Implementing Fiber Optics Distributed Sensing as a Key Surveillance Tool

Abstract

Abstract Fiber Optics Distributed sensing technologies are evolving in the petroleum industry with its potential applicability in many areas of surveillance. Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) is embarking upon the implementation of this technology in various assets including both Gas and Oil fields. The vision of the company is to have the Fiber Optics distributed sensing technology as a surveillance tool in the Well and Reservoir Management (WRFM) toolbox and to become, where appropriate, a key element of its cycle. In comparison to conventional surveillance, fiber optic distributed sensing requires no well intervention and thereby reducing HSSE exposure and production deferment. In addition, the installed fibers can be used for multiple applications, e.g. hydraulic fracture performance monitoring and inflow performance monitoring. Recently, PDO trialed Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) technologies utilizing both, dip-in surveys and permanent installation of fiber optics in the wells. Fiber optic implementation in PDO included a polymer flooding trial in heavy oil, high permeability clastic reservoir with a strong bottom water aquifer drive. The objective was to monitor well conformance as the polymer injection progressed. The horizontal injectors were completed with pre-drilled liner and divided into four zones, each with an independent Inflow Control Valve (ICV). The well was completed with a multi-mode (MM) fiber pumped into control lines three injectors. Real time DTS data was acquired continuously in all three wells while DAS was acquired as per the injection program in one injector. DAS and DTS data were analyzed to quantify the changes in injection profile and rate in each ICV zone. This provided timely information needed for decisions related to manipulation of the ICV valves to ensure best utilization of the polymer. Another example of fiber optics was a dip-in survey in a deep gas well with commingled production which covered stacked reservoirs. This was run in order to prove the concept of flow response on DAS/DTS signals in terms of gas flowing and liquid lifting detection. The acoustic signature observed was mainly due to gas entering the well through perforations. This was detected by DAS and DTS and allowed a qualitative inflow profile to be generated. The dip in survey proved the concept and allowed justification for the permanent installation of fiber optics behind casing. The objective of the permanent setup is to improve the sensitivity of the measurement and allow for better quantification of inflow per zone. In this paper, the approach of implementing fiber optic technologies in PDO is discussed with emphasis on value generation in the various assets. Additionally, the examples mentioned in this abstract are discussed in more details and based on the results, the way forward is described.