Overcoming Production Logging Challenges in Evaluating Extended Reach Horizontal Wells with Advanced Completions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akram Younis ◽  
Mohammed Alshehhi ◽  
Haitham Al Braik ◽  
Hiroshi Uematsu ◽  
Mohamed El-Sayed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Sensor Deployment ◽  
Flow Profile ◽  
Optical Probes ◽  
Reservoir Performance ◽  
Previous Generation ◽  
In Situ Conditions ◽  
New Instrument

Abstract Objective/ Scope Production logging analysis is essential to understand and evaluate reservoir performance throughout the lifetime of an oil well. Data acquisition and analysis is known to be challenging in modern extended reach horizontal wells due to multiple factors such as conveyance difficulties, fluid segregation, debris, or open hole washouts. Advanced compact multiple array production logging tool (APLT) is proposed to minimize the uncertainties related to these challenges. Method, Procedure, and Process The proposed sensor deployment method provides a comprehensive borehole coverage, thus maximizing the amount of subsurface information collected to evaluate the production performance of a horizontal well. Essential measurements are combined on six individual arms. Each arm is independently deployed which guarantees the best borehole coverage in a variety of borehole condition. Robust mechanical arm design minimizes damage, allows tolerance to decentralization, and provides greater confidence in determining the sensor locations. Each arm utilizes two fluid holdup sensors (Resistance, Optical) and one velocity sensor (Micro-Spinner). Co-location of the sensors minimizes the uncertainty related to sensor spacing when compared with previous generation of APLT. Results, Observations, Conclusions The new sensor deployment method and analysis results are discussed showing the added value in barefoot completion as well as advanced ICD completion. The holdup sensors response from previous generation APLT is compared to the advanced tool and how it relates to better borehole coverage. The results also illustrate use of high frequency optical probes for phase holdup determination. In addition, the optical probes are used to confirm bubble point pressure at in situ conditions by confidently detecting the first gas indication in the tubular. The results clearly show how a compact APLT maximizes the borehole coverage in highly deviated and horizontal wells. This is critical in collecting representative data of all segregated fluids which enables more accurate interpretation of the flow profile in the well and better understanding of reservoir performance. Novel / Additive Information The novelty of the new instrument is the ability to maximize the amount of subsurface production logging information collected with low uncertainty and minimum operational risk.

Geomechanical Controls on Frac-Hits

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dharmendra Kumar ◽  
Ahmad Ghassemi
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Fracture Propagation ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Modeling And Analysis ◽  
Matrix Deformation ◽  
In Situ Conditions ◽  
Fracture Fluid ◽  
Poroelastic Model ◽  
Element Method

Abstract The communication among the horizontal wells or "frac-hits" issue have been reported in several field observations. These observations show that the "infill" well fractures could have a tendency to propagate towards the "parent" well depending on reservoir in-situ conditions and operational parameters. Drilling the horizontal wells in a "staggered" layout with both horizontal and vertical offset could be a mitigation strategy to prevent the "frac-hits" issue. In this study, we present a detailed geomechanical modeling and analysis of the proposed solution. For numerical modeling, we used our state-of-the-art fully coupled poroelastic model "GeoFrac-3D" which is based on the boundary element method for the rock matrix deformation/fracture propagation and the finite element method for the fracture fluid flow. The "GeoFrac-3D" simulator fully couples pore pressure to stresses and allows for dynamic modeling of production/injection and fracture propagation. The simulation results demonstrate that production from a "parent’ well causes a non-uniform reduction of the reservoir pore pressure around the production fractures, resulting in an anisotropic decrease of the reservoir total stresses, which could affect fracture propagation from the "infill" wells. We examine the optimal orientation and position of the "infill" well based on the numerical analysis to reduce the "frac-hits" issue in the horizontal well refracturing. The posibility of "frac-hits" can be reduced by optimizing the direction and locations of the "infill" wells, as well as re-pressurizing the "parent" well. The results suggest that arranging the horizontal wells in a "staggered" or "wine rack" arrangement decreases direct well interference and could increase the drainage volume.

Expanding the Envelope of Fiber-Optic Sensing for Reservoir Description and Dynamics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulaziz Al-Qasim ◽  
Sharidah Alabduh ◽  
Muhannad Alabdullateef ◽  
Mutaz Alsubhi
Keyword(s):  
Performance Optimization ◽  
Fiber Optic ◽  
Thermal Recovery ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Flow Profile ◽  
Distributed Temperature Sensing ◽  
Integrity Monitoring ◽  
Well Integrity ◽  
Fiber Optic Sensing ◽  
Reservoir Description

Abstract Fiber-optic sensing (FOS) technology is gradually becoming a pervasive tool in the monitoring and surveillance toolkit for reservoir engineers. Traditionally, sensing with fiber optic technology in the form of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) or distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and most recently distributed strain sensing (DSS), distributed flow sensing (DFS) and distributed pressure sensing (DPS) were done with the fiber being permanently clamped either behind the casing or production tubing. Distributed chemical sensing (DCS) is still in the development phase. The emergence of the composite carbon-rod (CCR) system that can be easily deployed in and out of a well, similar to wireline logging, has opened up a vista of possibilities to obtain many FOS measurements in any well without prior fiber-optic installation. Currently, combinations of distributed FOS data are being used for injection management, well integrity monitoring, well stimulation and production performance optimization, thermal recovery management, etc. Is it possible to integrate many of the distributed FOS measurements in the CCR or a hybrid combination with wireline to obtain multiple measurements with one FOS cable? Each one of FOS has its own use to get certain data, or combination of FOS can be used to make a further interpretation. This paper reviews the state of the art of the FOS technology and the gamut of current different applications of FOS data in the oil and gas (upstream) industry. We present some results of traditional FOS measurements for well integrity monitoring, assessing production and injection flow profile, cross flow behind casing, etc. We propose some nontraditional applications of the technology and suggest a few ways through. Which the technology can be deployed for obtaining some key reservoir description and dynamics data for reservoir performance optimization.

Unlocking By-Passed Oil with Autonomous Inflow Control Devices Through an Integrated Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pawan Agrawal ◽  
Sharifa Yousif ◽  
Ahmed Shokry ◽  
Talha Saqib ◽  
Osama Keshtta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Production ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Fluid Distribution ◽  
Flow Profile ◽  
Horizontal Drain ◽  
Control Devices

Abstract In a giant offshore UAE carbonate oil field, challenges related to advanced maturity, presence of a huge gas-cap and reservoir heterogeneities have impacted production performance. More than 30% of oil producers are closed due to gas front advance and this percentage is increasing with time. The viability of future developments is highly impacted by lower completion design and ways to limit gas breakthrough. Autonomous inflow-control devices (AICD's) are seen as a viable lower completion method to mitigate gas production while allowing oil production, but their effect on pressure drawdown must be carefully accounted for, in a context of particularly high export pressure. A first AICD completion was tested in 2020, after a careful selection amongst high-GOR wells and a diagnosis of underlying gas production mechanisms. The selected pilot is an open-hole horizontal drain closed due to high GOR. Its production profile was investigated through a baseline production log. Several AICD designs were simulated using a nodal analysis model to account for the export pressure. Reservoir simulation was used to evaluate the long-term performance of short-listed scenarios. The integrated process involved all disciplines, from geology, reservoir engineering, petrophysics, to petroleum and completion engineering. In the finally selected design, only the high-permeability heel part of the horizontal drain was covered by AICDs, whereas the rest was completed with pre-perforated liner intervals, separated with swell packers. It was considered that a balance between gas isolation and pressure draw-down reduction had to be found to ensure production viability for such pilot evaluation. Subsequent to the re-completion, the well could be produced at low GOR, and a second production log confirmed the effectiveness of AICDs in isolating free gas production, while enhancing healthy oil production from the deeper part of the drain. Continuous production monitoring, and other flow profile surveys, will complete the evaluation of AICD effectiveness and its adaptability to evolving pressure and fluid distribution within the reservoir. Several lessons will be learnt from this first AICD pilot, particularly related to the criticality of fully integrated subsurface understanding, evaluation, and completion design studies. The use of AICD technology appears promising for retrofit solutions in high-GOR inactive strings, prolonging well life and increasing reserves. Regarding newly drilled wells, dedicated efforts are underway to associate this technology with enhanced reservoir evaluation methods, allowing to directly design the lower completion based on diagnosed reservoir heterogeneities. Reduced export pressure and artificial lift will feature in future field development phases, and offer the flexibility to extend the use of AICD's. The current technology evaluation phases are however crucial in the definition of such technology deployments and the confirmation of their long-term viability.

Advanced Multi-Disciplinary Simulation Workflow for Well Placement, Hydraulic Fracturing and Production Optimization Applied to the Diyab Unconventional Play in Onshore UAE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamid Pourpak ◽  
Samuel Taubert ◽  
Marios Theodorakopoulos ◽  
Arnaud Lefebvre-Prudencio ◽  
Chay Pointer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Fracturing ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Reservoir Characterization ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Production Optimization ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Well Placement ◽  
Fully Integrated ◽  
Sector Model ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Diyab play is an emerging unconventional play in the Middle East. Up to date, reservoir characterization assessments have proved adequate productivity of the play in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this paper, an advanced simulation and modeling workflow is presented, which was applied on selected wells located on an appraisal area, by integrating geological, geomechanical, and hydraulic fracturing data. Results will be used to optimize future well landing points, well spacing and completion designs, allowing to enhance the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) and its consequent production. A 3D static model was built, by propagating across the appraisal area, all subsurface static properties from core-calibrated petrophysical and geomechanical logs which originate from vertical pilot wells. In addition, a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) derived from numerous image logs was imported in the model. Afterwards, completion data from one multi-stage hydraulically fracked horizontal well was integrated into the sector model. Simulations of hydraulic fracturing were performed and the sector model was calibrated to the real hydraulic fracturing data. Different scenarios for the fracture height were tested considering uncertainties related to the fracture barriers. This has allowed for a better understanding of the fracture propagation and SRV creation in the reservoir at the main target. In the last step, production resulting from the SRV was simulated and calibrated to the field data. In the end, the calibrated parameters were applied to the newly drilled nearby horizontal wells in the same area, while they were hydraulically fractured with different completion designs and the simulated SRVs of the new wells were then compared with the one calculated on the previous well. Applying a fully-integrated geology, geomechanics, completion and production workflow has helped us to understand the impact of geology, natural fractures, rock mechanical properties and stress regimes in the SRV geometry for the unconventional Diyab play. This work also highlights the importance of data acquisition, reservoir characterization and of SRV simulation calibration processes. This fully integrated workflow will allow for an optimized completion strategy, well landing and spacing for the future horizontal wells. A fully multi-disciplinary simulation workflow was applied to the Diyab unconventional play in onshore UAE. This workflow illustrated the most important parameters impacting the SRV creation and production in the Diyab formation for he studied area. Multiple simulation scenarios and calibration runs showed how sensitive the SRV can be to different parameters and how well placement and fracture jobs can be possibly improved to enhance the SRV creation and ultimately the production performance.

Gravity Drainage System: Investigation and Field Development Using Geological Modelling and Reservoir Simulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obinna Somadina Ezeaneche ◽  
Robinson Osita Madu ◽  
Ishioma Bridget Oshilike ◽  
Orrelo Jerry Athoja ◽  
Mike Obi Onyekonwu
Keyword(s):  
Reservoir Simulation ◽  
Structural Control ◽  
History Matching ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Gravity Drainage ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Proper Understanding ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Reservoir Performance

Abstract Proper understanding of reservoir producing mechanism forms a backbone for optimal fluid recovery in any reservoir. Such an understanding is usually fostered by a detailed petrophysical evaluation, structural interpretation, geological description and modelling as well as production performance assessment prior to history matching and reservoir simulation. In this study, gravity drainage mechanism was identified as the primary force for production in reservoir X located in Niger Delta province and this required proper model calibration using variation of vertical anisotropic ratio based on identified facies as against a single value method which does not capture heterogeneity properly. Using structural maps generated from interpretation of seismic data, and other petrophysical parameters from available well logs and core data such as porosity, permeability and facies description based on environment of deposition, a geological model capturing the structural dips, facies distribution and well locations was built. Dynamic modeling was conducted on the base case model and also on the low and high case conceptual models to capture different structural dips of the reservoir. The result from history matching of the base case model reveals that variation of vertical anisotropic ratio (i.e. kv/kh) based on identified facies across the system is more effective in capturing heterogeneity than using a deterministic value that is more popular. In addition, gas segregated fastest in the high case model with the steepest dip compared to the base and low case models. An improved dynamic model saturation match was achieved in line with the geological description and the observed reservoir performance. Quick wins scenarios were identified and this led to an additional reserve yield of over 1MMSTB. Therefore, structural control, facies type, reservoir thickness and nature of oil volatility are key forces driving the gravity drainage mechanism.

scholarly journals A practical method for planning large number of horizontal wells with a reservoir model for a field development plan

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 17-32
Author(s):  
Guido Fava ◽  
Việt Anh Đinh
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Well ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Regular Pattern ◽  
Production Forecast ◽  
Advanced Technique ◽  
Large Reservoir ◽  
Field Development

The most advanced technique to evaluate different solutions proposed for a field development plan consists of building a numerical model to simulate the production performance of each alternative. Fields covering hundreds of square kilometres frequently require a large number of wells. There are studies and software concerning optimal planning of vertical wells for the development of a field. However, only few studies cover planning of a large number of horizontal wells seeking full population on a regular pattern. One of the criteria for horizontal well planning is selecting the well positions that have the best reservoir properties and certain standoffs from oil/water contact. The wells are then ranked according to their performances. Other criteria include the geometry and spacing of the wells. Placing hundreds of well individually according to these criteria is highly time consuming and can become impossible under time restraints. A method for planning a large number of horizontal wells in a regular pattern in a simulation model significantly reduces the time required for a reservoir production forecast using simulation software. The proposed method is implemented by a computer script and takes into account not only the aforementioned criteria, but also new well requirements concerning existing wells, development area boundaries, and reservoir geological structure features. Some of the conclusions drawn from a study on this method are (1) the new method saves a significant amount of working hours and avoids human errors, especially when many development scenarios need to be considered; (2) a large reservoir with hundreds of wells may have infinite possible solutions, and this approach has the aim of giving the most significant one; and (3) a horizontal well planning module would be a useful tool for commercial simulation software to ease engineers' tasks.

The Design, Implementation and Use of Inflow Control Devices for Improving the Production Performance of Horizontal Wells

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Polina Minulina ◽  
Shahin Al-Sharif ◽  
George Andrews Zeito ◽  
Michel Jacques Bouchard
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Devices

Three-Phase Flow Profile Determination of A Horizontal Well in Offshore by Tracer Technology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Katashov ◽  
Igor Novikov ◽  
Evgeny Malyavko ◽  
Nadir Husein
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
World Market ◽  
Dynamic Mode ◽  
Flow Profile ◽  
Offshore Platforms ◽  
Field Development ◽  
Coiled Tubing ◽  
Three Phase

Abstract Over the past few years, the oil and gas industry has faced a situation of high fluctuations in hydrocarbon prices on the world market. In addition, the trend for the depletion of traditional hydrocarbon reservoirs and the search for new effective solutions for the management and control of field development using horizontal and multilateral wells is still relevant. The most common method for horizontal wells testing is production logging tools (PLT) on coiled tubing (CT) or downhole tractor, which is associated with HSE risks and high cost, especially on offshore platforms, which limits the widespread use of this technology. The solution without such risks is the method of marker well monitoring, which allows obtaining information about the profile and composition of the inflow in a dynamic mode in horizontal wells without well intervention. There are several types of tracer (marker) carriers and today we will consider an approach to placing marker monitoring systems as part of a completion for three-phase oil, water and gas monitoring.

Production Performance Analysis for Multi-Branched Horizontal Wells in Composite Coal Bed Methane Reservoir Considering Stress Sensitivity

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruizhong Jiang ◽  
Xiuwei Liu ◽  
Yongzheng Cui ◽  
Xing Wang ◽  
Yue Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Superposition Principle ◽  
Horizontal Wells ◽  
Stress Sensitivity ◽  
Field Application ◽  
Model Verification ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Coal Bed ◽  
Coal Bed Methane ◽  
Element Discretization ◽  
Type Curves

Abstract Coal bed methane (CBM) significantly contributes to unconventional energy resources. With the development of the drilling technology, multi-branched horizontal wells (MBHWs) have been put into the exploitation of CBM. In this paper, a semi-analytical mathematical model is introduced to study the production characteristics of MBHWs in the composite CBM reservoir. Stress sensitivity, composite reservoir, and complex seepage mechanisms (desorption, diffusion, and Darcy flow) are taken into consideration. Through Pedrosa transformation, Perturbation transformation, Laplace transformation, Finite cosine transformation, element discretization, superposition principle, and Stehfest numerical inversion, pseudo-pressure dynamic curves and production decline curves are plotted and 13 flow regimes are divided. Then, the sensitivity analysis of related parameters is conducted to study the influences of these parameters based on these two type curves. Model verification and field application are introduced which shows that the model is reliable. The model proposed in this paper and relevant results analysis can provide some significant guidance for a better understanding of the production behavior of MBHWs in the composite CBM reservoir.

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