Advanced science.  Applied technology.

Search

Inflow Control Device (ICD) Multiphase Testing

SwRI has two permanent multiphase flow loops used to perform high differential pressure testing on inflow control devices (ICDs).  The facilities are utilized to understand flow performance characteristics of ICDs or other flow components with multiphase oil-gas and oil-water mixtures. SwRI has the capabilities to perform the ICD flow performance testing according to the API Specification 19ICD.

A universal ICD test fixture, that is accepted by both ICD flow facilities, is available for customer use. The test fixture simulates annular flow with an 8-1/2" diameter casing and a 6-5/8" base pipe. A customer need only provide their ICD tool mounted in a 6-5/8" base pipe, and SwRI provides the test fixture casing, end caps, and nose cone required to generate annular flow. If desired, a customer-supplied test fixture may be used instead.

API Specification 19ICD Test Facilities

API Spec 19ICD defines requirements and guidelines for ICDs for use in the oil and natural gas industry. SwRI performs API Spec 19ICD testing at two test facilities under the following operating conditions:

Gas-Oil ICD Flow Test Facility

  • Fluids: fresh water, light mineral oils, refined liquids, nitrogen gas
  • Gas volume fraction: 0% to 100%
  • Maximum upstream pressure: 2,000 psig
  • Test section differential pressure up to 300 psi
  • Liquid flow rates up to 28 gpm
  • Gas Flow rates up to 1,000 scfm
  • Maximum temperature: 210ᵒF
Gas-Oil ICD Flow Test Facility
Virtual Tour

Oil-Water ICD Flow Test Facility

  • Fluids: fresh water, light mineral oils, refined liquids
  • Water cut: 0% to 100%
  • Maximum upstream pressure: 2,000 psig
  • Test section differential pressure up to 1,300 psi
  • Liquid flow rates up to 32 gpm
  • Oil viscosities up to 1,000 cP
  • Maximum temperature: 210ᵒF
Oil-Water ICD Flow Test Facility
Virtual Tour

In addition to performing flow performance testing according to the API Spec 19ICD, SwRI has experience performing other API 19ICD qualification testing including erosion, mud flow initiation, sediment plugging, flow integrity, and static pressure tests.

For more information about high-differential pressure multiphase testing, please contact Jacque Manders at +1 210 522 5417.

Related Services