Maximizing the Economic Value of Intelligent Completions through Effective Use of Surveillance

Abstract

Intelligent completions or Smart Well Completions have gained traction in recent years as they provide better control for reservoir management. Simply, intelligent completions consist of the two components, Flow Control and Permanent Downhole Monitoring Systems (PDHMS). While the value of flow control systems has been heavily documented, less has been published regarding the optimization of flow control systems in a proactive manner by more effective utilization of data obtained from the monitoring systems. This paper simply outlines how monitoring data can be used to optimize flow control systems. By better utilization of the monitoring data active flow control valves are able to be functioned to ensure that the well is operating under optimum conditions. Furthermore monitoring data can be used to validate completion designs while allowing engineers to identify if interventions are required and if so which sections require the intervention.