This paper summarizes the integrated technical learnings from the successful application of autonomous outflow-control device (AOCD) technology in a new long horizontal injector well. It shows the result of extending this technology to other injectors in both water and polymer phases in the field, detailing the authors’ observations and insights. Autonomously reactive control of injection fluid conformance resulted in increased sweep and ultimate oil recovery, while the total volume of injected fluid was reduced.
Introduction
The AOCD is a rate-limiting device that autonomously chokes flow of injected fluids into high-permeability zones to ensure effective flow distribution in fractured zones or highly heterogeneous reservoirs. It provides an autonomous rate limit to prevent excessive water injection into the fractures, thereby enabling distributed or matrix injection.
AOCD technology involves a biased open valve that enables water injection at normal distributed rates but chokes once an already prescribed trigger rate is exceeded.
