Einsatz von Linern mit Inflow Control Installationen bei horizontalen Bohrungen zur Optimierung der Erdöl und -gasproduktion

Translated title of the contribution: Inflow control in horizontal wells to improve oil and gas recovery

Christoph Massenbauer

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

The Emlichheim oil field is developed since the late 1940’s. Due to the complicated structure and water as well as steam flooding there are strong lateral water saturation contrasts in place. Horizontal well production is currently optimized with suction pipes utilizing simple rubber seals for water shutoff. The rubber seals do not have the absolute sealing capabilities of swell packers. Swell packers alone impose a risk of not being retrievable for failed setups. Therefore, a permanent swell packer installation, adaptable to changing flow behavior per completion interval is necessary. If a water or gas break through occurs in traditional (vertical) production wells the standard procedure is to reduce the choke setting at the wellhead and therefore increasing pressure and reducing flow within the well. This results in lower production rates but in higher cumulative oil and gas recovery. This simple solution is not working in highly deviated wells with long horizontal sections. Therefor it became necessary to develop new strategies to optimize a wells productivity giving the first initiative to develop inflow control devices, with the first generation being passive components. Autonomous Inflow Control Valves (AICV) are the latest generation of inflow control devices. AICVs in swell packer separated intervals implemented in the existing slotted liner completion were identified as the most promising solution. A technology project is set up to prepare the implementation strategy. A fine grid sector model based on the existing full field model will be utilized. It will be adapted to the initially logged saturation and temperature profile of the horizontal well. Finally, the selected completion design will be tested. During this phase of the technology project this Master Thesis was conducted. The identified candidate wells prove an optimal technology testing environment, as the production history provides base case production levels as well as completion intervals with very different water-cuts. In addition to the technical work this Master Thesis will give an overview of existing inflow control components and will present field examples of the various components currently available on the market. There will be a component and supplier selection. This thesis will also include a profitability calculation, a sensitivity analysis, a risk analysis as well as conclusion of the lessons learnt for this project. Finally, there will be given recommendations for follow-up projects such as side tracks and newly drilled wells as well as off-shore installations.
Translated title of the contributionInflow control in horizontal wells to improve oil and gas recovery
Original languageGerman
QualificationDipl.-Ing.
Awarding Institution
  • Montanuniversität
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Jelinek, Wolfgang, Supervisor (external), External person
  • Biedermann, Hubert, Supervisor (internal)
  • Siegmeth, Franz, Co-Supervisor (internal)
Award date23 Mar 2018
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

embargoed until 15-12-2022

Keywords

  • Inflow control
  • oil and gas recovery
  • water cut reduction
  • risk and sensitivity analysis
  • market alaysis
  • economics

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