Enhancing Field Performance with Flow Control Technologies: A Case Study in Lowering Carbon Intensity in Oil Production in the South of Oman
Authors: Harthi M. , Moradi M. , Lawati A. , Alghafri Y. , Chanaga A. 
Published: November 2024

The global focus on cutting down carbon emissions has become a primary objective, motivating both governmental and private entities to develop and refine technologies that align with this goal. This paper investigates the effectiveness of deploying Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs) in the context of rate-controlled production (RCP) within an oil field. Through the analysis of numerous wells that were outfitted with AICDs, the study found that carbon emissions were notably reduced during prolonged production phases. The paper also presents a methodology that leverages a publicly available Greenhouse Gas (GHG) estimator to evaluate the energy consumption and emissions across various field development scenarios.

The research involved examining production data from 40 wells located in a reservoir in the south of Oman. The RCP AICD technology is engineered to enhance oil production by regulating the flow of fluids based on their properties, thereby minimizing the extraction of undesired fluids. To ensure that the comparisons were accurate, extensive data processing and modeling efforts were undertaken. The data collected included properties of the fluids, characteristics of the formation, and details of the operational processes. This information was then fed into the GHG estimator, which was used to predict the energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions for different scenarios, both with and without the use of AICDs.

By calculating these emissions, operators can identify key areas of energy consumption and adjust their processes accordingly to work towards net-zero goal. The findings of the study indicate that implementing AICDs in wells resulted in significant reductions in both capital and operational expenses. This reduction was achieved by decreasing the number of wells required (including both producers and injectors), lessening the reliance on energy-intensive production methods, minimizing surface-level processes, and reducing the re-injection of unwanted fluids necessary to sustain the desired production levels.

Additionally, the study revealed that AICDs had a substantial positive impact on Cumulative oil production, boosting it by 180% while simultaneously reducing total water production by 30%, which also benefits environmental outcomes. Specifically, the deployment of AICDs in the field led to reductions in carbon intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption by 42%, 28%, and 43%, respectively, when compared to scenarios where standalone screen (SAS) completions were only used. Furthermore, the results highlight that production activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in cases where AICDs are not implemented, compared to other processes involved in oil production.

This study presents a comprehensive framework to quantify the effects of implementing new technologies, particularly flow control devices, on reducing carbon emissions. It will also highlight the crucial role that these technologies play in moving toward net-zero targets by enabling oil production with lower carbon intensity.