First Successful Application of Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift DIAL System in Dual Strings in B Field Applying Lessons Learnt from its First Pilot Application in Different Field in Same Offshore Malaysia

Abstract

Abstract There are five wells planned to be drilled in B field infill campaign starting Q3 2020 - Q1 2021 as per development plan. Two wells are planned to be installed with Digital Intelligent Artificial Lift (DIAL) system, which one in single string completion and another one in dual string completion. This paper will mainly describe on the DIAL application in dual strings completion in B field. The DIAL system has circumferential 3 active orifice valves to open/ close selectively or in combination, which is communicated and operated through TEC cable from surface remotely. Given that this will be the second DIAL system installation in the world, a back up gas lift mandrel (GLM) will be installed to mitigate the risk in case the DIAL system fails to work due to any unprecedented reason so that conventional gas lift valve can be installed in GLM and gas lift operations can be commensed. The world's first DIAL installation in dual strings was completed in a different field offshore Malaysia in Q2 2020. During well completion and system installation, all the DIAL units in short string were functioning well, however there were some issues initially observed in Continuity Resistance (CR) inconsistent reading during run in hole completion and then total failure was observed in long string after its installation based on CR test, TDR (Time Domain Refractometer) test, and Scope Test due to unprecedented technical issue which affected the downhole cable to receive and send electrical signal to operate DIAL valves. The risk assessment has been conducted with associated parties based on the failure analysis and lessons learnt from the first DIAL application in dual strings in order to implement mitigation plan and proceed with DIAL application in B field. This step is very crucial to build the learning curves as well as improve the operator's understanding on for future DIAL application in dual strings. This paper will summarize the DIAL tool functionality and its design, failure analysis & lessons learnt from other field offshore Malaysia, and risk assessment & mitigation plan carried out for the DIAL application in dual strings in B field. It marks the second application in the world at present & first successful DIAL application in dual strings worldwide presently.