Abstract
A simulation case study is described which illustrates the application of an intelligent horizontal well to an isolated reservoir with a thin oil rim in the Niger Delta.
Simulation of the intelligent well ability to simultaneously monitor and respond to reservoir conditions in two or more zones has proved to be a challenge for the performance forecasting of such wells. Recently, in the Niger Delta, Intelligent wells have began to be routinely used both for their economic benefit and their advantages in accessing remote and difficult locations for work-over during hydrocarbon exploitation. Furthermore, intelligent horizontal wells are finding utilization because remote thin oil rims are abundant in the Niger Delta.
The paper begins by a brief discussion of the intelligent well simulation methodology: Several fitting chokes (ICVs) are modelled along the length of the well in a commercially available simulator. This means that production from different segments could be controlled individually by the ICV's. The effect of the smart completion is recognised and analysed: constraints of water and gas production rates per segments are applied to shut in well segments automatically as water and gas constraints are reached. Furthermore, typical economic analysis for intelligent well justification is done. The results show that intelligent horizontal well completion is justified for this field.
