Intelligent Sensors for Evaluating Reservoir and Well Profiles in Horizontal Wells: Saudi Arabia Case Histories

Al-Buali, Muhammad Hamad; Dashash, Alaa A.; Gammal, Tarek Ahmed El; Arevalo, Francisco J.; Torne, Juan

doi:10.2118/137202-ms

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and several applications have been documented (Al-Buali et al 2010a). The tractoring force is applied through a special high-technology design of the wheels; the operation of the tractor has been extensively documented (Al-Buali et al 2010b andShawly et al 2010).…”

Section: Deployment Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…If the horizontal well is producing some water, it is important to identify the water source. Gas, oil, and water-flow segregation by gravity, when flowing in horizontal sections of the wellbore, have been extensively documented (Al-Buali et al 2010a). Even if water does not flow to the surface, it can remain static within the wellbore on the lower side.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Successful Introduction of a New Tools Configuration and Analysis Method for Production Logging in Horizontal Wells

et al. 2011

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During the last two decades, the efficiency and economy of horizontal wells have significantly increased owing to the successful introduction, adoption, and application of new technologies. Proper planning and economic evaluation of proposed horizontal wells requires sufficiently accurate geological and reservoir modeling. Without such an approach, the economic success of any horizontal well should be considered a high risk.Production logging data in both the horizontal section and the vertical sections are important elements in evaluating the performance of horizontal wells and provide dynamic data for optimization of reservoir modeling and the determination of longterm economics and ultimate recoverable reserves. However, acquiring quality data in horizontal wells remains a significant challenge. In highly deviated and horizontal wells, production-log job planning, which considers the combination of production logging tool sensors and data analysis methods, is a key factor for obtaining accurate information concerning the behavior of well fluids, formation characteristics, and the extent of well-completion mechanical problems.The objective of this paper is to share the results of measurements taken from new production logging sensors and analysis methods with production data. These results were used to appraise the efficiency of the tool string by evaluating the acquired data and validating the analysis outputs along with the interpretation conclusions of the production efficiency. The "new-to-theindustry" analysis method consists of integrating multi-probe sensor data, including spinner calibration, superficial-phase velocity calculations, and phase hold-up measurements in a continuous wellbore environment.While the acquired data has shown valuable information concerning fluid types, fluid compositions, and fluid velocities in these different flow environments, the analysis method has provided a complete integrated interpretation with a more accurate production profile, which is required to properly monitor reservoir performance and diagnose well-production problems. , ( J CW J CO J I RCAP J CO J I NCAP −

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Section: Deployment Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Successful Introduction of a New Tools Configuration and Analysis Method for Production Logging in Horizontal Wells

et al. 2011

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“…Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and several applications have been extensively documented (Al-Buali et al 2010a and2010b;Shawly et al 2010;and Al-Belowi et al 2010).…”

Section: Horizontal Plt Logging and Planning Processmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A summary based on previous documented cases is presented as follows as a reference for special cases(Al-Buali et al 2010a;Al-Buali et al 2010b;Shawly et al 2010;and Al-Belowi et al 2010):…”

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confidence: 99%

Production Logging in Horizontal Wells: Different Deployment and Data Acquisition Methodologies in Open-Hole and Cased Completions

et al. 2011

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The horizontal wells drilled during the last few years are coming to a mature state in different fields and locations. This maturing has created the requirement to evaluate the performance of the wells and determine water sources for proper reservoir management.In horizontal-well tool deployment, multiple sensor data acquisition and the interpretation of these results is a challenge particularly when there are long intervals of open-hole completions and where fractures are often encountered. The horizontal cased-hole completions use multiple downhole valves and external packers to provide isolation between intervals. This paper reviews the two primary deployment techniques of coil tubing and tractor conveyance and highlights their advantages and limitations. In the paper, we propose a general guideline for their use.The use of different sensors and their application is reviewed, providing recommendations particularly for low flow-rate conditions. Two interpretation methodologies are evaluated and results are compared along with the interpretation from other sensors.The value of integrating of all available information and the value of different data acquisition and evaluation techniques is presented as well in the paper. The conclusions highlight the operational considerations, the data interpretation, and added value in the evaluation of well performance to maintain production and improve reservoir management.

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Enhancement of PLT Tool Reach in Horizontal Wells Using Advanced Wireline Tractor

et al. 2010

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The horizontal wells drilled during the last few years are coming to a mature state in different fields and locations. Even the existing vertical wells are being converted to horizontal for better oil sweep and productivity. This has created the requirement to evaluate the production performance of horizontal wells to determine water source for proper monitoring and/or a remedial action.The conventional conveyance methods for the horizontal production logging tool (PLT) are either coiled tubing (CT) or E-line using a tractor. These methods satisfactorily perform in conventional horizontal wells, however, operational limitations and challenges could be encountered when the horizontal section is more complicated due to extended reach, big and inconsistent washouts and high dogleg severity. These types of challenges can prevent the passage of the logging tools to the desired depth. This has an adverse effect on both data quality and accessibility to the well's total depth (TD). Accordingly, a lot of effort is being exerted by oil companies, service providers and vendors to improve the conveying performance of logging tools using wireline tractors.An electro-hydraulic tractor with wheels was introduced and deployed for the first time in the world using mono-cable logging tractor technology into several horizontal open hole wells in a Saudi Arabian field. The wells were drilled in a carbonate formation with long horizontal sections and were producing at high rates. This tool was run as an integral part with the logging tool to help cover the entire horizontal section and reach TD while logging.The logging jobs using this new technique were completed safely and successfully at flowing and shut-in conditions. At flowing condition, the logging tool was successfully conveyed to TD and measurements were made over the entire horizontal section with the help of the tractor. The well was logged at different choke settings while measurements were taken at down passes (while tractoring) and up passes. The tractor was running at a constant speed and was able to pass a long washout of around 9" in diameter. The data analysis showed very acceptable measurements. This paper will describe the case histories, challenges, planning, deployment and advantages/disadvantages of this type of tractor.

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Intelligent Sensors for Evaluating Reservoir and Well Profiles in Horizontal Wells: Saudi Arabia Case Histories

Cited by 8 publications

References 26 publications

A Successful Introduction of a New Tools Configuration and Analysis Method for Production Logging in Horizontal Wells

A Successful Introduction of a New Tools Configuration and Analysis Method for Production Logging in Horizontal Wells

Production Logging in Horizontal Wells: Different Deployment and Data Acquisition Methodologies in Open-Hole and Cased Completions

Enhancement of PLT Tool Reach in Horizontal Wells Using Advanced Wireline Tractor

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