Selective Inflow Control Device with Sliding Sleeve Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion techniques lack efficient methods for selectively controlling fluid flow from different subterranean intervals into a production tubing string, leading to challenges in managing unwanted fluid flow, particularly when water production increases relative to oil or gas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system and method using interval inflow control devices with sliding sleeves and shifting tools, which allow for selective isolation of fluid flow by translating the sliding sleeves from an open to a closed position, thereby controlling fluid flow from specific subterranean intervals into the production tubing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional well completion techniques are used without selective inflow control devices, then the well structure remains simple and installation is straightforward, but the ability to selectively control fluid flow from different subterranean intervals is insufficient, leading to inability to manage unwanted water production
Solution Approach 1:
The production tubing string is divided into multiple intervals, each equipped with its own inflow control device (ICD) that can be independently controlled. Each ICD includes a sliding sleeve that can selectively block or allow flow from specific perforated intervals, enabling zone-specific flow management without affecting other intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding sleeve is positioned within the inner tube of the ICD, creating a nested configuration where the sliding sleeve can move axially to either block or allow flow through the ports in the inner tube. This nested structure allows compact integration of the control mechanism within the production tubing.
2Measurement precision
If selective inflow control devices are installed to manage water production from specific intervals, then flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflow control device is designed with local functionality, where the sliding sleeve in each ICD can be independently actuated to control flow from its specific interval. This allows precise control of water production from problematic zones while maintaining flow from productive zones, with each device tailored to its local flow control needs.
3Productivity
If multiple inflow control devices are installed on the production tubing string to control flow from different intervals, then flow management capability is improved, but the difficulty of operating and actuating each device increases
Solution Approach 1:
A packer is introduced as an intermediary element that isolates different intervals from each other in the annular space between the production tubing and casing. This allows independent actuation of each sliding sleeve through separate fluid injection paths, simplifying the operation of multiple ICDs by preventing fluid communication between intervals during actuation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional completion methods are used without selective isolation capability, then the initial well installation is faster and less costly, but the ability to respond to changing production conditions (such as increased water production) is limited, requiring costly rig time for patches or recompletion
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control system is designed to be dynamically adjustable during the well's production life. Sliding sleeves can be actuated at any time to change from open to closed position, allowing the well to adapt to changing production conditions such as water influx without requiring physical intervention or rig time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service flow control through remote actuation of sliding sleeves using fluid injection through actuation ports. This allows operators to control flow from different intervals without requiring physical access to the wellbore or costly rig interventions, making the system self-sufficient for flow management.
Data Source
AI summary
A first interval inflow control device and a second interval inflow control device are positioned on a production tubing string proximate to a first subterranean interval and a second subterranean interval, respectively. The inflow control devices each include a central bore, a sand screen surrounding an inner tube, a plurality of ports connect the annular space between an inner surface of the sand screen and an outer surface of the inner tube, and a sliding sleeve configured to translate between an open position and closed position. A first shifting tool is configured to engage with and axially translate the sliding sleeve of the first interval inflow control device and a second shifting tool is configured to engage with and axially translate the sliding sleeve of the second interval inflow control device. The second shifting tool has an outer diameter less than the bore of the first interval inflow control device.