Testing Results: Erosion Testing Confirms the Reliability of the Fluidic Diode Type Autonomous Inflow Control Device

Abstract

Abstract 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.