Re-positioning Mature Fields for Sustainability: Deriving Additional Value by Applying the Internet of Things via Remote Well Monitoring

Abstract

Mature fields typically require a considerable amount of attention and manpower to keep their production going. Typical daily operational challenges include identifying wells that quit, reactivating such wells and gathering wellhead/casing pressure data that are used for well integrity, surveillance and optimization studies. These challenges are further compounded for mature assets that have a significant number of wells spread across wide geographical areas, leading to a never-ending cycle of data gathering while reactively chasing wells that have quit to minimize lost-production opportunities (LPO). One way to manage these challenges is to install sensors that leverage on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on wells to achieve remote well monitoring. The sensors are used to monitor critical well parameters (pressures, temperatures) remotely, thereby reducing Opex incurred via helicopter trips to diagnose well problems. The solution was also configured to report shut-in wells via email/texts helping to narrow down the culprit well, reduce reaction time and minimize LPO. More value can be derived beyond gathering surveillance data and reducing LPO reaction time. The data can be delivered real-time to the Asset Engineers in the office to drive engineering analysis on wells. Such analysis could lead to proactive solutions such as optimizing wells that are already on gas-lift or quicker decision-making to initiate gas-lift on a well just before it quits. In this paper we demonstrate the value that was created by implementing remote well monitoring in mature fields using case-studies that capture the daily field operational challenges and how they were resolved leading to significant cost savings.