Abstract
Smart/Intelligent well completions are broadly used to maximize multilateral well productivity, restrict unwanted water and gas production, and improve sweep efficiency. To achieve the optimum economic values of smart completions, the surface and subsurface chock valves settings need to be frequently optimized using the best-in-class techniques. Applying the right optimization technique will ensure a successful and efficient optimization.
The paper discusses an innovative production optimization approach using real-time modeling based on nodal analysis for multilateral wells. These multilateral wells are equipped with surface and subsurface downhole valves with various choke settings and downhole permanent pressure gauges. The technique utilizes the data collected during a conventional optimization and a commercial steady-state model. It estimates the flowing parameters of individual laterals, determines the optimum pressure drop across each downhole valve, and estimates productivity of each lateral during the commingled production at various choke valves settings.
The approach was successfully field-tested and validated. The generated models were used to predict well performance at various conditions. The approach starts by collecting well rates and flowing bottom-hole pressure data at various chokes settings including commingled and individual lateral testing. The acquired data are used to calibrate the model, generate different production scenarios and optimize the performance of each lateral.
Adoption of the technique among others facilitate better management of the multilateral wells production to fulfil both short and long term objectives, namely, optimizing production of these wells and improving recovery. In addition to the reduction of OPEX associated with the conventional procedures to test and optimize these wells.
