Smart Well Completion Optimization via Real-Time Nodal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engineers face challenges in timely and efficient adjustment of production from specific zones in multilateral wells due to cumbersome processes based on trial and error, often failing to optimize well performance effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for optimizing smart well completions using real-time nodal analysis, which collects data on well rates and bottom-hole pressure to recommend changes to downhole ICV settings, optimizing production by determining optimal choke settings for surface and subsurface ICVs in multilateral wells, and implementing these changes through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If trial and error methods are used to adjust downhole valve settings, then engineers can eventually find optimal settings, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual trial-and-error mechanical adjustment process with an automated computer-implemented nodal analysis system. The system uses real-time pressure and flow rate data from downhole sensors to automatically calculate optimal ICV settings, eliminating the need for engineers to manually adjust valves through repeated testing. This substitution of automated computational methods for manual mechanical adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both high optimization accuracy and rapid response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimization system performs self-calibration and self-optimization using real-time data from downhole sensors. The nodal analysis automatically adjusts ICV settings based on measured pressure and flow rate conditions without requiring external engineer intervention for each adjustment cycle. This self-service capability enables continuous optimization while minimizing the time loss associated with manual trial and error methods.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control capabilities are implemented in smart well completions, then well performance can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional optimization system that combines real-time data acquisition, nodal analysis computation, and valve control functions into a single integrated platform. The same system infrastructure supports multiple laterals and multiple ICVs, providing universal functionality that reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function. This multi-functionality enables productivity optimization while managing device complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a surface-based computer-implemented nodal analysis system as an intermediary between downhole sensors and downhole ICVs. This surface intermediary processes real-time pressure and flow rate data, calculates optimal settings, and transmits control commands to downhole valves. By placing the complex computational functions at the surface rather than downhole, the system achieves real-time optimization capability while minimizing downhole device complexity.
3Productivity
If automated nodal analysis with real-time modeling is implemented, then optimization accuracy and productivity improve, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex downhole mechanical adjustment systems with a surface-based computer-implemented nodal analysis platform. The automated system uses real-time data from simple downhole pressure sensors and flow rate measurements to perform complex calculations and generate optimization commands. This substitution moves computational complexity to the surface where it can be handled by standard computing equipment, thereby improving optimization efficiency while minimizing the increase in downhole device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include a method providing automated production optimization for smart well completions using real-time nodal analysis including real-time modeling. Real-time well rates and flowing bottom-hole pressure data are collected by a multilateral well optimizing system at various choke settings for multiple flow conditions for each lateral of a multilateral well during regular field optimization procedures. Surface and downhole pressures and production metrics for each of the laterals are recorded for one lateral at a time. A multilateral well production model is calibrated using the surface and downhole pressures and the production metrics for each of the laterals. Flowing parameters of individual laterals are estimated using the multilateral well production model. An optimum pressure drop across each downhole valve is determined using the multilateral well production model. A productivity of each lateral is estimated using the model during the commingled production at various choke valves settings.