Vortex AICD Screen
The
vortex AICD screen is an innovative device designed to enhance oil recovery in
horizontal wells by controlling unwanted early water influx. It combines a MGC
screen with a sealed-off base pipe that forces inflows through the vortex AICD
module, which acts as an autonomous regulator that generates different
restrictions to the fluids with different WC% (Water Cut%). When flowing
through the module, the oil flow encounters the least restrictions, while that
of water flow could be over 10 times higher (depends on flow rate). In
combination with proper zonal isolations, the vortex AICD device could
effectively resist production from high WC% zones, while the oil producing
zones are not affected. In this way, horizontal wells could have a longer
economic life with a more balanced producing profile.
The
AICD module has a flow path selector and a nozzle in the center of unit that
acts as a normal ICD. The module is manufactured with high-strength
tungsten-cobalt alloy, containing no moving parts or elastomers that could wear
out.
The
AICD module works well with fluid viscosity from 10cP to 300cP from known
results, and more lab tests are being conducted to test its limits.