To address the need for better understanding of multiphase fluid flow behavior through passive inflow control devices (PICDs), two-phase (oil-water) full-scale flow loop testing on helical and a new ICD design, "Hybrid" has been completed. The primary testing objective was to generate a comprehensive two-phase (oil-water) data set of flow performance curves for the helical ICD and the hybrid ICD. The test included a broad range of flow tests with varying viscosities, water cuts and pressures. The results are presented in an innovative manner using isobaric plots (isobars lines with trend lines for each viscosity value) and Reynolds number vs. Flow Coefficient plots, which can be used to easily compare different ICD performances. Test results confirm that for oil-water flow, a viscosity break point for the helical ICD occurs at 2 centipoise (cP) of medium oil. Below this break point the helical ICD does not promote water production in two-phase flow. Above this viscosity break point, the helical ICD exhibits a physical phenomenon where, at water cuts above 30%, the total flow increases at any given pressure drop promoting water flow. With regards to two-phase oil-water fluid flow, the hybrid ICD performs independently of viscosity for the range tested (up to 200 cP - maximum flow viscosity tested at the lab).The hybrid ICD consistently creates more resistance to water flow than to oil flow, causing total flow to gradually decrease at constant pressure as water cut increases. This effect was more apparent at higher pressure regimes. The functional break point of the hybrid ICD is determined to be above 200 cP. Introduction A comprehensive two-phase (oil-water) data set of flow performance curves for the helix inflow control devices (ICDs) and hybrid ICDs was conducted through extensive laboratory testing to identify the threshold viscosity, and to quantify single and multiphase model validity. These test results confirm that the threshold viscosity is 2 centipoise (cP). At viscosities greater than 2 cP, the test results confirm previously published findings that the helix design exhibits preferential production of water for a given pressure drop in a two-phase flow. Additionally, results verify that the helix ICD behavior exhibits correlation to the single phase model but requires a correction due to non-constant flow coefficient, and does not exhibit correlation when the fluids are multiphase, especially at higher viscosities.

Maximizing oil production in horizontal wells is the most critical factor to enhance oil recovery for reservoir management purposes. Technologies in oil industry have been improved dramatically starting the horizontal wells to Extreme reservoir contact wells. However, this drastic improvement has been challenged when water or gas invades the reservoir. Conventional passive Inflow Control Device (ICD) is very excellent technology which primarily aims to balance oil influx over the entire reservoir and hence increase the oil recovery. However, there are several types of ICD in which they work based on viscosity factor. For instance, conventional nozzle type can operate with the reservoir fluids at different viscosities however in contrast, the other type i.e. Helical or channel ICD is dependent on viscosity. Both mentioned types can be functioned properly at early stage of the well production life however problems are encountered when there is water or gas breakthrough. A new generation of ICD is the Autonomous Inflow Control Device. This new type of ICD has the ability to proactively provide additional restriction on undesirable fluids based on viscosity and mobility. It can be operated at different viscosity ranges which confirmed its applicability in any type of reservoirs. It is good to mention this AICD is going to be tested and evaluated for the first time on three wells in Saudi Aramco. One of the wells is going to be discussed in this paper with the following aspects: The selection factors for installing AICD on the subject well based on reservoir and field data. Historical production of the well along with major events in terms of water coning issues. Pre-modeling of the AICD completion using NETool™ simulation software. Comparison between Standalone Screens (SAS) and AICD using the NETool™. Verification of field results with NETool™ modeling. This paper describes the added values of installing AICD technology over the conventional type in heavy oil reservoir in which it maximizes oil production, enhances oil recovery and more importantly delay the water or gas breakthrough with more restriction. This will be thoroughly discussed with the use of the simulation results.