Study on ICD Screen Design and Completion Technology

Abstract The ICD (Inflow Control Device) screen technology is prevalently applied in both domestic and international arenas for the purpose of controlling water production in horizontal wells, aiming to tackle the issue of early water breakthrough in high permeability zones. Ordinarily, the ICD screen is installed in sections along the horizontal wellbore. Each section’s ICD control apparatus is capable of adjusting its corresponding additional resistance in accordance with the variations in water cut, thus enhancing the flow distribution of the horizontal well throughout the production life of the oil well. Nevertheless, the control devices of ICD screen possess relatively weak erosion resistance, and their installation positions lack sufficient precision. These drawbacks result in short control durations and restricted control efficacies. The ICD screen designed in this paper employs high-strength alloy processed nozzle-type ICD nozzles, which are capable of withstanding the erosion caused by high-velocity fluids from the formation. Moreover, these ICD nozzles are detachable, enabling the selection of the quantity and size of ICD nozzles based on the specific formation conditions, thereby rendering the control technology more flexible and user-friendly. This paper validates the mechanical performance of the ICD nozzle via physical model experiments and utilizes software to design the completion of the ICD screen for a demonstration well. By precisely positioning the ICD nozzles, the accuracy and effective period of the flow profile control in the horizontal well are improved, providing technical underpinning for the development of oil reservoirs with edge and bottom water.