Unique Real-Time Production Optimization Methodology for a Multilateral Well with Hydraulic and Electrical Inflow Control Valves

Abstract

Productivity index is directly proportional to the total reservoir contact (RC) within the same reservoir, hence the applications of multilateral. The new generation of the smart multilateral well completions divides the lateral section into a number of segments through oil swell packers and integrated stations are placed against each segment. The integrated station consists of electrical ICVs, downhole liquid metering and WC and pressure measurements sensors. The unique smart completion allows real-time optimization and controlling of unwanted fluids on the segment level, utilizing the fast electrical ICVs. A comprehensive methodology has been developed to establish a production balance across the segments and the laterals utilizing the real-time downhole measurements rather than the tedious trial and error procedure. The methodology is divided into two components. In the first component: a single multilateral model is constructed using a single well modelling application. The model is calibrated to match the recent production test conducted on the well. Several simulation runs are performed on the calibrated model to test different combination of the downhole and surface choke settings until the well produces the target on condition that the laterals are producing equally. In the second component: a real-time production optimization process is conducted on the well using the outcomes of the first component. The proposed methodology was conducted on multilaterals well with hydraulic and electrical ICVs and successfully completed. A good match has been obtained between the outcomes of the calibrated modeland the actual performance of the well. The process brings the well to the target at a straightforward task and avoids the trial and error procedure that may.

Completion Strategy for Water Control in Horizontal Wells of an Indian Western Offshore Oilfield: A Case Study

“…This technique uses preventive actions throughout a well's life to regulate water production. Using the newest inflow control systems, such as Inflow Control Device [11,12], Autonomous Inflow Control Device [13], Inflow Control Valves [15,17], and Intelligent wells [16], together with zonal isolation according to reservoir parameters, can assist prevent water penetration into a wellbore. This completion approach can increase a well's life, limit well intervention, produce hydrocarbons effectively, and reduce water output, making it inexpensive.…”

Completion Strategy: A Case Study of Using Autonomous Inflow Control Technology to Manage Water

“…The ICD is more capable of producing low flowrate fluid formations and including artificial lift in the form of gas lift to produce remaining reserves for maximum oil recovery in a well. As a result, based on the limited reserves in the well, ICDs will efficiently generate the most hydrocarbons, making the well profitable [27][28][29][30].…”

“…AICV is the best device for shutting down production in a zone connected with a high-permeability fracture because it restricts the flow of water the most. Since water can acquire the entire wellbore section through high permeability cracks connecting the water aquifer, the AICVs successfully avoid these zones by shutting down production while preserving well productivity by producing through other zones [46,47].…”

“…The surface-controlled inflow control valves will be the best choice for monitoring the behavior of each zone and controlling the valves based on the need to produce from that zone (Figure 9). Due to the limited installation downhole, an electrically driven inflow control valve would be the preferred choice to produce the big formation over hydraulic inflow control valves [49,50]. This intelligent well completion can help to monitor reservoir and fluid parameters from each zone, as well as manage flow through varying openings in each zone.…”

“…The temperature, pressure, flow, and composition of fluid flowing in each zone are monitored by a sensor and transmitted to the surface analysis system, where the appropriate approach to the behavior is decided and controlled from the surface with the varying openings of the inflow control valves [51]. Using an intelligent well-completion system, controlling each zone based on its features would aid in recovering maximum reserves in a very heterogeneous formation [46,52].…”