Using Down-Hole Control Valves to Sustain Oil Production from the First Maximum Reservoir Contact, Multilateral and Smart Well in Ghawar Field: Case Study

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes a case-study detailing planning, completion, testing, and production of the first Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC), Multilateral (ML) and Smart Completion (SC) deployment in Ghawar Field. The well was drilled and completed as a proof of concept. It was completed as a trilateral and was equipped with a SC that encompasses surface remotely controlled hydraulic tubing retrievable advanced system coupled with pressure and temperature monitoring system. The SC provides isolation and down hole control of commingled production from the laterals. Using the variable positions flow control valve, the well was managed to improve and sustain oil production by eliminating water production. Monitoring the rate and the flowing pressure in real time allowed producing the well optimally. The appraisal and acceptance loop of the completion has been closed by having this well completed, put on production and tested. Approval of the concept was achieved when the anticipated benefits were realized by monitoring the actual performance of the well. Leveraged knowledge from this pilot has provided an insight into SC capabilities and implementation. Moreover, it has set the stage for other developments within Saudi Aramco. Background Haradh forms the southwest part of the Ghawar oil field located about 80 kms onshore from the Arabian Gulf, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (Figure-1). Haradh field consists of three increments where the initial production started in May, 1996 from Increment-1 followed by Increment-2 and 3 in April, 2003 and January, 2006, respectively. Increment-1 was initially developed using mainly vertical wells while Increment-2 was developed with horizontal wells. The subsequent MRC, ML wells and Smart Completion installations in Increment-2 were part of a proof of concept project to test and evaluate the impact of these technologies on reservoir, well performance and overall reservoir management strategies. As a result of the proof of concept project, Increment-3 was developed with MRC, ML wells with SCs.