screen, discuss when it should be used and why, and present initial experimental results that support our conclusions.

Recommended citation: Zhang, K., Chanpura, R. A., Mondal, S., Wu, C.-H., Sharma, M. M., Ayoub, J. A., & Parlar, M. (2015). "Particle Size Distribution Measurement Techniques and Their Relevance or Irrelevance to Sand Control Design." SPE Drilling and Completion. 30(2):164–174. http://dx.doi.org/10.2118/168152-PA