Improved Reservoir Management with Multi Positioning Interval Control Valves in Multilateral Wells

Abstract

Multilateral technology continues to gain interest within the oil and gas industry. While multilateral wells are recognized as an advanced well construction and completion technique to optimize production performance and improve field recovery, further opportunities exist to increase production performance throughout the life of these wells through the use of variable inflow control for the main bore and/or the laterals. The inflow control on these wells is achieved by interval control valves (ICV). An ICV is generally classified as either on-off (i.e., full-open or closed) or multi-position (i.e. discrete choking type). This paper discusses a reservoir simulation case study with varying degrees of inflow control to demonstrate value added by ICVs to multilateral completions to improve oil recovery of a field. A 3D black-oil reservoir model was utilized to simulate production and cumulative recovery evaluation with horizontal and multilateral intelligent completion oil producers supported by vertical non-intelligent water injectors. The modeling was carried out with varying degrees of control in the ICVs employed in the oil producers. Multiple scenarios were modeled as follows: 2-position ICV (open-closed)4-position ICV (choking)9-position ICV (choking) This modeling will quantify the value provided by a customized multi-position ICV in a multilateral intelligent completion with regards to improved reservoir performance. Since the customized ICV solution requires a more detailed well completion design and evaluation, it is necessary to be able to quantify the value that this option can deliver when employed in multilaterals. This paper shall demonstrate the added value that can be achieved in multilateral wells by utilizing multi-position choking ICVs versus binary open-close ICVs to manage reservoir uncertainty and improve reservoir performance. This paper will also highlight the importance of flow discharge characteristics with respect to each choking position and the benefits of flow trim customization during well life.