A Novel AI-Based iGOR Technology for Real-Time GOR Control: A Case Study Pilot Plan for an Enhanced Oil Rim Reservoir Management
Authors: Khanifar Ahmad , Panuganti Sai Ravindra , B Ibrahim M Imran Iskandar , Sabri Mohamad Nazli , B Rozali M Irsyaduddin , Yusof Aqil M , Motaei Eghbal , Myo Thant Maung Maung 
Published: February 2025

Controlling the gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) is important in safeguarding ensured recoverable reserves and optimizing production in oil rim reservoirs or fields subjected to water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection schemes. Precise control of GOR is imperative to prevent excessive gas production, which could lead to further encroachment of gas coning into the oil rim. Effective GOR control plays a critical role in reservoir pressure maintenance by mitigating excessive gas production and preserving the integrity of the gas cap.

Mismanagement or lack of oil rim dynamics can result in production losses, elevated GOR, increased water-cut, and potential write-off of oil rim and reserves. Moreover, given dynamic nature of well GOR performance, it is essential for real-time optimization strategies to adapt seamlessly to evolving well and process conditions, avoiding reliance on fixed set points or manual interventions. Consequently, there exists a compelling need for the implementation of real-time GOR control technology. Real-time GOR control ensures optimal well operation, facilitating timely adjustments in response to fluctuating process conditions and assisting in managing facility constraints, particularly when gas handling capacity is limited.

This paper presents the results of an Artificial Intelligence-Based High GOR Well Control (iGOR) technology, which was piloted in an oil rim reservoir. The reservoir currently contends with production constraints arising from numerous high GOR wells, where manual GOR adjustment results in production losses. While these wells currently operate with manual controls, the iGOR technology has been designed to regulate gas production and maximize liquid production. The iGOR control aims to stabilize and optimize production from wells experiencing gas breakthrough and high GOR using differential pressure measurements and an automated surface choke for continuous well operations. For technology deployment, first, the best candidate wells are ranked and aligned with monitoring and surveillance teams for further analysis and then few multi rate well tests (MRT) were conducted to develop a deployment pilot plan. An AI-based advisory system guides optimal well operation, process setpoints, and triggers workflows when setpoints require updating. A pilot trial was decided to be implemented in only one of the prioritized candidate wells after completion of the details design engineering stage and de-risking process. The main monitoring results of the piloted candidate well reveal an approximate 10% increase in oil production following real-time GOR well optimization.

The iGOR technology offers a real-time control logic and process automation system tailored for wells with high GOR. This work aligns with the digital transformation in the upstream oil and gas industry, reshaping the operational landscape by minimizing operator intervention, reducing operating expenditures, preventing unplanned production deferments, and maximizing field production. The control design underwent rigorous testing, demonstrating its robustness across various production scenarios.