Abstract
Manual wellhead data collection is manpower intensive and requires significant time to collect and distribute in addition to the associated problems such as incomplete and missing data. Remote realtime well surveillance eliminated these problems by providing the data real-time and on demand. The data automation increased accuracy and efficiency in the workflow process, ensuring the best asset management to maximize the value of oil reserves. The real-time system was installed in the southern part of the Ghawar area field in which the reservoir is heterogeneous with poor rock quality and numerous faults and fractures. The fractures and faults represent possible challenges as conduits for early water breakthrough. Therefore, real-time well surveillance is essential to identify problems early on and would enable to set proactive solutions for any anticipated problems. Real-time wellhead and downhole pressure and rate data could be integrated into simulation and well performance analysis to gauge what is happening within the reservoir and help adjust and optimize production and injection strategies.
With real-time data acquisition and automation the workflow process has dramatically improved. This paper will discuss the improvement in transmitting well pressure and injection rate data and the resultant benefits. It will also highlight the real-time system description, the data flow process and Saudi Aramco's determination to be in the leading edge of this technology. This success story of using an automated real-time data system will illustrate Saudi Aramco's intention to overcome challenges by applying the best available technology.
