Deployment of Smart Completion (Electric & Hydro-Electric) Inflow Control Valves in MRC and Horizontal Wells Towards Achieving High Oil Production Rates and Recovery While Optimizing Cost Expenditures

Abstract Three candidate wells were selected and panned to deploy a smart completion installation in Bu Hasa field which aims to enable to achieve high production rate per well while reducing lifting cost. The deployment of this technology was one of the main contributors to achieving the production growth strategy while reducing the number of wells drilled. The implementation of an advanced smart completion necessitated the selection of an appropriate well candidate, meticulous planning, and impeccable execution to maximize benefits. To facilitate the operation of this technology, a 7" lower completion was initially installed as a conduit, followed by the advanced smart completion in a single trip. The advanced smart completion equipment comprises two key components: an Electro-Hydraulic or fully Electrical Inflow Control Valve for real-time control and a real-time monitoring solution, which can be achieved through permanent downhole gauges and/or flow meters. Smart completion solutions were installed in three oil producers, including two MRC and one horizontal well, with the aim of targeting different sub-zones. Operational procedures were meticulously developed and thoroughly reviewed by all stakeholders to ensure the safe deployment of the technology in 7" pre-perforated and limited entry liner lower completion type. This paper will share the details, highlighting the lessons learned and mitigations implemented. The deployment of smart completion is a relatively new technology that has very limited successful global installations, while posing multiple technical and operational challenges. This paper will elaborate further on how those challenges were faced and risks were mitigated while highlighting the expected added value of these deployments and realized cost savings.