Summary
Inflow-control devices (ICDs) were developed in response to early water
breakthrough from the heel of prolific horizontal wells. In their initial
applications, the design of ICD installations was based on equalizing flux
(flow rate per unit length) along the length of a horizontal well, which
required "choking" of flux in the heel region. In practice, these tools are
often installed along the entire length of a horizontal well, with the logic
that, because choking level is proportional to flow, the tool will
automatically produce a more uniform flow profile.
In this paper, we will re-examine the technical validity of equalizing flux
along the length of the horizontal well. We will show that, in reservoirs with
uniform permeability, the flux from the toe and heel regions should, in fact,
be larger than that from the midsection. We will also show that delaying water
or gas breakthrough is not the best reason for using ICDs. We will discuss the
benefits of a new design philosophy whereby the well is segmented and choked at
a level that regulates its flux to a value that produces a more-suitable flow
for optimum reservoir management. This gives the operator the flexibility to
design ICD layout to optimize various flow parameters, including time or
cumulative production at water/gas breakthrough, location of first water/gas
breakthrough, or any other parameter that fits the production strategy. This
will be especially valuable for wells in variable-permeability reservoirs. A
new design philosophy developed on the basis of this concept will be presented
and its benefits demonstrated through a case history.
© 2012. Society of Petroleum Engineers
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History
- Original manuscript received:
4 November 2010
- Meeting paper published:
18 October 2010
- Revised manuscript received:
7 July 2011
- Manuscript approved:
19 December 2011
- Published online:
27 January 2012
- Version of record:
28 February 2012
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