Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift DIAL Gas Lift Production Optimization Deployments Across Assets

Abstract

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is expanding the use of DIAL (Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift) technology, across its assets, through a range of different oil production applications. These include gas lifted single and dual completions, Extended Reach Drilling (ERD) wells and In-Situ gas lift. DIAL is a first-of-kind technology that enhances the efficiency of gas lift through downhole data, surface control and digital operations. This data driven approach enables production automation and minimizes well intervention requirements. This paper will present four different applications for the technology. These applications were selected by ADNOC assets, as they were deemed to bring the most value for DIAL implementation. The paper will describe technical details for each application, including gas lift designs, completion specificities, installation procedures and benefits observed or anticipated. A summary of the value add for each of the four applications are listed below. Gas lifted single completion is the most common application for the DIAL system. The benefits of the application have been described in previous papers and range from intervention savings to production optimization. This paper will highlight the additional benefit of automation, making full use of the system digital features. Gas lifted dual string completion, where the technology enables efficient lift of both strings, improving well production in the range of 40 to 100%. API (American Petroleum Institute) does not recommend pressure operated gas lift in dual wells. DIAL offers stability, simultaneous lifting of both strings through surface control and downhole data. ERD gas lifted well required flexibility for its gas lift operations. DIAL enables real time changes of injection depths based on reservoir response, and units can be installed deeper into the deviated section of the well without any deviation limits. In-Situ gas lift is a specific application where a gas zone is used to lift production from the oil zone in the same well. DIAL enables measurement of the gas injection rate at the point of injection, and adjustment of the flow area to optimize production. This is a world's first use of the technology for this type of application. A range of applications are described in this paper with many technical details, recommendations and lessons learnt to enable replication within the industry. Some of these applications are world first.