Multilateral Well Productivity Index Determination Under Commingled Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilateral well completions face challenges in accurately determining the productivity indices of individual laterals under commingled flow due to interplay between laterals, pressure drop behaviors, and lack of downhole flow rate metering, leading to inefficient production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a productivity index generator, zonal inflow control valves (ICVs), and a pressure downhole monitoring system (PDHMS) that conducts well testing under non-commingled flow to generate real-time pressure measurements, calculates productivity indices for individual laterals, and determines a global productivity index for the multilateral well, allowing for optimized production by adjusting ICV parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If commingled flow is used in multilateral wells, then production efficiency is improved, but measurement precision of individual lateral productivity indices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the commingled flow measurement problem into individual lateral contributions by using zonal ICVs to isolate and test each lateral separately. The productivity index generator divides the total production into individual lateral components through systematic valve operations and pressure monitoring, enabling precise measurement of each lateral's contribution while maintaining commingled flow operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through real-time pressure monitoring during well testing. The productivity index generator continuously receives pressure data from the PDHMS, processes this information to calculate individual lateral productivity indices, and uses this feedback to determine optimal ICV positioning for each lateral, creating a closed-loop control system that improves measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If zonal ICVs are used to control individual laterals, then productivity index determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zonal ICVs serve multiple functions: they control individual lateral flow during production, enable isolation of specific laterals for testing, and facilitate the determination of productivity indices. The productivity index generator also performs multiple functions including data acquisition from PDHMS, calculation of productivity indices, and optimization of ICV positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing zonal ICV infrastructure to perform the measurement function. Rather than adding separate flow meters or measurement devices to each lateral, the patent leverages the ICVs already present in the completion system to isolate and measure individual lateral contributions through pressure monitoring and controlled flow manipulation.
3Measurement precision
If well testing under non-commingled flow is conducted, then productivity index accuracy is improved, but loss of production time occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic well testing by cycling the zonal ICVs between open and closed positions in a systematic sequence. Each lateral is isolated and tested for a predetermined period, then returned to production. This periodic testing approach allows productivity index determination without requiring extended shutdowns, as testing occurs in organized intervals rather than continuous interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The productivity index generator performs preliminary calculations and predictions using available data before conducting actual well testing. This allows the system to minimize testing duration by focusing measurements only on the specific laterals that require evaluation, rather than requiring comprehensive testing of all laterals simultaneously, thus reducing overall production time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining the productivity indices for individual laterals of a completed multilateral well under commingled flow comprise a productivity index generator, zonal inflow control valves (ICVs), and a pressure downhole monitoring system (PDHMS). The completed multilateral well comprises a mother bore and a plurality of laterals extending from the mother bore in corresponding well zones of the mother bore. Each zonal ICV is configured to close for a shut-in period and open for an open period. The PDHMS is configured to generate real time pressure measurements for each well zone of the mother bore. The productivity index generator is communicatively coupled to the zonal ICVs and the PDHMS and is operable to determine a productivity index for individual laterals under commingled flow based on (i) the productivity index ratio of individual laterals under non-commingled flow and (ii) the global well productivity index under commingled flow.