Abstract
Introducing smart completions was one of the most revolutionary events in the oil industry because it will lead to higher productivity index, longer life, increase in the sweep efficiency, better water management, and it is more cost-effective. Moreover, smart completion gives the company the ability of remote operation and more advances monitoring over the reservoir. Being a leader in the oil industry Saudi Aramco was one of the first companies to implement smart completions in their wells. The inflow control valve (ICV) and permanent downhole monitoring system (PDHMS) in addition to maximum reservoir contact (MRC) are all components of smart completion that are used by Saudi Aramco. Nowadays, smart completion wells are a major contribution in Saudi Aramco fields as they are used to enhance the reservoir sweep.
This paper will show a detailed case study that was done on a smart completion well drilled in a carbonate field. The well is producing from a thin zone and close to the water zone. Smart completion is used to optimize the well production, manage the water production, and prolong the well life. In this case study, multiple single lateral testing was performed on the well over a time interval of 2 years to monitor major changes. The test was made so as to have a better understanding of the water movement and how it can be managed and controlled. The well includes three laterals in addition to the motherbore. The results of those several tests will be shared in this paper, including steps done to maintain the production targets and to decrease water cut along with suggestions that can lead to better results and improve future production optimization tests.
