Sand Control Q3: Technical Excellence and Collaboration
October 5, 2026
The third quarter of 2026 brought new developments across DuneFront, from the release of PackPro 2026.1 to challenging gravel-pack projects and continued collaboration with the global sand control community.
Across software, consulting, and industry engagement, our team remained focused on practical solutions that support better decision-making and reliable execution.
PackPro 2026.1 – New Release
This quarter, we introduced PackPro 2026.1, with enhancements designed to improve modelling flexibility, data consistency, workflow efficiency, and engineering accuracy.
Key updates include:
Roping values by operation Engineers can now define different roping values for each operation, helping represent actual job conditions more accurately.
Temperature profiles carried forward Temperature profiles are automatically carried forward between operations, improving modelling accuracy and reducing setup time.
Improved gauge validation Imported gauge data is checked against running string gauges, improving data consistency and supporting reliable modelling and engineering decisions.
The latest version also brings further improvements to PackPro’s modelling capabilities and user experience.
To showcase these new features, we will host a webinar in Q4. Stay tuned for the date and further details.
Consulting Studies
This quarter, our clients continued to rely on DuneFront for their design, treatment execution, and post-job evaluation needs. Real-time engineering support also remained an important part of our work, helping operators manage changing conditions during execution.
The following projects highlight some of the work and support we delivered to our clients during the quarter.
West Africa
An operator in West Africa faced a particularly challenging reservoir environment with a narrow operating pressure window. The limited margin between reservoir pressure and fracture pressure required a detailed engineering study to determine the feasibility of a successful OHGP.
The study concluded that Diverter Subs alone were not sufficient to execute the OHGP treatment without exceeding fracture pressure. DuneFront therefore proposed a design solution combining Diverter Subs with additional enabling technologies to increase the likelihood of a successful gravel pack treatment.
The study provided the operator with valuable technical insights and practical recommendations to support decision-making and mitigate the risks associated with operating within such a narrow pressure window.
Southeast Asia
Across Southeast Asia, DuneFront supported three operators through a series of technically challenging gravel-pack campaigns, providing expertise from pre-job design through real-time execution and post-job evaluation.
For one operator, post-drilling LOT results enabled the DuneFront team to refine the model and optimise the Diverter Sub design, eliminating the need for MPD shortly before execution. During the job, real-time engineering support helped the operator manage unexpected losses and achieve a successful pack. The lessons learned were then incorporated into the designs for the remaining wells.
Another operator engaged DuneFront throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial design and execution support to post-job evaluation. This included optimisation of the return configuration during the treatment and the OH displacement strategies. Despite the challenging wells, the optimisations incorporated supported successful gravel-pack treatments.
In a separate multi-well campaign, DuneFront conducted a detailed design study for tight-margin wells incorporating multiple packers and Diverter Subs, providing the operator with greater clarity and confidence ahead of execution.
Mediterranean
An operator in the Mediterranean Sea engaged DuneFront to provide support during the execution and post-job evaluation of a high-profile gravel pack completion. The project involved multiple open-hole isolation packers and Diverter Subs designed to optimise fluid flow during the packing operation.
Through detailed pumping strategy optimisation and real-time execution support, DuneFront helped enhance the understanding of the treatment pressure response and gravel pack placement.
The post-job evaluation, combining PackPro analysis with surface and downhole data, confirmed successful gravel placement around the screens. The lessons learned from the operation also provided valuable insights for planning and executing subsequent treatments, contributing to a successful gravel pack.
Together, these projects demonstrate DuneFront’s ability to combine engineering analysis, design optimisation, and real-time operational support to help operators navigate challenging gravel-pack operations.
📩 Contact us to learn more about our execution support services.
Webinar and Industry Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing remains an important part of DuneFront’s commitment to supporting the sand control community. During Q3, we conducted a technical webinar titled “Optimizing Gravel Pack Simulations with OpsLink and Custom Equations.”.
The webinar explored how OpsLink connects multiple simulations, mirroring real-world workflows and reducing setup time for complex simulations. The session also demonstrated how Custom Equations build tailored engineering calculations within the software. This helps transform raw data into high-value insights and supports the evaluation workflow.
Together, these capabilities can support improved workflow efficiency, reduce repetitive manual setup, and enhance confidence in engineering analysis.
Explore our Resources Hub for on-demand webinars and industry insights.
Industry Conferences and Events
Engineering Expertise Applied Worldwide
During Q3, DuneFront continued to engage with industry professionals through key conferences and workshops.
Martial Ouedraogo represented DuneFront at NAICE 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, from August 3–5. The event allowed us to meet with clients, operators, and industry stakeholders. We discussed ongoing and upcoming sand control projects, PackPro applications, and training opportunities. The event also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships, build new connections, and explore opportunities across the West African market.
Kesavan Govinathan and Samyak Jain attended the SPE Workshop on Sand Control Management in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 18–19. The DuneFront team presented “Modeling, Quantifying and Mitigating Slurry Roping in OHGP Operations,” sharing insights into slurry behaviour, gravel pack placement, and sand control.
DuneFront Annual Summit
In September, DuneFront team members from around the world came together in Toronto, Canada, for our 2026 Annual Summit.
The week was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss technical and strategic priorities. We also reflected on the progress made so far and looked ahead to the next stage of DuneFront’s development.
As our global team continues to grow, bringing together different areas of expertise. This helps drive innovation across our software, consulting, and training services. The Summit strengthened team connections and gave us a chance to shape our priorities together.
Moving Forward
As we move into the final quarter of 2026, DuneFront remains focused on advancing our technology, expanding our consulting support, and continuing to share knowledge with the global sand control community.
We look forward to building on the momentum of Q3 through continued software development, technical consulting, training, webinars, and industry engagement.
We sincerely thank our clients, partners, and colleagues for their continued trust and collaboration.
Sand Control Engineering Advances: Highlights from Q2
See how DuneFront advanced sand control engineering during Q2 2026 through software development, consulting expertise, technical webinars, industry engagement, and real-time execution support.
DuneFront’s Q1 2026 highlights showcase continued progress in sand control engineering, from the launch of PackPro 2026 and FluidPro to impactful consulting studies and global industry engagement. Through innovation, collaboration, and technical expertise, we continue to support more efficient and reliable sand control operations worldwide.
Sand Control Updates 2025: Q4 Highlights & Year-End Insights
In Q4, DuneFront advanced its software, delivered high-value consulting support, and hosted another successful webinar. Through our Sand Control Updates 2025, we also strengthened our industry presence at major global conferences, reinforcing our leadership in sand control performance.
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