Statistical Analysis of the Added Value by Intelligent Well Application under Reservoir Uncertainty

Abstract

Downhole control valves and sensors enable intelligent wells to monitor and control production in real time resulting in added value of the project and flexibility in petroleum production. However, noteworthy challenges remain in the development of optimized control strategies for intelligent wells, especially regarding the incorporation of the reservoir uncertainty. The aim of this work is to examine the influence of optimized intelligent strategies on the probability distribution functions of cumulative oil, water, and gas production and well net present value under reservoir uncertainty. The conceptual reservoir model used in this study contains a heterogeneous high permeable longitudinal channel with uncertainty in absolute permeability and porosity distribution, and there is also uncertainty in the available fault transmissibility. Having implemented intelligent well control strategies, an evident improvement in well net present value has been acquired especially for a reactive control. The optimized reactive strategy of control valves is able to react properly under reservoir uncertainty. Moreover, the reactive strategy does not need to be optimized and customized to each possible reservoir realization; as long as it provides a thorough and practical control strategy for the base case model, it is robust over a range of reservoir uncertainty.