New-Technology Application to Extend the Life of Horizontal Wells by Creating Uniform-Flow-Profiles: Production Completion System: Case Study

Abstract

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractHorizontal wells have dominated the conventional wells due to their increased production rates, improved recovery efficiency, increased reservoir drainage area, and delayed gas and water coning. However, non-uniform flow profiles can result in premature water / gas production, loss of production and reserves, and decrease in profitability, which will shorten the life, and defeat the purpose of a horizontal well. This paper will describe a new production technology system that will optimize production, delay water / gas coning, eliminate / minimize annular flow, and ensure uniform inflow along the lateral at the cost of a minute pressure drop in long, high-rate horizontal wells. Case history will be presented from Saudi Aramco, where this production technology, combined with sand control technology, has resulted in significant saving for the operator, and improved production in horizontal offshore oil wells.

In-Depth Understanding of ICD Completion Technology Working Principle

“…A sand screen was included, simulated as a porous media with the concentric flow; 2. A helicoidal channel was included for additional friction losses, similar to the design proposed by Qudaihy et al [19]; 3. The ring-shaped exit of the RCP valves was extended to the inner diameter of the liner.…”

“…A helicoidal channel was included for additional friction losses, similar to the design proposed by Qudaihy et al [19]; 3.…”

Advanced Completion Technology Creates a New Reality for Common Oilfield Myths

“…This completion technique is widely used in Saudi Arabia. 4,10 Figures 18-22 show the results of an analysis that was performed to demonstrate the effects of a completion with inflow control and annular isolation. The reservoir included a 100 ft thick oil zone, bottom water drive, 2.0 cp oil, 100 mD average permeability, a 2000 ft horizontal well, and two 0.25 inch wide natural fractures that extend to the aquifer.…”

Modeling and Simulation of Autonomous Inflow Control Devices for Gas Exploitation

“…Traditionally, the first generation of ICDs aimed to balance the pressure between the horizontal well and reservoir, maintain a uniform flow in the whole exploitation area, delay the inflow of water, and maximize oil and gas production. Subsequently, ICDs were installed inside the horizontal wellbore . At present, ICDs include three types: spiral channel type, nozzle type, and their mixture type.…”

“…Subsequently, ICDs were installed inside the horizontal wellbore. 4 At present, ICDs include three types: spiral channel type, nozzle type, and their mixture type. The spiral channel-type ICDs were verified to keep the fluid flow in the wellbore uniform, so as to avoid large differential pressure, and could extend the lifetime of horizontal wells.…”