Case Studies of Formation Isolation Valves for ESP and Intelligent Completions in Multi-Lateral Wells and Horizontal Wells

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes case-studies of Formation Isolation Valve design, completion options, installations, well bore access for Intelligent Completions and successful replacement of electrical submersible pump (ESP). These completions are installed for production optimization in multilateral and horizontal wells. ESP completions has a long history in oil field and intelligent completions have been nearly stared 15years back.Isolation Valves have been installing for over 20 years and more than 2000 wells have been successfully completed. In few wells upper completions have been successfully recompleted with ESP. The technology has provided real value in these ESP wells and also in intelligent completions wells.There are several measures such replacement of underperforming ESP systems, sidetracks in more prolific zones and upsizing of the pumps have been taken. The formation isolation valves were used with ESP completion to protect reservoir formation from drilling and work over fluids during replacement of pump. This saves fluid cost, rig time, reduce rig cost, avoid formation damage and improve productivity. Few benefits are below: Allows multiple pump replacements without killing the wellIsolates formations without applying kill fluid to the formationReduces fluid losses during completion installationsImproves well productivity by preventing formation damageReduces costs associated with well interventionsESP systems with formation isolation valve are delivering the industry the solution to achieve production targets while protecting reservoir damage due to kill fluid during work over operations for pump replacement and at the same time allowing access to mother bore for stimulation and logging in ESP and Intelligent Completions.