Unique Real-Time Production Optimization Methodology for a Multilateral Well with Hydraulic and Electrical Inflow Control Valves

Abstract

Productivity index is directly proportional to the total reservoir contact (RC) within the same reservoir, hence the applications of multilateral. The new generation of the smart multilateral well completions divides the lateral section into a number of segments through oil swell packers and integrated stations are placed against each segment. The integrated station consists of electrical ICVs, downhole liquid metering and WC and pressure measurements sensors. The unique smart completion allows real-time optimization and controlling of unwanted fluids on the segment level, utilizing the fast electrical ICVs. A comprehensive methodology has been developed to establish a production balance across the segments and the laterals utilizing the real-time downhole measurements rather than the tedious trial and error procedure. The methodology is divided into two components. In the first component: a single multilateral model is constructed using a single well modelling application. The model is calibrated to match the recent production test conducted on the well. Several simulation runs are performed on the calibrated model to test different combination of the downhole and surface choke settings until the well produces the target on condition that the laterals are producing equally. In the second component: a real-time production optimization process is conducted on the well using the outcomes of the first component. The proposed methodology was conducted on multilaterals well with hydraulic and electrical ICVs and successfully completed. A good match has been obtained between the outcomes of the calibrated modeland the actual performance of the well. The process brings the well to the target at a straightforward task and avoids the trial and error procedure that may.