Review of Sand Control Strategies and Completion Practices for Unconsolidated Heavy Oil Reservoirs in OML 38, Edo State, South South Nigeria

Heavy oil reservoirs in unconsolidated sands pose compounded production challenges: high viscosity restricts flow, while weak formation strength causes excessive sand influx that damages downhole equipment. This study reviews sand control strategies and completion practices applicable to such reservoirs in OML 38, Edo State, South South Nigeria. Published completion records, workover histories, and production test data from eight target wells were compiled and analysed to evaluate the performance of three sand control approaches: standalone screens, resin-coated proppant gravel packs, and high-density wire-wrapped screens with telescoping setting tools. The completion performance metrics evaluated include initial sand-free production rate, frequency of sand-related interventions per year, and mean time between workovers. Results indicate that high-density wire-wrapped screens reduced annual sand control intervention frequency by 42 percent compared to standalone screens, while resin-coated proppant gravel packs delivered the highest initial production rates at the cost of more frequent stimulation requirements. Thermal EOR compatibility considerations are assessed, as planned steam injection programs require sand control completions that withstand cyclic temperature changes. The study concludes with a completion design selection matrix calibrated to reservoir depth, API gravity, and planned production rate, providing a practical guide for future well completion decisions in OML 38 heavy oil sands. Keywords: sand control, heavy oil, gravel pack, OML 38, Edo State.