Spiral ICD
Spiral-type inflow control devices (ICDs) were the first form of ICD technology and marked a significant milestone in the evolution of well completions. Introduced in the early 1990s, these devices were first implemented on the Troll field in the North Sea. They utilized a spiral-shaped flow path to create a controlled pressure drop, effectively balancing inflow along the length of the wellbore.
This innovation addressed critical challenges in horizontal and multilateral wells, such as uneven drainage and high-permeability zones dominating production. By reducing water and gas breakthrough and ensuring more uniform reservoir drainage, spiral ICDs demonstrated the value of inflow control and laid the foundation for more advanced designs. Their simplicity, efficiency, and adaptability made them a transformative step in optimizing well performance and recovery.
The maze or labyrinth-type ICD was the first inflow control device developed and served as the foundation for all future inflow control technologies. Its intricate internal flow path created a controlled pressure drop, balancing inflow along the wellbore and addressing challenges like uneven production and early breakthrough. This pioneering design introduced the concept of passive inflow control, demonstrating the potential for simple mechanisms to enhance reservoir management. The maze ICD’s effectiveness and adaptability paved the way for more advanced technologies, such as density-based and autonomous inflow control devices, which continue to build on its innovative principles.