In conventionally sized completions

In conventionally sized completions, an external gravel pack would be more productive than the IGP, due in part to the absence of perforations. In the slim hole case, the under-reamed hole diameter from a 4 1/8" pilot hole would be ± 8". If casing has to be milled, prior to under-reaming, the external pack tends to be more expensive than the internal one.
The Auger gravel pack screen from Baker Sand Control offers an alternative to Internal Gravel Packs (IGP) and External Gravel Packs (EGP). In this case, the perforations or open hole are initially prepacked, before the Auger screen is screwed into place. This should minimise impairment as the gravel is placed when the perforations or open hole are at their cleanest.
Generally, it is accepted that gravel packs control sand production most effectively, and are the preferred option in cases where no sand production can be tolerated at all or where the cost