Fluidic Diode Autonomous ICD Multiphase Performance in Light-Oil Reservoirs

Abstract

Abstract Light-oil reservoirs are affected by the undesired production of water and gas. After breakthrough, these undesired fluids decrease the life of the well, leaving valuable reserves downhole. Inflow control devices (ICDs) delay the production of these undesired fluids; however, they become ineffective after water and gas production begins. Multiphase data and production installation history show how the Autonomous ICD (AICD) with fluidic dynamic technology favors the production of light oil while restricting gas and water. The fluidic diode AICD completions have been successfully installed since 2011 in carbonate, sandstone reservoirs, as well as standalone screens and gravel pack completions. The fluidic diode AICD responds to changing well conditions with no action from the operator. When water and/or gas reach the wellbore, the AICD changes (with no moving parts) the flow path of the fluid and restricts its production. The flow through the device has been validated with extensive testing for single-phase oil, water, and gas. To characterize its performance with the mixture of oil and undesired fluids, multiphase testing has been performed simulating various water cuts (WCs) and gas volume fractions (GVFs). The AICD was characterized by measuring the pressure drop vs. the flow rate at various oil viscosities that represent the light-oil formations in the Middle East. The WC and GVF of the test fluids were altered by increasing the water and gas ratio. This ratio increase enables representative testing of downhole conditions for Middle East reservoirs. The flow performance tests show that the fluidic diode AICD enhances the production of light oil and restricts water and gas as the ratio in the mixture of the undesired fluid increases. When comparing the AICD to a traditional ICD, the AICD exhibits at least 40% more flow of oil than water and approximately 50% less production of gas. Reduced water and gas flow helps reduce operating costs and represents more revenue from the oil production as a result of extending the life of the well. The fluidic diode AICD is a reliable solution to increase the ultimate recovery with no intervention or moving parts. It has been proven that it can promote hydrocarbon production and restrict the production of gas and/or water. The AICD flow performance is predictable in single and multiphase flow. The fluidic diode AICD has been successfully installed in light-oil reservoirs in the Middle East and the North Sea.