Development and Field Trial of the World's 1st Cloud Connected Wireless Intelligent Completion System

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the development and field trials of a wireless intelligent completion system that enables long term monitoring and interval control to enhance production management within new or existing wellbores by connecting the user wirelessly from the desktop to the downhole component of the system, inflow control valves (ICVs). The effectiveness of intelligent completions for production optimisation and improving reservoir management is well established, yet the use of this technology remains limited to high value, single bore wells. The cost and complexity of these solutions coupled with limitations in well types, interval quantity and poor system interfaces are all factors which have prevented broader application. An intelligent completion that communicates wirelessly within the wellbore provides dual benefits in completion operations and production management. Eliminating the requirement for control lines addresses many of the limitations of traditional systems, and the all-electric technology provides greater scope for digital well management and integration with surface systems. A slimline inflow control valve (ICV) has been developed which provides infinitely variable choking capability and multiple integrated sensors. Qualification has been completed to Statoil's/Equinor's existing standard for the qualification of interval control valves adapted and augmented to reflect the differences between the wireless solution and conventional technology. Several field installations have been performed with the system, two of which are detailed within this paper to demonstrate the performance of the technology. In the first, operations were performed with local only access to surface data which demonstrated the ability to communicate effectively but highlighted some mechanical limitations in the tool itself. Following implementation of design improvements, a second installation was performed which also included a surface management system with wireless interpretation software and cloud connectivity. The system has been proven to provide robust communication using pressure pulses within the flowing well stream to provide operating instructions to the ICV, and for the ICV to operate as instructed and communicate effectively to the wellhead. Data from the system has been digitally managed and remotely accessed demonstrating the ability to change tool settings remotely. Integrating a semi-duplex pressure pulse system which operates in compressive fluid environments to provide direct communication between a downhole device and wellhead provides a low energy communication method compatible with extended service life completion tools. The system has been demonstrated with ICV technology in both multiphase and gas environments. In field trial this has been integrated with an intelligent system effectively deploying the world's 1st cloud connected wireless intelligent completion.