Efficient workflow for optimizing intelligent well completion using production parameters in real-time

Marcio Augusto Sampaio,Bruno Da Cruz Schaefer

doi:10.2516/ogst/2020061

Abstract

Intelligent Well Completion (IWC) has been successfully deployed over the years to improve reservoir management, with better results in heterogeneous reservoirs. This work proposes an efficient workflow to identify well candidates for Inflow Control Valves (ICV) application and production optimization using parameters in real time. The methodology searches for potential reservoir layer grouping in the producer well, in order to control zonal flow, without expending too much computational time in valve positioning. ICV control strategy uses real-time production guide rates generated by the simulator, reducing optimization parameters. The proposed workflow is applied to a synthetic reservoir model, with properties similar to the Brazilian pre-salt area. This novelty strategy for ICV modelling and control presented a significant reduction in optimization parameters. Results show that Net Present Value (NPV) – and IWC economic gain – are highly dependent on the economic scenario. Nevertheless, the methodology has potential for application in more complex simulations, with greater number of wells or optimization parameters, like multi-position or continuously variable position ICV.

Highlights

BottomHole Flowrate BottomHole Pressure Enhanced Oil Recovery Gas–Oil Ratio Cumulative gas production Inflow Control Valve Improved Oil Recovery Intelligent Well Completion MultiPhase FlowMeters Cumulative oil production Net Present Value Particle Swarm Optimization Gas Production Stream Liquid Production Stream Oil Production Stream Solvent Production Stream Water Production Stream Water CUT Cumulative water injection Cumulative water productionIWC technology has already proven itself as a powerful tool to improve oil recovery in different scenarios
The present study focuses on a workflow to identify potential well candidates for IWC
Three Inflow Control Valves (ICV) control strategies are proposed: one reactive approach based on Water CUT (WCUT) limitation and two proactive control strategies based on production rates from each zone

Summary

Introduction

IWC technology has already proven itself as a powerful tool to improve oil recovery in different scenarios. It can prevent early water/gas breakthrough, optimize production and control water cuts/pressures by zone. The ability to handle downhole well flow separately makes IWC useful in reservoir management. The necessity to control zonal flow for better reservoir management makes IWC useful when trying to obtain a higher recovery factor. Reservoir simulation in these scenarios can help identify and understand how this variation could affect oil flow and reservoir sweep. Along with IWC, reservoir simulation can aid in the development of EOR/IOR strategies

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Conclusion