Navigating Critical Elements of Autonomous Inflow Control Valve Technology in Well Completion
Authors: Nurul Asyikin Mat Deris , Mohd Effie Mohd Farid Woo , Natasya Ng , Caleb Siew Jia Lih , Khairul Annuar Nordin , Ahmed Al-Fatlawi , Frazer Hillis , Ismarullizam Mohd Ismail , Hasmizah Bakar , Eliff Maznur Mazlan , Hapidz M Firdaus 
Published: October 2024

Deployment of Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV) technology in a Sabah water field aims to improve reservoir sweep efficiency and increase hydrocarbon recovery by addressing gas and water breakthrough in thin layer oil rim horizontal wells. The automation of inflow control valves, based on pressure drop differences between laminar and turbulent flow elements, restricts unwanted fluids during breakthrough events. This paper discusses the implementation of AICV in this field, focusing on critical aspects of installation and well unloading. It highlights the significance of proactive measures to anticipate and address potential challenges associated with new technology adoption.

The AICV completion integrates essential components such as sand screens and swell packers. Sand screens not only regulate sand production but also uphold AICV integrity throughout the well's lifespan. Swell packers, strategically positioned based on parameters derived from open hole logs, partition zones to ensure uniform production, accounting for permeability variations along the horizontal length. An oil-based activated swell packer was chosen to match drilling, completion, and formation fluids, ensuring optimal swelling to conform to the open hole and maximize production during well unloading. Additionally, gas lift valves in the upper completion aid in well unloading, restart-up, and late-life production.

Reaching Total Depth (TD) is crucial to access all reserves across the horizontal heterogenous reservoir. Torque and drag simulations are critical to determine if the AICV completion string with inner string has sufficient weight to navigate through complex well geometry (horizontal section with azimuthal change) to land the string at TD. A flow activated turbine reamer is installed at the end of the AICV completion string to ream past any unexpected formation problems without rotating the whole assembly. Key limitations such as no rotation, moderate tripping speed, low pressure rating, and low tensile strength of the completion string are pivotal factors in safely managing AICV deployment during completion. Swell packers start swelling as soon as they are in contact with SBM or formation oil. Well unloading is maintained at low choke but sufficient to keep AICV open to prevent erosion of the sealing elements prior to full packer activation. The primary guideline for operating AICV wells within the total drawdown of the well is an important factor. The total drawdown of an AICV completion well consists of sandface drawdown and pressure drop across AICV to manage the breakthrough zones. Close monitoring of all parameters is essential, and real-time data plays a crucial role in ensuring that none of these parameters are breached during AICV well operations.

Analysis of simulated well performance reveals the effective regulation of unwanted fluid production by the AICV. High sandface drawdown in low permeability zones implies a balanced productivity distribution across compartments, whereas substantial AICV pressure drop in high permeability compartments signifies efficient throttling during gas or water breakthrough events. The successful installation of AICV completion in this field underscores meticulous adherence to critical factors throughout the process.