Intelligent Completions Technology Offers Solutions to Optimize Production and Improve Recovery in Quad-Lateral Wells in a Mature Field

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes an innovative completion solution with state-of-the-art reservoir monitoring and control completion technologies that allows commingled oil production from quad laterals wells in Abqaiq field. Many intelligent completions wells have been successfully installed in Abqaiq, operated by Saudi Aramco. Included in the description are equipment selection, design and development details, installation procedures, and "lessons learned" after installation of the fully hydraulic tubing-retrievable advanced completion system with digital permanent down hole monitoring system. Intelligent completions will allow individual lateral testing and allocation of production rates to optimize each lateral contribution and the overall commingled well rate. Along with real time monitoring, sustainability of well rate will be extended by timely reacting to any changes to reservoir and well conditions. Using variable-position flow control valves, early water breakthrough can be delayed, to increase recovery. Monitoring the flowing pressure in real time allows producing the well at optimum rate; i.e., above bubble point pressure. Ultimately, intelligent completions will limit the water handling at the surface and concurrently increase the recovery factor in heterogeneous fractured and fissured carbonate reservoirs for MRC (Maximum Reservoir Contact) wells. Introduction Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq field is located about 19 miles (30 kilometers) southwest of Dhahran. The field is a northeast-southwest trending, elongated anticline with a south dome. The field contains six oil-bearing carbonate reservoirs and has three gas-bearing carbonate reservoirs (Figure-1). Abqaiq field has a modest natural water drive that has been augmented with a peripheral water injection program.