Abstract Application of intelligent well technology varies across different locations. In remote areas, the technology has the benefit of providing access to exploiting hydrocarbon assets in hard to reach location. In order to fully utilize the benefit of intelligent well completion for remote control, there must be adequate power and communication infrastructure. These infrastructures are often major constraints in such locations.
This paper describes a case study for the design and implementation of a surface control system and supervisory application of a 3-zone intelligent well completion. The well of interest is located in a remote area of the Niger Delta in Nigeria with limited infrastructure. The design utilizes a wireless system in controlling and optimizing the hydraulically operated downhole interval control valves (ICV) installed in the well.
The surface control system for the 3-zone intelligent well system is an automated, low power surface hydraulic system designed for single well with integrated permanent downhole gauge data acquisition capability. The system is remotely monitored and operated by means of a field management supervisory application located in a controlled environment away from the well location. The system was customized to accommodate power and communication infrastructure constraints available in the field. The system is integrated with a wireless communication system that provides direct control of the installed downhole components. The supervisory application was designed to handle future wells that might be drilled in the field. It serves as a single point of control for all intelligent wells proposed for the field.
The surface hydraulic system and associated components is located on the well platform. The system is protected by a customized external enclosure. The system is powered by a specialized thermoelectric generation unit located in a protective enclosure. The power generation system consists of a battery package that provides current peak / inrush at motor start up and designed to provide 7 days back-up power for the entire system.
The entire system was tested during the system integration test (SIT) to establish system specification before the actual field deployment.
This paper describes the challenges with the design and implementation of low power hydraulic system and methodology for the integration of hydraulically controlled system with wireless technology. The information presented by the authors can be used to design similar systems to develop assets in hard to reach locations.
Field and Well Background The field is located in a remote area of the Niger Delta in Nigeria with limited infrastructure. The field is made up of stacked reservoirs with long history of production. The reservoirs generally have overlaying gas caps with bottom water aquifer support.
The field is developed with a mixture of vertical, deviated and horizontal wells usually targeting single production zones. As a result of long history of production, most of the wells in the field have excessive water production issues. Some of the horizontal wells also face the typical challenges of heel-toe effect.
Several initiatives have been implemented in the field to arrest declining production and increase productivity. This includes water shut off techniques, drilling of long reach horizontal wells, etc. As part of this effort, recent development wells are planned to target multiple production zones using intelligent well completion (IWC) technology. The plan is to harness the capability of IWC wells to control multiple zones and optimize well deliverability. With this technology, production zones with high water cut or Gas Oil Ratio, can be controlled as required without physical intervention.