Transforming oil recovery through autonomous technology: pioneering AICV® innovation
In the global drive to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, maximising oil recovery from existing wells—rather than drilling new ones—has become a strategic priority. This approach not only conserves resources but also aligns with regulatory targets set by the European Union and the UK’s North Sea Transition Authority.
However, the oil industry has long been constrained by poor recovery rates. On average, only 32% of available oil is extracted from conventional fields, with the remainder left underground due to the increasing infiltration of water and gas into aging wells.
Since the 1990s, inflow control devices (ICDs) have helped manage fluid flow into wells, but their passive design meant they couldn’t adapt to changing well conditions. As wells matured, ICDs allowed increasing volumes of water and gas to enter—reducing oil production, increasing waste, and raising environmental concerns.
The solution
To overcome the limitations of passive ICDs, the EU-funded REVIVAL project was launched—uniting four SMEs, one major energy company, and three research institutions, including Heriot-Watt University. The goal: to develop Autonomous Inflow Control Valve (AICV®) technology, capable of self-regulating the influx of fluids in real time.
The consortium was led by InflowControl, a Norwegian company and the original developer of AICV® technology. Heriot-Watt University served as the lead academic partner, selected for its world-leading reputation in inflow control research.
Heriot-Watt’s primary role was to build and test complex computational models that could predict how AICVs® would perform in a wide range of oil reservoirs. Specifically, researchers focused on simulating fluid dynamics across varying oil viscosities and reservoir geologies, helping energy companies understand when and where AICV® deployment would deliver the greatest return on investment.
By providing data-driven, reservoir-specific insights, Heriot-Watt gave energy companies the evidence needed to justify investment in this transformative technology.
Impact and outcomes
The results have been extraordinary. AICV® technology is now installed in over 200 oil wells worldwide, delivering measurable commercial and environmental impact:
- Up to 38% increase in oil recovery, on average
- Reduction in waste water and gas infiltration by as much as 89%
- Production cost savings through reduced extraction waste and improved well efficiency
In some fields, oil recovery rates have jumped from 50% to 80%, dramatically improving returns on mature wells.
Heriot-Watt University brought knowledge, experience, and modelling of oil reservoirs and helped to show the benefits of the AICV® in different types of reservoirs. We would like to work with the HWU team in the future too. They were kind, knowledgeable, and professional in all they did. It’s always nice to work with high-level academic institutions.
“Working on the REVIVAL project led to us publishing two research papers at major international conferences. Being involved in such high-profile projects improves our standing in the industry and can lead to partnerships with other leading companies.”
Global legacy and environmental benefits
The AICV® technology co-developed through the REVIVAL project is now in use across diverse geological contexts—from the Middle East to South America—generating impressive results:
Middle East (mature onshore wells):
- 5x increase in oil production from lower zones
- 90% reduction in unwanted gas
- 24,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually
South America (international E&P):
- 90% drop in unwanted gas
- 17,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually
These achievements demonstrate that AICV® technology does more than enhance productivity—it actively contributes to decarbonisation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste gas and water handling.
This case study exemplifies how Heriot-Watt University applies its deep academic expertise to real-world industry challenges, fostering sustainable innovation and shaping global energy solutions. By combining cutting-edge modelling with strategic collaboration, Heriot-Watt helps partners like InflowControl deliver technologies that are both commercially viable and environmentally responsible.