Modelling Fluid Inflow Equalisation using Inflow Control Devices on Horizontal Compartmentalised Oil Wells: Case Study of Niger Delta Oilfield.

This study focuses on the modelling wellbore compartmentalization techniques for downhole flow control in both homogeneous and heterogeneous oil reservoirs. The objective was to achieve fluid inflow equalization to address variable productivity effects (VPE) in heterogeneous multilayered reservoirs and to ensure flow uniformity across horizontal intervals in homogeneous reservoirs, mitigating the heel-to-toe effect (THE) caused by frictional pressure drop in horizontal well completions. The compartmentalization along the wellbore was achieved using swellable packers, ensuring each well compartment had uniform productivity before equalization. Inflow equalization across compartments was accomplished using inflow control devices (ICDs). Analytical models for ICDs were developed based on fundamental fluid flow equations, including Darcy's and Bernoulli's equations. Simulation of the developed model was conducted using MATLAB 2014Rb. Three simulation cases were explored: Case 1 studied variable pressure effects in homogeneous reservoirs where pressure and permeability influenced inflow inequality; Case 2 examined variable pressure effects considering pressure, permeability, and skin as factors for inflow variation; Case 3 simulated inflow equalization in horizontal homogeneous reservoirs to counteract the heel-to-toe effects. The results demonstrated successful equalization in all cases: Case 1 achieved a target well production rate of 7500 stb/d; Case 2 resulted in a total target well inflow rate of 6250 stb/d; Case 3 achieved a composite well inflow rate of 15000 stb/d. Implementation of variable ICDs in the horizontal well segment prevented early water/gas breakthrough due to THE, enhancing well longevity and recovery efficiency, thereby improving total well recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]