Optimization of Production Performance With ICVs by Using Temperature-Data Feedback in Horizontal Wells

Abstract

Summary Horizontal wells with intelligent completions have been used widely in many field cases. With inflow-control valves (ICVs), production can be optimized either on individual wells or at large reservoir scale. A critical step in this procedure is to understand the inflow profiles along horizontal wellbores. To develop control and optimization strategies, permanent monitoring systems such as pressure gauges and temperature sensors have been deployed with downhole control valves to provide temperature or pressure data in real time, and to translate downhole-flow conditions from these data. The relationships between temperature and inflow distribution have been developed before in intelligent-well models, and these models are very useful in locating water or gas entries and obtaining better production performances. In this work, we present a new idea—using temperature feedback to directly regulate flow-control valves to achieve an approximately uniform flow distribution. Instead of detecting water or gas flow with different thermal properties of fluids, we aim to regulate flow distribution through temperature behavior to achieve optimal flow conditions. Early-time temperature and pressure data are used to estimate permeability and initial flow profiles along the well; then, developed models are applied to generate a desired temperature profile that yields an evenly distributed flow rate along the wellbore. ICVs are operated on the basis of the guidance from the initial temperature data, and the temperature is monitored as it approaches the desired temperature profile. Through this procedure, we will produce a well at an optimal condition by choking down the flow rate at higher-permeability locations along the well. This can increase oil-flow rate and delay early water breakthrough. This paper explains the details of the procedure. Two examples are used to illustrate the application of the method; one is for a waterdrive reservoir, and the other is a water-injection case. The results show significant improvement in well performance in both examples.