Coupled Completion and Reservoir Simulation Technology for Well Performance Optimization

Abstract

Abstract Ensuring long-term optimum completion performance is important for the economic development of any field. As fields are now developed with fewer wells and in more technically challenging environments, new technologies are required to provide guidance and quantify the impact of completion design. This paper presents a new methodology and workflow to optimize long-term well performance by coupling ExxonMobil's reservoir simulator and a detailed completions hydraulics simulator which models reservoir, wellbore tubing and wellbore annulus flow simultaneously. A case study indicates that unique completions opportunities are captured by using the modeling capabilities. Completion strategies frequently include provisions to 1) maintain a uniform production profile along the wellbore, 2) manage future risks (early water or gas breakthrough) and mitigate the potential for sand production, and 3) improve reservoir recovery. In order to achieve these strategies, a proposed coupled well and reservoir simulation provides not only detailed information on the tubing and annulus flow and associated pressure drops in and throughout all completion types, but also the impact of completions on short and long term reservoir flow and recovery. The significance of this new coupled approach is its ability to capture both flow dynamics through various completion options and reservoir performance.