Reservoir flow control is important for maximizing hydrocarbon production. Traditional in-flow control devices (ICDs) attempt to balance the completion pressure differential with the reservoir pressure differential so that even flow across production zones is maintained. This maximizes oil production by delaying unwanted fluids from breaking through. Unfortunately, when lower viscosity fluids do break through, they take over the well, significantly reducing production of the desired hydrocarbon. This paper describes the design and function of a new self-adjusting in-flow control device (AICD). When hydrocarbons are producing from all zones, the AICD will behave as a traditional ICD, balancing flow. However, when low-viscosity fluids break through, the AICD chokes them, significantly slowing flow from the zone producing the undesirable fluids. This autonomous function enables the well to continue producing the desired hydrocarbons for a longer time, maximizing total production. The paper describes the laboratory testing performed to evaluate the performance of the new AICD in field-like conditions. Results from single phase experimental flow testing with model fluids are presented and discussed. The testing results proved that the AICD could restrict flow from zones producing undesirable fluids. The discussion further shows that if technology such as the new AICD is applied to new well completion designs, total hydrocarbon recovery will be enhanced, providing a significant benefit for production companies and those involved in design and modeling of new well completions.
Evenly distributed production along the length of the wellbore is important for maximizing the oil recoverables over the life of the well. Traditional, passive in-flow control devices (ICDs) perform well at balancing the completion pressure differential with the reservoir pressure differential so that an even influx across production zones is maintained. This helps to delay unwanted fluid break through. When unwanted fluids, typically of lower viscosity, do finally break through, they can take over the well, significantly reducing the production of oil. Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs) are a new generation of ICDs. When oil is producing from all zones, the AICD will behave as a passive ICD, balancing flow. However, when lower viscosity (undesired) fluids break through, the AICD chokes them, significantly reducing flow from the zone producing these fluids. This autonomous function enables the well to drain the oil producing zones faster than the undesirable fluid zones, thereby maximizing total oil production. The AICD creates this change in behavior without control lines, moving parts, or electronics.The paper describes the laboratory testing performed to evaluate the performance of the fluidic diode type AICD Range 2A in field-like conditions and compares flow performance curves to a traditional nozzle type ICD. The AICD Range 2A utilizes similar fluid vectoring as the Range 3B (Least et al, 2013), but includes more of an autonomous on/off type switching function instead of a gradual change in performance. The range 2A is currently best suited for oil viscosities of 1.5-10 cP. Results from single-phase experimental flow testing with model oil, water, and nitrogen are presented and discussed.The test results demonstrated that the AICD could restrict flow rates of undesirable fluids. The discussion further shows that if technology such as the new AICD is applied to new well completion designs, total oil recovery can be enhanced, by increasing the life of the well and reducing production of undesirable fluids.
Many operators are considering installation of flow-control devices (FCDs) in horizontal wells to improve steam-oil ratios (SOR) in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) recovery processes in heavy oil/bitumen reservoirs. The flow-control devices are used to help balance both the steam injection and fluid production in order to increase the oil recovery efficiency and use the full length of the horizontal wells. SAGD injector and producer horizontal wells are typically 3 to 6 meters apart, vertically. Because of this proximity, steam breakthrough to the producer well is possible. In order to reduce the steam loss following a steam breakthrough, operators typically try to slow the total rate of production. This paper will discuss the testing of passive inflow control devices (ICDs) and an autonomous inflow control device (AICD) in a steam-flow test loop along with testing results to help control the breakthrough of steam. Heated water flow through the ICDs and AICDs was used as the baseline case. Saturated steam simulating steam flow conditions (pressure and temperature) in a SAGD environment was flowed through the devices at two different temperatures, and the resulting flow rates were recorded at several pressure differentials. The laboratory flow testing has helped demonstrate how the ICDs and AICDs can either help prevent steam breakthrough from occurring or limit the rate of steam breakthrough in the zones of concern. By limiting the flow rate of steam breakthrough, the flow control devices will also help to protect the sand screen from erosion caused by high velocity flow.
Reservoir inflow control is important for maximizing hydrocarbon production. Traditional in-flow control devices (ICDs) attempt to balance the completion pressure differential with the reservoir pressure differential so that a balanced influx across production zones is maintained. This maximizes oil production by delaying unwanted fluids from breaking through. Unfortunately, when lower viscosity fluids do break through, they can take over the well, significantly reducing production of the desired hydrocarbon. Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs) are a new generation of ICDs. When hydrocarbons are producing from all zones, the AICD will behave as a traditional ICD, balancing flow. However, when low-viscosity (undesired) fluids break through, the AICD chokes them, significantly slowing flow from the zone producing the undesirable fluids. This autonomous function enables the well to continue producing the desired hydrocarbons for a longer time, maximizing total production. The AICD creates this change in behavior without control lines, moving parts, or electronics. The paper describes the laboratory testing performed to evaluate the performance of the fluidic diode type AICD Range 3B in field-like conditions and compares flow performance curves to a traditional nozzle type ICD. The fluidic diode AICD Range 3B is similar to the original design now referred to as the Range 3A (Least et al, 2012) in that it is best suited for oil viscosities of 3-200 cP but has slightly more open flow paths which allow for increased flow rates in turn allowing fewer inserts per screen joint while keeping similar performance ratios. Results from single-phase experimental flow testing with model fluids and crude oil are presented and discussed. The testing results proved that the AICD could restrict flow from zones producing undesirable fluids. The discussion further shows that if technology such as the new AICD is applied to new well completion designs, total hydrocarbon recovery will be enhanced, providing a significant benefit for production companies and those involved in design and modeling of new well completions.
Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) have become a common technology in horizontal completions for balancing oil influx and delaying water and gas breakthrough which allows total oil recovery to be maximized. ICDs are commonly used in both sandstone and carbonate formations. When ICDs are applied to sand control applications typically only the sand screen needs to be varied according to the specific application. The screen is designed to filter most sand particles while allowing finer sized particles to pass.An Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) is a next generation ICD which upon breakthrough of the unwanted fluid will autonomously change behavior, creating a greater pressure restriction. An AICD has no control lines or communication to the surface. The AICDs work as a system in the reservoir causing greater flow restriction at high gas and water zones.ICDs and AICDs alike need to be able to survive real well conditions in a sandstone application. This paper presents erosion testing of the fluidic diode type AICD. Water-sand slurries were circulated through the device at high sand concentration levels to accelerate the lifetime well testing. Pre-and post-erosion flow performance tests are compared to show the change in flow performance over time as erosion occurs.
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