Achieving Effective Water Control in Low-Viscosity Oil Reservoirs: A Case Study with RCP AICDs in Offshore China

Abstract Maintaining efficient oil production from horizontal wells with varying reservoir properties is a significant challenge. In such scenarios, water breakthroughs can occur prematurely, hindering hydrocarbon recovery. Traditional completion techniques often lack the ability to effectively address this heterogeneity and achieve optimal water control. Autonomous Inflow Control Devices (AICDs) offer an innovative solution for mitigating water influx in horizontal wells. This downhole device automatically regulates fluid flow based on predefined parameters, enabling proactive water control and improved sweep efficiency. This paper presents a successful field case study utilizing RCP AICDs to control water production in a low-viscosity oil reservoir (1.47 cP) offshore China. The paper explores not only the optimal design workflow and value justification for AICDs but also the challenges that led operators to embrace this technology. This paper also emphasizes that to achieve the best results from the use of such technologies, it is essential not only to ensure optimal design but also to operate the wells under conditions that allow the AICD to perform at its highest efficiency. Notably, when AICDs were operated under optimum conditions in this study, the water cut exhibited a continuous declining trend since then, indicating sustained and greater water control effectiveness. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of AICD technology in controlling water production as water cut reduction was observed at both the mid and later production stages in edge and bottom water reservoirs with low-viscosity crude oil. The well with AICD completion has managed, so far, to deliver 310% increase in cumulative oil production from the well compared to basecase/analogue wells while also extending the well life twice as much than expected. The well's actual cumulative oil production significantly surpassed pre-drilling predictions, reaching over 63,500 m3 and continuing. The implemented RCP AICDs played a crucial role in enhancing water control, improved reservoir management and oil production throughout the well's lifecycle. By effectively controlling water influx in a reservoir with exceptionally low oil viscosity, this pushes the boundaries of AICD applicability. This study offers valuable insights into how these devices can improve field development strategies by mitigating water production and reducing operating costs for lifting, processing and disposal of water plus greenhouse gas emission and energy consumption associated with the operations.