Increased oil production at Troll by autonomous inflow control with RCP valves

Abstract

Abstract Troll is a large subsea development offshore Norway. Oil is produced to Troll B and Troll C platforms from 120 long horizontal subsea wells completed in a thin oil column. Oil production is optimized within the gas handling capacity at the platforms and the challenge is to drill and complete the wells in a way that gas does not have an easy access into the well. Troll has focused on developing and implementing inflow control devices that limits gas coning. An autonomous inflow control device, the RCP valve, has been developed by Statoil and implemented at the Troll field. The purpose of the RCP valve is to restrict gas compared to oil. The valve adjusts the choking of the fluids depending on which phase (oil or gas) being produced. Currently three wells have been completed with RCP valves. Reservoir simulations as well as production experience show a significant increase in oil production. It is observed that a well completed with RCP valves has a significantly lower gas oil ratio development compared to other Troll wells.