Learnings from 150+ Autonomous Inflow Control Completions in 7 Unique Reservoirs in Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

Abstract This paper summarizes the integrated subsurface technical learnings from the successful application of Autonomous inflow control Completions in long horizontal wells producing heavy oil in multiple fields in the south of Sultanate of Oman, it details the facts, observations, and insights the multidisciplinary authors have captured through initially piloting 4 trials to executing over 150 jobs in 7 unique reservoirs in the last few years utilizing multi-vendor equipment. The technology in principle can precisely identify the fluid flowing through it and shutting-off the high water or gas saturated zones autonomously while stimulating oil production from healthy oil-saturated zones. The Autonomous Control valves can differentiate the fluid flowing through it via fluid properties such as viscosity and density at reservoir conditions, with a design based on Hagen-Poiseuille and Bernoulli's principles. Based on the Integrated performance reviews, the technology has shown the benefit of accelerating oil production as well as reduction of unwanted water which not only reduces the OPEX of these wells but at the same time has an enormous positive impact on the environment and Green House Gases (GHG) emissions. Majority of the wells completed with this technology started with a relatively lower water cut and are still producing with low water cut and higher oil production as compared to other direct analogs neighboring wells. Also, from initial field-wide assessment, it is envisaged that this technology will assist in producing more oil sooner i.e. acceleration, improving overall recovery v time. Also, the technology helped in mitigating the facility constraints of handling produced water which allows the continued drilling of field development activities to drill in-fill wells. Only installations in New wells will be discussed here. The multidisciplinary authors have summarized the results from this technology deployment in multiple oil fields and presented it in this article as a practice worth replicating in a similar heavy oil environment, due its many benefits in optimizing field development and performance. This article will not focus on the theory and design of the technology, but rather the practical aspects of implementation and the impact on wells performance. Please refer to "further reading" for details on theory as well as more info on installations in existing wells.