Figure 2-I - uploaded by Bona Prakasa Ritonga
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nflow variation in layered, heterogeneous reservoir produced by a horizontal well (SPE-143431-MS & Halliburtonblog).
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A near-uniform well (production) inflow or (injection) outflow profile delays early water breakthrough and further decreases water cut which results in higher oil recovery. Field experience has shown that wells producing from, or injecting into, multiple layers and/or reservoirs benefit from an Inflow Control Device (ICD) completion's ability to re...
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Citations
... Since the mid-1990s, different types of ICDs, such as the tube, nozzle, and helical path types, have been used for water control in bottom water reservoirs [5]. The first AICD was installed in Norway in 2008 and was used extensively in the Troll field in 2013 with good results [6]. ...
With the advancement of completion technology for horizontal wells in bottom water reservoirs, Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs), which have achieved good results in recent years, have been widely used in the oil fields of the eastern South China Sea. Although some mathematical methods can be used to predict the production performance of horizontal wells, there is no dynamic prediction method for the production performance of horizontal wells completed with AICDs. In this work, a mathematical model of porous flow in the reservoir, nozzle flow in the AICD, and pipe flow in the horizontal well is established, and then a new model is presented for predicting the dynamic performance of horizontal wells completed with AICDs in bottom water reservoirs. The new coupling model is compared with two horizontal wells completed with AICDs in the bottom water reservoirs of the eastern South China Sea, and the results indicate that the accuracy of the new model is sufficiently high to provide theoretical support for the further prediction of horizontal wells in the eastern South China Sea.
... (Al-Khelaiwi, 2013) proposed numerical workflow based on a wellbore model as well as an inflow-outflow balance method. (Prakasa et al, 2015) employed a type-curve method for FCD completion design. ...
... Increasing a bbt ⁎ also reduces the FWPT (Fig. 31, scenarios 1, 5 and 9), a result that may improve outflow performance in some well designs. Prakasa et al. (2015) and Prakasa et al. (2019) noted a similar trade-off between well productivity and flow equalisation. Comparing Figs. 30 and 31 scenarios with the same colour shows a significantly reduced water and oil production when the FCC strength is increased after breakthrough a ( ) abt ⁎ . ...
Forecasts of the performance of waterflooded oil-field have been prepared for many years using fractional flow models, such as those by (Buckley-Leverett, 1942) (BL), (Welge, 1952) and (Dykstra-Parsons, 1950) (DP), to estimate the vertical sweep efficiency between wells. These methods, and their later modifications, formed the theoretical basis for designing a water-flooded oil-field. Advanced Well Completions (AWC) incorporating downhole flow control device (FCD) technology have become a proven method for modifying a production well's inflow profile, delaying water breakthrough, improving sweep efficiency and enhancing recovery.
This manuscript extends the fractional flow model describing the performance of a waterflooded, stratified-reservoir with an AWC installed in the production well. The piston-like behaviour of the water-front described by previous, semi-analytical models is extended here to the linear and radial flow modelling of more realistic displacement profiles.
This paper describes the theoretical basis and application workflow along with several case studies illustrating their performance and value. The accuracy of the new, semi-analytical models are verified by comparison against the results from a numerical reservoir simulator. Model limitations and possible future extension are also discussed.
The workflow can be implemented as either a production forecast or a diagnostic tool for an AWC well in a waterflooded oil-field. It provides one missing link between today's AWC design workflows and the long-term value evaluation of a specific AWC design when a commercial numerical simulation software is either not available or too time consuming.
... The ICD manufacturer reports their ICDs flow performance data in the form of a measured pressure drop (ΔP ICD ) versus the water flow rate (Q). Such data is described by equation (9) where (a) is an empirical constant called the ICD strength (Birchenko et al., 2010a(Birchenko et al., ,b, 2011Prakasa et al., 2015): ...
... Our workflow has shown that a universal TC of IE versus Ep exists for every value of IV OH , a measure of the reservoir of heterogeneity. These universal TCs were confirmed by the analysis of the results from a large number of geological scenarios modelled both analytically and numerically (Prakasa et al., 2015). The Fig. 17 universal "Ep -IE" TC has thus been fully validated. ...
This paper discusses the development and application of universal type-curves for the design of Advanced Well Completions (AWCs) equipped with passive (non-adjustable), flow control devices {a.k.a. Interval Control Devices (ICDs)}. This work provides an innovative, rapid approach to their design without the need for numerical simulators. AWCs equipped with ICDs aim to delay the early breakthrough of unwanted fluids in wells constructed close to a reservoir fluid contact. An uneven inflow profile due to reservoir permeability heterogeneity, multiple fluid contacts or an undulating well path needs to be managed. In addition, the Heel-to Toe effect (HTE) by frictional pressure loss due to fluid flow along the length of the completion interval also promotes a non-uniform inflow profile. The main AWC design challenge is to balance the trade-off between loss in well productivity from the added flow restrictions and the benefit of an improved inflow profile. This paper reviews the development of the analytical modelling of the inflow performance of horizontal wells with ICD completions, It presents new semi-analytical, mathematical models describing the ability of AWCs to mitigate production problems created by (reservoir) permeability heterogeneity and the (in-well) HTE. New dimensionless numbers allow the development of universal type-curves (TCs) for AWC design. The new workflow is illustrated for several case studies and the results validated by their good agreement with calculations made with the standard “well-reservoir” numerical simulator employed by engineers for this task. This novel approach for rapid analysis of the implications of well log data, such as that obtained shortly before the beginning the installation of the well completion, is the latest addition to the well completion engineering toolbox.
... Today, the wide spread rule-of-thumb for inflow control completion design is: for an AWC design to be effective in equalizing the flow in or out of the well from each section along the wellbore, the differential pressure across each section should be on the same order of magnitude as the -average -drawdown on the reservoir [18]. However, recent studies have shown that the level of inflow/outflow equalization applied by an AWC design, has to be carefully designed since it increasingly reduces the well's PI for greater levels of equalization [19]. ...
... Solutions-Halliburton, Reslink-Schlumberger, Flotech and Weatherford) have developed unique ICD designs for the mechanism that creates the flow resistance (Labyrinths and Helical Channels, Slots, Tubes, Nozzles and Orifices respectively)" [6]. The optimal operating conditions which results in a breakeven point between the sacrificial pressure loss and the enhanced oil production determines the value derived from this type of well completion [6,19]. ...
... Several ICD completion design methods are available for passive FCDs (ICDs) [6,14,19]. ICD completion design involves optimizing the strength and type of these devices along the wellbore. There is no an AFCD completion optimisation workflow widely adopted yet. ...
Wells with long production/injection intervals (e.g. horizontal or multi-lateral wells) can be equipped with flow control completion (FCC), which allows zonal control of in/out-flow and is a proven method to improve sweep efficiency, extend well life, and reduce the production volumes of unwanted fluids. The application of FCC is essential to development of many oil fields with complex geology, uncertain reservoir description, close to contact completions or unfavourable mobility ratio.
FCC technology keeps developing, for instance the recently introduced Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) or Valve (AICV) strongly reacts to unwanted phases (gas or water) restricting their flow in-situ, which improves recovery as well as reduces the volume of unwanted fluids and the production uncertainty.
This paper presents a novel approach to incorporate into a reservoir simulator the flow performance of a downhole flow control completion equipped with flow control devices discriminating flowing fluids, e.g. reacting to water/gas flow distinctly differently than to oil. AICDs and AICVs are examples of such devices. The novel approach is verified by numerical simulation and is further compared against the traditional modelling approach on a reservoir model.
In the case of oil and water/gas flow, the multi-modal response of the device is new in the industry, and the reservoir simulators are not yet up-to-date to model such performance. The segregated flow in the annulus results in the device(s) reacting sequentially to either oil or water/gas, as opposed to the “homogeneous flow” modelling approach that is traditionally assumed in reservoir simulators. Capturing the sequential reaction of the device to either oil or water/gas in a reservoir simulator is challenging. The equations derived here solve this problem, and offer a more accurate way of modelling autonomous flow control completion performance in a commercial reservoir simulator.
This work is an important contribution to the advanced well completion technology modelling and evaluation. This technology is likely to define the future of advanced wells.
... Today, the wide spread rule-of-thumb for inflow control completion design is: for an AWC design to be effective in equalizing the flow in or out of the well from each section along the wellbore, the differential pressure across each section should be on the same order of magnitude as the -average -drawdown on the reservoir [18]. However, recent studies have shown that the level of inflow/outflow equalization applied by an AWC design, has to be carefully designed since it increasingly reduces the well's PI for greater levels of equalization [19]. ...
... Solutions-Halliburton, Reslink-Schlumberger, Flotech and Weatherford) have developed unique ICD designs for the mechanism that creates the flow resistance (Labyrinths and Helical Channels, Slots, Tubes, Nozzles and Orifices respectively)" [6]. The optimal operating conditions which results in a breakeven point between the sacrificial pressure loss and the enhanced oil production determines the value derived from this type of well completion [6,19]. ...
... Several ICD completion design methods are available for passive FCDs (ICDs) [6,14,19]. ICD completion design involves optimizing the strength and type of these devices along the wellbore. There is no an AFCD completion optimisation workflow widely adopted yet. ...
Wells equipped with inflow control devices (ICDs) are a proven method of improving sweep efficiency by passively controlling the influx of fluids into the well by the addition of a restriction to each completion joint. The application of ICDs is also essential to development of some oil fields previously found to be uneconomic. The ICD-completion design is a complex process requiring selection of the ICD restriction size, ICD type, and annular flow isolation (AFI). Several commercial ICD designs are now available, each of which react differently to the flowing fluid properties. This complicates the completion design process, which often requires the ICD completion to be specified against a poorly known reservoir and well performance prior to drilling the well. This adds a requirement for the ICD completion to improve oil recovery in a range of potential production scenarios.
Unfortunately ICDs do not provide an optimal well design after breakthrough of the unwanted phases, despite their ability to balance the well inflow profile and achieve a uniform sweep towards a horizontal well in early years. Field experience has taught that ICD completions balance the well influx initially, but may not offer the optimal solution throughout the well’s life due to the changes in the inflow conditions as the well matures. The recently introduced Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) aims to restrict unwanted phases (gas and water), (partially) overcoming the results of reservoir uncertainty at the well completion design stage.
Autonomous Inflow Control Valves (AICVs) are the next generation of flow control technology, being designed to virtually shut-off unwanted fluid inflows at completion joints. This paper describes the first AICV modelling workflow for integrated well/reservoir simulators. Its application allows reservoir and well engineers to quantify the value added by the optimal use of this new, down-hole completion technology.
The workflow has been used to compare the performance of advanced well completion options (AICVs and ICDs) in a synthetic, oil-rim reservoir model mimicking a larger North Sea field where production is dominated by gas-coning problems. Down-hole flow control with AICVs significantly increased oil recovery compared to ICDs and conventional wells employing wellhead choke control. Unwanted fluid production was also reduced by up to 80%; a result that combines higher oil recovery with more efficient use of reservoir energy by the AICV completion.
As wells shift towards producing or injecting along their entire length, frictional pressure losses and reservoir heterogeneities become larger issues in completion design. There is now general agreement that passive flow control devices (PFCDs) are effective in mitigating these issues. However, the interplay of PFCDs with the reservoir, as well as their fluid mechanics have been generally treated non-rigorously. Towards providing a more scientifically rigorous understanding of PFCDs, the current work presents the following through a survey of the literature:
1. The effects of frictional pressure loss and reservoir heterogeneity on wellbore performance through the lens of simplified reservoir flow equations, and how PFCDs modify these equations to combat these problems. 2. Flow theory relative to PFCDs; the significant dimensionless parameters within the different flow regimes; and PFCD performance data within the literature recast in terms of these dimensionless parameters. 3. Strategies for mitigating the erosion, corrosion and plugging of PFCDs. Broadly speaking, the review identifies that: 1. PFCDs alleviate the deleteriousness of frictional pressure loss and reservoir heterogeneity by either counteracting or overwhelming their effects. Studies recommend a PFCD flow resistance roughly equal to that of the reservoir or wellbore friction. 2. PFCD resistance is a function of the incoming flow condition and regime, and is well described using various dimensionless parameters. They are: the resistivity (κT) versus Reynolds’ number (Rex) for incompressible flows; the flow rate coefficient (Kn×Ct) versus the pressure ratio (y) for compressible flows; and the mass flow rate coefficient (G) versus the pressure ratio (y) for different gas mass fractions or qualities (x) for multiphase flows. 3. A low flow velocity will make an PFCD naturally resistant to erosion, corrosion and scaling. Other steps for improving resistance include modifying edge geometries or using resilient materials.
