First Global Deployment of Level-5 System with Dual ESP in Offshore

Abstract This paper presents the success story of the first worldwide implementation of a Level-5 multilateral completion system, fiber optics permanent downhole monitoring system (PDHMS), and dual electrical submersible pump (ESP) upper completion in an offshore environment. The project took place on an offshore dual-purpose evaluation and producer well consisting of a pilot hole and a horizontal lateral across the reservoir section. The pilot hole was drilled with a maximum inclination of forty-five degrees, where required logs were collected. Then, a seven-inch liner was set and cemented to enable future reservoir surveillance. Successful deployment of complex completions requires meticulous planning among a multidisciplinary team. Preparation for logistics and standardization of the operating procedures among all involved parties was an essential key to the success of the project. The state-of-the-art completions enabled full access to the pilot hole for future intervention to monitor the reservoirs behind the seven-inch liner in the pilot hole. Additionally, the Level-5 system provides a hydraulic isolation of the lateral junction to avoid potential water cut during the production phase. Furthermore, the purpose of completing the well with dual ESP is to extend the life of ESP by alternating the ESP operation periodically, which will, consequently, minimize workover intervention to replace ESP. In addition, the most beneficial advantage of using dual ESP completion is that it prevents shutting down the oil production while waiting on a workover rig to replace ESP. The novelty of the completion described in this paper is the combination of running a Level-5 completion system, fiber optics PDHMS, and dual ESP with upper and lower Y-tools. Such utilization of intricate tools in one well was unprecedented globally.