Production Optimization of Maximum Reservoir Contact Well, Part III: Field Tests with Acoustic-Tolerant Multiphase Flowmeter
Authors: Alyan Essam  M. , Al-Mutairi Saad M. , Al-Subaie Fehead Mahdee , Unalmis O. Haldun , Perry Leslie W. 
Published: March 2015

The energy industry continues to explore innovative technologies and measurement methods. Well completions have become even more complex today: many wells have multizone production capabilities and are equipped with advanced control devices, such as inflow control valves (ICVs). An even flow distribution can be achieved by controlling the zonal flow rates with the end result being more efficient production and longer lifetime of the well. One of the requirements to achieve this level of production optimization is to monitor the zonal multiphase flow rates in real time. Real-time zonal flow measurement downhole also helps detect production anomalies and reduce the need for surface well tests and facilities.

This work carries a historical perspective: it is the third part of an ongoing effort that started in late 2007. In the first part, which was published in 2008, it was shown that the optical flowmeter provided invaluable information and operating successfully at most ICV settings, while for some specific ICV settings the excessive acoustic noise masked the flow signal. The findings from the first part were instrumental in improving the flowmeter design to tolerate higher acoustic levels. The new design, Gen-2 System, was tested rigorously under laboratory conditions along with the earlier Gen-1 System, and a Hybrid System, which were specifically designed for already-installed equipment. The design improvements and the results of this comparative laboratory work were the subject of the second part published in early 2010. This third part now focuses on the two separate field tests with the Hybrid System, which took place in 2010.

The field tests revealed important facts in three key areas: flow measurement, well operation and well optimization. The test results demonstrated that the Hybrid System is capable of tolerating acoustic levels, which were not possible with the Gen-1 System, and that the issues related to excessive acoustics that masked the flow signal at some specific ICV settings in earlier tests have been largely eliminated. As a result, the Hybrid and the superior Gen-2 Systems can now be used in close proximity to control valves. The tests also revealed the fact that the use of surface choke system plays an important role in the well operation as it affects the flow conditions downhole. Finally, based on the flow measurement results and all the available data, optimum ICV settings can be determined for the production mode. The work also provided insight into the collaboration and feedback process during the course of the field tests.

The current work, which represents the successful closure of an effort spanning a four-year period from 2007 to 2011, sets an excellent model that can be used to improve other technologies in the industry; that open collaboration between the operator and the equipment manufacturer can lead to advancement of technology and, as a result, provide more robust solutions.