Encouraging Experience in the Use of Permanent Downhole Gauges for Well and Reservoir Management

Abstract

fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractThis paper illustrates how pressure data acquired from permanent downhole gauges in a shallow water offshore field are analyzed to provide insight into well performance and reservoir monitoring required for key business decisions. A continuous productivity index is generated to analyze the progressive well performance. Near wellbore damage or water influx into the wellbore in the case of unfavourable mobility ratio is easily flagged off. Combination of productivity index, bottomhole flowing pressure and production data provide robust analysis of the well performance based on which quicker decisions can be made on whether a remedial intervention is required or not. Where the right remedial interventions are made, for example when no stimulation is carried out because variation in productivity index is due to increasing water influx and not near wellbore damage, the derivable benefits are sustained oil or gas production, optimisation of recovery, reduction of operational expenditure, all leading to maximised life cycle economics for the well.