Intelligent Well Completions (IWC) is an emerging technology, which allows operators to optimise reservoir management and field facilities performance. The implementation of this technology has generally been restricted to new field development due to the perceived complexity of integrating high-end IWC (combined monitoring and flow control) into current Subsea Production System (SPS) designs. However, intelligent completions can be applied to mature fields where reservoir performance and value added by IWC are well understood. The BP Machar well application is a typical example.

One of the challenges facing the project team was the integration of the IWC control system within the constraints of the existing SPS. Minimum modification to the existing hardware and control system equipment was a requirement.

A system approach, similar to the forthcoming ISO standard for integration of IWC into Subsea Production Systems, was used to ensure robustness of the design and testing concepts.

Keywords:
infrastructure, controller, controls and umbilicals, integration, subsea system, control system, well controller, information management, iwc central pc, interface
Subjects:
Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems, Information Management and Systems, Subsea production equipment, Controls and umbilicals
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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