Sand is a byproduct of oil and gas upstream operations. To ensure downstream facilities are safe from sand carry over, equipment is installed to capture sand and particulate.

Types of Oil and Gas Sand Management Techniques

Cyclonic and Spherical Sand Separators
Cyclonic or Spherical sand control technology is designed to be most efficient during single phase & steady-state production scenarios (similar to off-shore parameters) and uses differential pressure to force solid particles to the outer edge of the internal components. By forcing the well stream into a confined space and narrowing the flow path the resulting differential can be as high as 200 – 400 psi (depending on the manufacturer and well flow characteristics). In reality, once multi-phase production (Gas & Liquids combined) is introduced, the cyclonic action can break down and cause performance fluctuations that affect separation efficiency as well as further increase differential pressure thereby holding back production at the well head. These units must be blown down frequently to remove sand from the internal holding volume (~100 lb) while the well continues to flow through the system.

Horizontal/Tilt Desanders
Gravity desanding technology uses temporary phase separation, significant velocity reduction, and adequate retention time to remove the sand safely and efficiently from multi-phase well production. The vessel does not utilize baffles, plates, or screens that would otherwise slow down the flow which allows for a near-zero pressure drop across these vessels (excepting pipe friction). With the predictable leveraging of Stoke’s Law, the sand settles to the bottom of the vessel and is retained until the cleanout process is initiated (>700 lb). This process is performed while isolated from the well allowing for full operational control of the gas trapped in the system. Real-time monitoring of the sand in the desander yields additional gains in operations efficiency as well as new opportunities for data analytics.

Horizontal Desander Install at an Oil and Gas Wellsite

Relationship with Methane Emissions

The management of sand in oil and gas operations is intricately linked to methane emissions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is emitted at various stages of oil and gas production, including during the sand control process associated with well flow back and initial production. Operators and contractors alike have ownership of equipment and process selection in order to eliminate routine methane releases while continuing to achieve effective and operationally efficient well flowback/production best practices.

Associated Causes of Methane Emissions

• Open tanks used for blowing down sand control equipment.
• Open measurement tanks for externally weighing sand after vessel is blown down to atmosphere.
• Delayed closing of dump valve after blowdown of sand is complete resulting in well flowing directly to atmosphere.
• Uncontrolled pressure releases from equipment and piping washouts
• Inherent efficiencies of combustion equipment such as flares (91% efficient) or incinerators (99% efficient).
• Breaking containment to repair chokes, valves, washed out flow iron, production separation equipment, and/or facilities components.

Mitigating Methane Emissions Through Sand Management

Adopting efficient sand management practices, with the integration of technology and improved processes, can significantly reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industry.

Technological Innovations

Advanced separation technologies and equipment can enhance sand removal efficiency and reduce the likelihood of methane release during flowback and initial production. Gravity Desanders provide an industry-leading advantage to make total fugitive methane emission elimination a reality.

• Sand-holding capacities are more than 15x a standard vertical “sand trap”
• Results in significantly fewer depressure events
• Finite and consistent gas volumes to manage providing options for control
• Put more gas in the pipeline resulting in additional revenue

Improved Sand Production Monitoring and Measurement

The ability to monitor sand being produced, in real time, without the release of well fluids to the atmosphere, provides an opportunity to realize significant advances in on-site operations efficiency and data-driven decision-making, all leading to improved methane emissions capture capabilities.

• Only clean out as needed using Sand Sentry Measurement System
• Know how much sand is in the Desander in real-time, monitor on-site and online
• Sand production data ensures cleanouts done only as required

Enhanced Health, Safety, and Environmental Practices

The process of reducing impact on the environment also improves our ability to ensure the health and safety of personnel on location as well as safeguard the communities in which we operate. Working with local, state, and federal regulatory bodies will create a positive operating climate where both business and community stakeholders benefit from these advancements.

• Remove manpower from location reducing exposure to possible safety and health hazards
• Eliminate routine flaring during flowback and initial production operations
• Avoid fines from state/local regulations as well as the “Inflation Reduction Act.”
  • Fines start at $900/metric-ton in 2024 and increase to $1,200 in 2025 and $1,500 in 2026

In conclusion, an effective and comprehensive sand management strategy during oil and gas operations plays a critical role in mitigation or even the complete elimination of methane emissions. By employing technology-enhanced sand control processes, embracing real-time data and analytics, and fostering a commitment to strategic operational improvements, the industry can make significant strides toward reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring socially responsible and sustainable hydrocarbon resource extraction.

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“partners in saving lives!”

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We want to thank our team for their kind donations and the volunteers at the organizations who work to help meet the basic needs of their clients. SDI is proud to support local food banks each holiday season and will continue to do what we can for those most in need.

List of food banks supported:

Meals on Wheels, Midland
Calgary Food Bank
Three Hills Area Food Bank
Beaverlodge Food Bank

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According to Canada’s State of the Youth report:

“supporting health means providing opportunities to things like healthy food, activities that promote exercise, other people, and a safe place to de-stress.”

Regular physical activity is essential for adolescent development and mental wellness. Specialized Desanders is proud to support our local youth sports. All the best to the athletes this season!

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In April, our Midland team joined Bustin’ for Badges for their annual event. Specialized Desanders is steadfastly committed to the safety of our employees, partners and community. We can proactively reduce crime and increase safety by supporting the agencies protecting citizens.

Bustin for Badges will host their 10th Annual Clay Shooting Fundraiser on May 4-5, 2023.

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We would usually be planning our holiday events and arranging gift baskets, sweet treats, and visits with our clients at this time of year. But, this year it’s different. With reduced travel restrictions and many of the areas we serve with heightened security measures, we have decided as a company to forego our regular seasonal events and give where it’s needed most.

Christmas can be a difficult time for families in need and we strive to offer a large hamper of quality food and presents for the children. Each year we spend approximately $10,000 on the Christmas Hamper Project and this involves many volunteer hours to make this happen. We expect a growing need this Christmas due to people out of work due to covid19. Thank you again for your support.
-Food Bank President

Food security is affecting thousands more this year, and there is an increase in demand. This year, we choose to support local food banks in the communities we serve and save the gatherings for another time. If you can help your local food bank, shelter, or toy drive this year, we hope you join us in the cause.

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Visit Wembley Firefighters Association Online Auction

(Photo Stephanie Hudson, Everything GP)

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This month, Specialized Desanders hosted the monthly Permian chapter meeting at our Midland location for a BBQ lunch. Monthly gatherings are important for industry sponsors and volunteers to collectively fulfill the mission of the organization. Learn more about the great work OHH is doing in your area: http://www.oilfieldhelpinghands.org

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High-pressure units are widely used in prolific oil and gas basins in the United States such as the Permian, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Haynesville and Utica.

Rick Wasfy, Engineer Manager at Specialized Desanders, “ The 82120 allows producers to take the proven success of the SDI Gravity Desanders to an even higher 10,000 psi pressure rating. Producers can now get industry-leading sand separation results upstream of critical surface assets thereby protecting the facilities and the bottom line. This is a game-changer as it combines Desanding at 10,000 psi with the best–in-class Sand Sentry sand monitoring system, so producers know how much sand they are producing in real-time. This single unit allows producers to reduce equipment on-site as one single 82120 Desander can accomplish all of a producer’s sand stopping needs.”

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The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary serves as more than a food bank, our goal is to help Veterans of Canada and Allied forces to reintegrate with civilian culture by providing food hampers, social care, social resources such as resume and job hunting tips, clothing, and a social space to engage with other veterans. Learn more about the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary here: theveteransfoodbankofcalgary.ca

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