About

As the global oil and gas industry faces the inevitable maturation of major offshore fields, a new era of challenges emerges. Currently brownfield environments not only dominate offshore production landscapes but are also becoming focal points for discussions toward advanced technologies that address complex extraction hurdles. The need for robust, cost-effective sand control systems will escalate as reservoirs continue to experience significant depletion, and the hunt for smaller, more elusive hydrocarbon pools intensifies.

In this evolving landscape, the conventional sand control solutions that have served the industry until now will no longer suffice. Increasingly narrow fracture margins, extreme pressure differentials between reservoir units, and the advanced nature of reservoir depletion are demanding a reimagining of sand control technologies. We are seeing an increased deployment in our industry of integrated, autonomous systems, with real-time monitoring capabilities but as it relates to adjusting sand control strategies; this needs more thought leadership and focused efforts on dynamic reservoir behaviors. Additionally, advancements in smart materials, nano-engineering, and AI-driven predictive analytics could revolutionize how we prevent and manage sand production in the future.

Furthermore, advancements in digital twins (essentially dynamic digital models) that mirror the physical counterpart, allowing for better monitoring, analysis, and optimization), machine learning algorithms, and fully automated well interventions will pave the way for more precise, data-driven approaches to sand control, improving both well longevity and economic viability. These technologies will drastically reduce intervention costs while maximizing production uptime, even in reservoirs facing extreme depletion scenarios.

The purpose of this 3 1/2-day forum is to facilitate an industry-wide dialogue between operators, service companies, academia and technical experts to share insights, explore emerging technologies, and discuss the future of sand control in an increasingly complex offshore landscape. The goal is to bridge the gap between present-day challenges and the innovative solutions that will drive the future of oil and gas production in brownfields and depleted reservoirs.

The following disciplines should have interest –

Completions
Data Science and Engineering
PO and PFC
Reservoir
HSES

Anyone involved in Geomechanics, Stimulation, Sand control, Fluids, Well intervention, Zonal isolation and integrity, Artificial lift, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Risk Management and Decision-Making and certainly Academia.

There is an expanding network of operators, service companies and academia committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sand control technology including BP, Shell, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Woodside, ConocoPhillips, Murphy, Repsol, Talos, Kosmos, Fieldwood, Arena Energy, Hess, Oxy, Energy XXI, Cenovus, Harbour Energy, National Oil Companies, SLB, Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Weatherford, NOV, Vallourec, 3M, Tendeka, Omega Completion Technology, ChampionX, Packers Plus, Expro, Core Lab, Clariant, Metarock Laboratories, Welltec along with Digital & AI providers and many more.

As the global oil and gas industry faces the inevitable maturation of major offshore fields, a new era of challenges emerges.

Next-Generation Sand Control Technologies

Advancements in mechanical sand control (e.g., expandable screens, autonomous inflow control devices, advanced gravel packs).
Emerging chemical sand control solutions, including novel consolidating agents and nanoparticle-based treatments.

The integration of smart materials to enhance sand control longevity and adaptability.

AI & Digital Innovation in Sand Control

The role of digital twins / modeling / simulation in predicting and optimizing sand control strategies.
AI-driven real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to anticipate sand production and mitigate failures.
Machine learning applications for automated well interventions and optimizing completions in brownfields.

Managing Sand Control in Highly Depleted Reservoirs

New ideas for handling narrow fracture margins and extreme pressure differentials.
Building upon past case studies on sand control failures and lessons learned in mature fields.
Novel zonal isolation and selective completions strategies for sand-prone reservoirs.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable Sand Management

Strategies to reduce intervention costs while maintaining production efficiency.
Economic trade-offs between mechanical vs. chemical sand control approaches.
Sustainability in sand control – minimizing waste, optimizing material usage, and improving energy efficiency.

Industry Collaboration & Future Research Directions

Identifying gaps in current sand control technologies and setting a research agenda.
Strengthening operator-service provider-academia partnerships for field trials and technology validation.
Regulatory considerations and risk management strategies for future offshore sand control.

Inspire the Development of New Technology

SPE Forums are about the future. They are collaborative, idea-generating meetings that stimulate new ideas and innovation to meet upcoming challenges to the E&P industry. Thought leaders are invited to participate in a week-long exploration of the future and how to shape it.

SPE Forums are unique, limited-attendance events that bring together top technologists, innovators, and other stakeholders to address specific industry challenges. Participants are encouraged to come prepared to contribute their experience and knowledge, rather than being passive attendees.

You have a role to play in meeting the challenges of tomorrow head on. Join us at the forum.

Learn more here.

ATTENDING THIS FORUM SUPPORTS THE E&P INDUSTRY

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the energy industry and empowering professionals.

Revenue from this event supports SPE initiatives that drive professional growth, foster community, and deliver innovative solutions. By attending, sponsoring, or exhibiting at an SPE event, you help fund impactful programs such as JPT, certification, the Distinguished Lecturer Program, and Energy4me®, our energy education initiative. Together, we are advancing careers, building connections, and shaping the future of energy.