High-Resolution Dynamic Model for ICD Design in Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflow control devices (ICDs) in well completions are not adjustable and fail to account for geological heterogeneities, leading to uneven flow distribution and production issues such as water or gas coning and sand production.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a high-resolution dynamic geological model to design and specify ICDs, incorporating petrophysical log data and reservoir simulation to predict production performance, allowing for the selection of an optimal ICD model for even flow distribution and improved production performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ICDs are made non-adjustable with fixed design specifications, then device complexity is reduced and installation is simplified, but production performance cannot be optimized for geological heterogeneities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using reservoir simulation to predict production performance before ICD installation. The system performs simulations with different ICD configurations and geological models in advance to determine optimal design specifications, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustments while optimizing for specific geological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by using multiple geological models with varying heterogeneity parameters and running simulations with different ICD configuration parameters. This allows the system to optimize ICD design specifications based on predicted performance across different geological scenarios without making the physical device adjustable.
2Device complexity
If traditional ICD designs are used without geological heterogeneity consideration, then device complexity is minimized, but flow distribution becomes uneven causing water or gas coning and sand production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by considering specific geological heterogeneity characteristics at different locations along the horizontal wellbore. The reservoir simulation divides the wellbore into segments with different geological properties, and the ICD design is optimized to account for local variations in permeability, porosity, and formation characteristics to achieve uniform flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reservoir simulations with multiple ICD configurations before actual installation. By predicting production performance in advance for different scenarios, the optimal ICD design is determined beforehand to ensure even flow distribution without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple ICD configurations are evaluated using high-resolution dynamic models, then production performance prediction accuracy is improved, but computational time and decision-making speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing reservoir simulations and generating statistical predictions before the actual well completion decision is made. The system pre-evaluates multiple ICD configurations using high-resolution dynamic models to determine optimal designs in advance, enabling faster decision-making when installation time arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses statistical algorithms to generate multiple realizations or copies of production performance predictions based on uncertain geological parameters. By creating probabilistic distributions of outcomes rather than single deterministic predictions, the system maintains prediction accuracy while enabling more efficient decision-making through statistical optimization.
4Device complexity
If ICD location and flow rate-pressure drop relationship are fixed after installation, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize production for specific reservoir conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining optimal ICD location and configuration through reservoir simulation before installation. The system evaluates multiple scenarios in advance to identify the configuration that maximizes production performance for the specific reservoir conditions, and this predetermined optimal configuration is then implemented without requiring post-installation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes ICD design parameters such as location, flow rate restrictions, and configuration based on predicted production performance from reservoir simulations. By adjusting these parameters during the design phase rather than during operation, the system achieves production optimization while maintaining simple fixed installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow-control devices (ICDs) in the horizontal well are designed and specified using a single medium high-resolution dynamic model. Accordingly, the well completion operation of the horizontal well is performed according to the ICD specification. The high-resolution dynamic model incorporates actual petrophysical log data (e.g., logging-while-drilling (LWD) log) from a newly drilled horizontal well to ensure representative prediction of production performance of the horizontal well equipped with ICDs. In contrast to the current practice in the petroleum industry, the high-resolution dynamic model incorporates all geological heterogeneities in the formation and predicts production performance at contiguous time-steps.