Production engineers: time to get active
February 26, 2016
Horizontal wells can increase productivity and recovery but they can be challenging to manage production. Reservoir heterogeneity, varying permeability, saturation or frictional pressure losses along the length of the horizontal bore can lead to early water or gas breakthrough in parts of the wellbore which affect the well’s ability to produce oil.
Inflow control devices (ICDs), have been used for several years to prevent such problems, with generally good results when used in the right type of reservoir. However, they are passive and can’t be adjusted once installed. If water does break through, the ICDs can do little to mitigate the problem, and may make the situation worse.
Autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) are an active solution to such challenges. By varying flow restriction based on the properties of the fluid passing through them, they enable production engineers to manage reservoir uncertainty with better flow assurance and greater oil recovery. The ability to restrict low viscosity unwanted water and gas results in lower water cut and a reduced gas oil ratio.
Tendeka has led the way in the development of AICD technology. Our award-winning FloSure™ AICDs have been deployed successfully over 15,000 times in more than 75 light and heavy oil wells around the world. As an example, on one field we saw a 20% increase in oil production from an AICD well compared to one using ICDS.
Your job involves many uncertainties so let’s eliminate one of them. Our AICD range can actively help you ensure uniform production.
