Case History – World's First Slim Open Hole Smart MRC Wells

Abstract

Abstract Smart Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) wells have been successfully utilized extensively across Saudi Aramco to increase reservoir contact, well productivity and total oil recovery. This concept has primarily been used in newly drilled wells. It requires larger than conventional hole and casing sizes to achieve the dimensions required for the Intelligent Well System. Converting an existing well to an MRC poses a new challenge. This paper presents a case history of two old existing dead wells in Saudi Aramco that were successfully converted into the first Slim Open Hole MRC Wells in the world. The two wells were originally drilled as vertical producing wells with 7" 23# liner set above the top of the target zone and extending to surface. To access more reserves from the field, the decision was made to sidetrack the wells to a new location and drill an MRC wells to achieve maximum productivity from those wells. The wells were planned to be a three lateral wells with a total of 12,000' of reservoir contact in each well. To maximize the long term productivity of the wells, it was decided to run Intelligent Well Systems that enables remote monitoring and control of each lateral throughout the life of the two wells. The final success of these converted slim open hole smart MRC wells are supported by more than expected production gain.