Robust Multi-Objective Field Development Optimization for the Mariner Asset

In this paper we present our results, challenges and learnings, over a two-year period wherein robust multi-objective optimization was applied at the Mariner asset which is being currently developed. Many different problems were solved with different objectives. These problems were formulated based on the phases of planning and development at the asset. The optimization problems include drilling order and well trajectory optimization as the main objectives with reduction in water cut and reduction of gas production to minimize flaring as secondary objectives. We use the efficient stochastic gradient technique, StoSAG, to achieve optimization incorporating geological and petrophysical uncertainty. For some problems computational limitations introduced challenges while for other problems operational constraints introduced challenges for the optimization. Depending on the problems significant increases between 5% and 20% in the expected value of the objective function were achieved. For the multi-objective optimization cases we show that non-trivial optimal strategies are obtained which significantly reduce (40% decrease) gas production with minimal loss (less than 1%) in the economic objective. Our results illustrate the importance of flexible optimizations workflows to achieve results of significant practical value at different stages of the planning and development cycle at an operational asset.