Successful Deployment of an Electronic-Free Downhole Gauge at SNOC in a New Onshore Gas Discovery, UAE

Abstract The oil and gas industry continues to face significant challenges with the reliability and longevity of electronic-based downhole monitoring systems, particularly in high-temperature environments where traditional solutions often fail prematurely. These failures not only disrupt critical data acquisition but also necessitate costly interventions, such as workovers, to replace or repair damaged equipment. This paper presents the successful deployment of an electronic-free permanent downhole gauge (PDHG) by Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) in a newly discovered onshore gas field in the UAE. Deployed in early 2024, the PDHG eliminates downhole electronics, ensuring robust performance at temperatures up to 300°C. The system was seamlessly integrated into third party surface data acquisition systems, enabling real-time monitoring during well completion, stimulation, and testing phases. Rigorous QA/QC processes, including comparisons with quartz-based memory gauges, confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the PDHG. The deployment demonstrated significant operational efficiencies, cost savings, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. By eliminating downhole electronics, the PDHG addressed the challenges of elevated bottom-hole temperatures and corrosive environments, providing a reliable and sustainable alternative for continuous well monitoring. The system's seamless integration with surface acquisition systems facilitated faster decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and reduced overall job duration. Additionally, the PDHG's real-time data was linked to SNOC's live Distributed Control System (DCS), enabling continuous long-term pressure buildup monitoring and eliminating the need for temporary memory gauges. This not only reduced costs but also provided reliable data essential for petroleum and reservoir engineering workflows. This paper highlights the technical advantages, operational benefits, and broader implications of adopting electronic-free monitoring solutions for long-term well surveillance and reservoir management. The success of this deployment underscores the potential for electronic-free technologies to address the limitations of traditional systems, offering a reliable and sustainable alternative for continuous well monitoring in harsh environments. By demonstrating the reliability and performance of the electronic free PDHG, this project paves the way for broader industry adoption of electronic-free monitoring technologies, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure (HPHT) wells.