A Spoolable Fibre Gauge Inflow Control Monitoring System, First Class Reservoir Surveillance at a Reduced Cost

Abstract A product solution to enhance production performance in ultra-long wells using spool deployable fibre optic gauges to monitor Inflow Control Devices is presented. This system addresses the need for a cost-effective solution to offer continuous multipoint sand face production monitoring. Design verification results are presented based on a system trial deployment in a test well and the plans for further field deployment are discussed. A fibre optic gauge array system designed for monitoring Inflow Control Devices has been developed. The system features: a spooled deployment system to reduce rig time, a low-cost tubing pressure access technique, a technique for ensuring tubing string alignment, a redundant architecture that facilitates fault tolerant operation and support for both DAS and DTS systems within the architecture. The deployment process has been verified in a full-scale System Integrity Test undertaken at a test rig facility and is planned for further deployment and evaluation. The system architecture resulting from the design process is described. The individual components utilised within the system and the specific product features that enable the effective functioning of the system detailed. The spooled deployment system is described and how it facilitated a swift deployment during the SIT is demonstrated. The technique is used to align pressure ports in the tubing string with the gauge location and its speed and effectiveness during run in hole evaluated. The performance of the gauges during pressure and temperature testing post deployment is reported. Issues experienced during the deployment and the learning points from the process. A full-scale system deployment and evaluation is planned imminently. The purpose of this deployment will be to evaluate the long-term stability of the system and demonstrate its value in providing additional reservoir surveillance and optimization of well flow configurations. The philosophy for instrumenting and executing this deployment will be presented. Production performance can be enhanced from ultra-long wells using Interval Control Valves and quartz gauges however these systems are prohibitively expensive. The system described here utilizes lower cost components and deployment techniques designed to Enhancing production performance by stabilizing drawdown in a cost-effective manner.