Experimental study of water coning phenomenon in perforated pipes geometry

Abstract

This Master Thesis is performed in close cooperation between NTNU and Statoil Research Centre in Rotvoll, Trondheim. It focuses on the experimental study of the water coning phenomenon in perforated pipe geometry. This study refers to Statoil data on horizontal well design, geometry of the ICD/AICD housing, production rates and fluid properties.The experimental facilities were designed during the autumn semester in the project ?Experimental setup for water coning in horizontal annular pipe geometries?. It is based on the 2D-configuration setup and was used for flow visualization experiments.The study provides extensive literature review of the problem. It describes existing industry experience and shows available academic research in the area of the coning phenomenon. Detailed hazard identification and risk assessments analysis were performed according to the NTNU and SINTEF safety procedures prior to starting of the work in the lab. The necessary measures for risk reduction were implemented. The event, possibly compromising safety level of the experimental runs, was documented and investigated in order to prevent similar reoccurrences in future.The total number of 459 experiments with different rig and oil/water flow setup was conducted. Results are presented in clear graphical form in excel spreadsheet attached to the thesis. It shows key trends in oil/water flow behaviour in the gap towards a drainage hole, representing reservoir fluid inflow into the well tubing through the Inflow Control Device (ICD). Discussion part puts emphasis on the explanation of the obtained results and provides important input to improve the design of ICD.