Field Case: Use of Autonomous Inflow Control Devices to Increase Oil Production in a Thin Oil Rim Reservoir in the Gulf of Thailand

Abstract

The Jasmine Field sandstone reservoir described in the paper is highly compartmentalized, has a sand thickness of about 30-40ft, reservoir pressure is supported by a strong aquifer, and most wells have high productivity. However, in the particular fault block of interest, a gas cap is present, which is normally not present in other fault blocks. This reduces the oil sand thickness to about 20 ft, with a big gas cap above and water below. To efficiently produce the oil rim in this area, a horizontal well was required, with an electrical submersible pumps (ESP) to aid lift. Since ESPs don't typically handle gas very well, the challenge was to ensure the well is economic by preventing premature gas breakthrough, and hence increase oil recovery. The Autonomous Inflow Control Device (AICD) is an active flow control device that delivers a variable flow restriction in response to the properties (viscosity) of the fluid flowing through it. Water or gas flowing through the device is restricted more than oil.When used in a horizontal well, segmented into multiple compartments, this device prevents excessive production of unwanted fluids after breakthrough occurs in one or more compartments. The JS-06 well was drilled with almost 2000 ft horizontal length within the original thin oil column, with gas on top and water below. AICD flow loop testing, performance modelling, candidate selection, and completion design for this well was focused on gas production control, given that gas production was the main concern. Post implementation and production, gas production has been controlled very well compared to the base case conventional completion. The gas oil ratio (GOR) observed from nearby wells was within the normal production range, which has allowed more oil to be produced from the JS-06 well. The production results observed were consistent with modelling and laboratory flow testing, thereby increasing confidence in the methods employed in designing the AICD completion for the well and in AICD modelling and candidate selection. The successful implementation of AICD in this well has opened up another similar opportunity, which are currently being evaluated for the same application