Unlocking Value: Comparative Well Study Shows Energy and Cost Savings via Reduction in Water and Gain in Oil Using Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) in a Major Brownfield in The Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Abstract Fields in the South of Oman house a variety of complexities ranging from geological to operational. Three sandstones reservoirs exist, each with their own properties and recovery mechanisms; however, the commonality they share is the issues with water production. Dozens of wells have been completed in this field, but non-uniform fluid influx causes wells to produce over nine barrels of water to around one barrel of oil. This goes without saying the requirements to handle the water, which are large and costly. The effects of these are also found in CO2 emissions, which continue to be a detriment to not only the environment but the industry. Therefore, the need for technology to combat these issues is critical. As a result, the operator decided to complete wells with the Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV). The valve is designed to shut off for unwanted fluid, like water, and open for oil, unlocking the avenue to sustainable production and cost-effectiveness. The AICV can detect the fluid flowing through it via its properties like density and viscosity and react based on its mechanical properties. This paper will describe this in detail, along with explanations of the AICV completion and flow characteristics. As the fields were drilled by the operator and completed with and without AICVs, there was a difference in performance, which meant different results. Therefore, a study was conducted to quantify them and compare between AICV and nearby wells, offering valuable insights. From 2019 to 2023, comparing between 79 AICV wells and 100 nearby, wire-wrap screen (WWS) wells, AICV wells, on average, have demonstrated an increase in oil by two-fold and a decrease in water by 42% compared to nearby wells. This gain in oil meant higher revenue, which was also more than double. The reduction in water meant less CO2 emissions by 71%, energy output by 42% and cost by 28%. The results are positive indications towards industry and environment, aiding in the commitments towards tackling water issues while ensuring sustainable and green operations. This field-proven technology has shown that in brownfields with aging reservoirs, untapped oil can be produced, increasing recovery while elongating well life.