Lower Completion Module

Abstract

A technique that is usable with a well includes installing a lower completion module as a unit in the well. The lower completion module includes a flow control mechanism, an annular packer, a sand screen and a flow monitoring device. Either a single unit or a plurality of the units may be installed in the well for zonal isolation and control.

1 . A method usable with a well, comprising:
 installing a lower completion module as a unit in the well, the lower completion module comprising a flow control mechanism, an annular packer and a sand screen.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the lower completion module further comprises a flow monitoring device. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the act of installing comprises:
 installing the sand screen, the flow control mechanism and the annular packer in an integrated housing.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the act of installing comprises:
 forming a connection between a connector of the unit and a tubular string.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the connector comprises a J-latch connector, a threaded connector or a bayonet connector. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the act of installing comprises:
 connecting the unit to a tubular string.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the act of installing comprises:
 connecting the unit to another unit comprising a flow control mechanism, an annular packer, a flow monitoring device and a sand screen.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a fixed choke, a variable choke or an on/off valve. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 autonomously controlling the flow control mechanism based on a response to a reservoir parameter.   
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 performing an intervention in the well to control the flow control mechanism.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the act of performing the intervention comprises an intervention selected from the following:
 running a service tool on a cable, tractor or pipe;   dropping the tool into the well; or   pumping the tool down into the well.   
   
   
       12 . An apparatus usable with a well, comprising:
 a unit comprising connectors to connect the unit to a string, the unit comprising an annular packer, a screen and a flow control mechanism.   
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the unit comprises an integrated housing connected to the screen, the flow control mechanism and the annular packer. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the tubular string comprises a connector to connect to one of the connectors of the unit. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein at least one of the connectors of the unit comprises a J-latch connector, a threaded connector or a bayonet connector. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the connectors are adapted to connect the unit to a screen. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the annular packer comprises a swell element, an external casing packer, an ABT hydroform, a mechanical compression set packer, an inflatable bladder or a metal inflate bladder. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the screen comprises a slotted liner, a stand alone screen, a prepacked screen or a gravel pack screen. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises a fixed choke, a variable choke or a shut-off valve. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the flow control mechanism comprises:
 an interface comprising an interface adapted to be controlled via a wireless stimulus, an interface adapted to be controlled in response to a dropped ball or an interface adapted to be controlled in response to a signal communicated over a control line.   
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the flow control mechanism is adapted to be autonomously controlled.