Full Analytical Modeling Of Intrawell Chemical Tracer Concentration For Robust Production Allocation In Challenging Environments
Authors: Pirrone Marco , Andrianata Satria , Moriggi Sara , Galli Giuseppe , Riva Simone 
Published: September 2021

Conventional downhole dynamic characterization is based on data from standard production logging tool (PLT) strings. Such method is not a feasible option in long horizontal drains, deep water scenarios, subsea clusters, pump-assisted wells and in presence of asphaltenes/solids deposition, mainly due to high costs and risk of tools stuck. In this respect, intrawell chemical tracers (ICT) can represent a valid and unobtrusive monitoring alternative. This paper deals with a new production allocation interpretation model of tracer concentration behavior that can overcome the limitation of standard PLT analyses in challenging environments.

ICT are installed along the well completion and are characterized by a unique oil and/or water tracer signature at each selected production interval. Tracer concentration is obtained by dedicated analyses performed for each fluid sample taken at surface during transient production. Next, tracer concentration behavior over time is interpreted, for each producing interval, by means of an ad-hoc one-dimensional partial differential equation model with proper initial and boundary conditions, which describes tracer dispersion and advection profiles in such transient conditions. The full time-dependent analytical solutions are then utilized to obtain the final production allocation. The methodology has been developed and validated using data from a dozen of tracer campaigns.

The approach is here presented through a selected case study, where a parallel acquisition of standard PLT and ICT data has been carried out in an offshore well. The aim was to understand if ICT could be used in substitution of the more impacting PLT for the future development wells in the field. At target, the well completion consists of a perforated production liner with tubing. The latter, which is slotted in front of the perforations, includes oil and water tracer systems. The straightforward PLT interpretation shows a clear dynamic well behavior with an oil production profile in line with the expectations from petrophysical information. Then, after a short shut-in period, the ICT-based production allocation has been performed in transient conditions with a very good match with the available outcomes from PLT: in fact, the maximum observed difference in the relative production rates is 5%. In addition, the full analytical solution of the ICT model has been fundamental to completely characterize some complex tracer concentration behaviors over time, corresponding to non-simultaneous activation of the different producing intervals. Given the consistency of the independent PLT and ICT interpretations, the monitoring campaign for the following years has been planned based on ICT only, with consequent impact on risk and cost mitigations.

Although the added value of ICT is relatively well known, the successful description of the tracer signals through the full mathematical model is a novel topic and it can open the way for even more advanced applications.