Combining Distributed Temperature Sensing with Inflow Control Devices – Provides Improved Injection Profile with Real-Time Measurement in Power Water Injector Wells

Abstract

AbstractPassive ICDs (Inflow Control Devices) have been used in the past to enhance performance of producing horizontal wells in unfavorable environments such as non-uniform permeability and/or pressure variations along horizontal sections. This is the first ever attempt, to the best of our knowledge, at using ICDs combined with a fiber-optic DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensor) to manage the water injection profile across a horizontal reservoir horizon.The cost of the permanent monitoring installation is comparable to a single coiled tubing deployed PLT intervention. This paper addresses how a passive ICD completion, utilizing DTS technology, was used to optimize and monitor well performance. In addition, the operational aspects of permanent vs. intervention monitoring are addressed while highlighting the opportunity for additional value creation using real-time monitoring combined with ICD technology.This field trial demonstrates the effectiveness of the ICD system when used in an injection well for injection profiling and fluid diversion during acid stimulation. In addition, the DTS proved to be an effective alternative to production logging in this horizontal water injection well.The key factor in the success of this project was the use of the 3-1/2" ICD completion along with a DTS system to monitor and passively control the injection sweep across the entire reservoir section. DTS data were also obtained during pre-injection and acid stimulation operations. This was the first occasion in which an operator was able to evaluate stimulation efficiency of an ICD completion using permanent real-time monitoring methods.