Second-Generation Interval Control Valve (ICV) Improves Operational Efficiency and Inflow Performance in Intelligent Completions

Abstract

Intelligent completions were introduced over a decade ago to address completions and reservoir management challenges arising from highly-deviated, extended-reach, multi-targeted, or multilateral wells. Recent advances in exploration and drilling technology are enabling the oil and gas industry to target reservoirs with stratigraphic and depositional complexities in deepwater, subsalt, arctic, and other extreme environments, resulting in the need to develop a new generation of intelligent completion tools. These reservoirs also may be characterized by HPHT, extreme HPHT, or ultra-HPHT environments with multiple components contributing to the uncertainty of recovery.This paper describes how the requirements of current and future reservoir environments and a decade of operational experience have shaped the functional design and qualification of a new-generation Interval Control Valve (ICV) for intelligent completions. The new-generation ICV has higher pressure and temperature tolerances to cater to the new harsher environments while simplifying its operating mechanism and improving inflow performance and debris tolerance. The qualification program included metal-to-metal seal qualification, life-cycle testing, API 14A SCSSV class II-sand slurry based tests, flow coefficient (C v ) test, seal stack qualification, and erosion testing. Descriptions of each qualification test, acceptance criteria and test results that demonstrate the capability of the new generation of ICV to perform in severe service conditions are presented in this paper.Some field applications of the new-generation ICV are also presented. Technologies, such as real-time ICV position feedback, have further aided in maximizing efficiency. Finally, the paper outlines the operational limits of the current design and discusses the design enhancements planned for the next-generation ICV.

Fault reconstruction for delay systems via least squares and time‐shifted sliding mode observers

“…In this production string, several equipment are installed to allow the control of production. Among them is the Intelligent Completion Valve (ICV) [], which provides control of the production for a given reservoir segment (interval). Such valves have a very high cost of acquisition and installation.…”

Contact mechanical behaviors of radial metal seal for the interval control valve in intelligent well: Modeling and theoretical study

“…Different from the other downhole tools, ICVs are required to work under some conditions, such as the high pressure loading or unloading. Conventional downhole sleeve seals are devised to handle a range of differential pressures between the well tubing and casing annulus, and the first‐generation ICVs are evolved from the sliding sleeve technology . While an extra locking key mechanism and a boost piston are needed to reinforce the seal, the first‐generation ICVs have been replaced by the second‐generation ICVs.…”

“…Conventional downhole sleeve seals are devised to handle a range of differential pressures between the well tubing and casing annulus, and the first-generation ICVs are evolved from the sliding sleeve technology. 7 While an extra locking key mechanism and a boost piston are needed to reinforce the seal, the first-generation ICVs have been replaced by the second-generation ICVs. In addition, the second-generation ICV retains most components of the first-generation ICV with modifications made mainly in the upper and lower seat configurations.…”

Reservoir Management Through Characterization of Smart Fields Using Capacitance-Resistance Models

“…Thanks to smart completion, better sweep efficiency is achieved by adjusting the inflow control devices periodically. Rahman, Allen [3] introduced the new generation of interval control valves and discussed the importance of using smart wells in future reservoir environments. Sefat, Elsheikh [4] then explained that smart well's downhole control apparatuses can be categorized as follows: 1) Inflow Control Devices (ICDs), which are single-positioned and provide a fixed level of flow control, 2) Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs), which are self-adjusted and provide a pre-designed, fluid-dependent flow control, and 3) Interval Control Valves (ICVs), which have multiple positions to provide a flexible flow control.…”