Spiral ICD
These ICDs were the first kind of inflow technology to hit the market and were 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 between the annulus and the base pipe, effectively balancing inflow along the length of the wellbore.
This innovation addressed critical challenges in horizontal and multilateral wells, such as uneven drainage due to frictional pressure losses along the wellbore and/or high-permeability zones dominating production. By delaying water and gas breakthrough by ensuring more uniform reservoir drainage, 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 this design 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.