The Results of the Pilot Works on Well Completion Technologies and Continuous Monitoring on the Example of Extremely Long Horizontal Wells of the Yu. Korchagin Field in the Caspian Sea

Abstract

This paper presents the experience of LUKOIL-Nizhnevolzhskneft of implementation of various completion designs and continuous monitoring systems for extended-reach horizontal wells. The article describes the evolution from stand alone sand control screens and passive inflow control devices to the introduction of multi-zone advanced smart wells with inductive coupling. In addition, the work presents experience with fiber-optic distributed temperature measuring systems and chemical tracers. Since 2010, There are a lot of advanced technologies for well completion and continuous monitoring has been introduced at the field named after Yu. Korchagin, including nozzle-based inflow control device (ICD), autonomous ICD, ICD with check valve, sliding couplings, multiposition couplings, interconnected sand screens, fiber optic systems, chemical tracers, hydraulic and electric smart wells. The application of some technologies turned out to be limited in the conditions of the field named after Yu. Korchagin, part of the technologies had limited implementation due to the long length of horizontal wells, and some technologies showed unique benefits and were recommended for further wide implementation. Pilot projects of some technologies, as well as the use of various completion systems and continuous monitoring systems at the wells of the Yu. Korchagin field, allowed LUKOIL-Nizhnevolzhskneft not only to solve current operation problems, but also to select optimum technologies for usage in the following fields of Caspian shelf.