Oil field service firm Halliburton Company has introduced its EquiFlow Density autonomous inflow control device (AICD), which addresses reservoir fluid uncertainties and enables operators to enhance oil and natural gas recovery in wells where current autonomous technologies are limited.

EquiFlow Density uses a density amplifier designed to distinguish reservoir fluids. It reportedly incorporates a fluid selector to magnify density forces by creating artificial gravity while making the device completely orientation neutral. The fluid selector autonomously opens or closes, thereby restricting water without any surface intervention. As such, the tool offers a reduction in water influx, which is typically treated at the surface.

Source: Halliburton Company

“Most autonomous ICDs rely on reservoir fluid viscosity contrast to differentiate the fluids being produced, but oil and water frequently appear at similar viscosities,” said David Loveless, vice president, Halliburton Completion Tools. “EquiFlow Density AICD differentiates itself by producing and restricting downhole fluids using density, even when the viscosities are identical. This allows operators to optimize hydrocarbon production in difficult wells where current autonomous technologies are not effectively able to separate the water from the desired oil.”

EquiFlow Density AICD is engineered to improve reservoir management, enhance oil and natural gas recovery and optimize production to provide higher revenue potential and increased asset value.

For more on the EquiFlow Density AICD, visit the Halliburton Company website.