SS - Optimizing Horizontal Well Performance In Non-Uniform Pressure Environments Using Passive Inflow Control Devices

Abstract

Passive Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) are used to enhance performance of horizontal wells in unfavorable environments, such as nonuniform permeability and/or pressure along horizontal sections. This is the first attempt at using ICDs to manage inflow along horizontal wells with substantial reservoir pressure differential. This paper presents how passive ICD completion technology is used to optimize well productivity and reduce water production in a well with significant reservoir pressure differential across the horizontal section. Prior to running the ICDs, this horizontal carbonate well exhibited a nonuniform production profile, cross-flow, and high water production resulting in reduced well performance.A production log of the initial (open hole) completion confirmed downward cross-flow of fluids from heel to toe and production contribution from only the first 10% of the horizontal section. Following the installation of the ICD system, water production was greatly reduced and oil rate doubled indicating significant improvement of the well performance. A second PLT survey showed contribution from the entire horizontal section and elimination of the cross-flow.The key factor in the success of this project was the ICD system design derived from numerous wellbore hydraulic simulations, determining the appropriate number of ICD units and compartments.

Simulation of Light Oil Production from Heterogeneous Reservoirs - Well Completion with Inflow Control Devices

“…Different types of passive Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) have been installed in a number of oil fields all over the world and the implementation has contributed to increase the oil production and recovery significantly compared to open-hole wells (Al-Khelaiwi 2007; Krinis et al, 2009). Newer technology called Autonomous Inflow Control devices (AICDs) has the potential to increase the oil production and recovery even more.…”

“…However, ICDs neither choke nor close for the undesired fluids like water, and after breakthrough, the whole well has to be choked to avoid the downstream separation facilities to be overloaded. Reservoir simulations have been performed for different types of ICD completions and the results have been useful to improve the ICD design (Krinis et al, 2009). Krinis et al used the reservoir model NETool to determine the optimal number and location of ICDs along the well, and they stated that the simulations were the key factor to succeed in optimization of the horizontal well performance.…”

Simulation of Oil Production from Homogenous North Sea Reservoirs with Inflow Control using OLGA/Rocx

“…Reservoir simulations have been used for different types of ICD completion and the results have been useful for ICD design. (Al- Khelaiwi and Davis, 2007) Krinis & al. used the reservoir model NETool to determine the optimal number and location of ICDs, and they stated that the simulations were the key factor in the successful optimization of the horizontal well performance (Krinis et al, 2009). et al, 2010) This paper also includes the use of AICV in oil production.…”

Field Development: Reservoir Development Strategy, A 3-D Modeling Approach

“…Passive ICD completion technology has been used to optimize well productivity and reduce water production in a well with significant reservoir pressure differential across the horizontal section (Dimitrios et al, 2009) Application of Intelligent Well Completion (IWC) technology has continued to grow within the industry even in the face of perceived risks associated with installation and longevity of the system. Inflow Control Devices (ICDs), Inflow Control Valves (ICVs) are used to enhance performance of horizontal wells in unfavorable environments, such as non-uniform permeability and/or pressure along horizontal sections.…”