BP's Northstar field, on the North Slope of Alaska, represents the first multi-well, new field development to incorporate downhole fiber optic pressure and temperature monitoring. Between 2001 and 2003, permanent fiber optic pressure and temperature gauges will be installed in 16 wells. This paper discusses the installation of the first 6 fiber optic systems at Northstar in the winter of 2001. All aspects of the installations will be described, including planning, logistics, run-in-hole during completion, and system commissioning. Elements common to and different from conventional gauge installations will be examined. In particular, special requirements for a fiber optic system installation in an arctic environment will be identified.

Keywords:
downhole sensor, completion monitoring systems/intelligent wells, control line, northstar, permanent fiber optic monitoring, permanent fiberoptic monitoring, transducer, pressure sensor, spe 76748, monitoring
Subjects:
Perforating, Downhole sensors & control equipment, Completion Installation and Operations, Completion Monitoring Systems/Intelligent Wells, Completion Operations, Well Monitoring Systems/Intelligent Wells
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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