A relevant aspect to a proper oil production forecast is well control, that is, the well control forecast. It is important to determine what type of operation will be executed in the future to get a more realistic production forecast. The execution of optimization studies of the control decision variables is one of the ways to add decision. Many studies do not take into account relevant details of existent alternatives for both conventional and smart wells.
The goal of this line of research at UNISIM is to develop methodologies to the control of smart fields aiming long-term profit maximization, using reservoir simulation and assisted optimization techniques. Studies focusing on the use of technologies of advanced well completions (AWC) have been developed to evaluate their application potential. However, there are many challenges regarding the viability of this technology.
The use of AWC adds flexibility to operation allowing producing more oil by controlling undesirable fluids. Depending on their application, different types of AWC technology for improving well productivity and maximizing sweep can be used. Advanced well completions can include, although not limited to: interval control valves (ICV) and inflow control devices (ICD).
UNISIM has the following themes in this line of research:
- Modeling and implementation of the different advanced well completions in reservoir simulators.
- Methodology to evaluate the viability of AWC considering technical and economic parameters.
- Methodology for integrated operations and real time optimization focusing on control decision variables.
- Methodology of the viability of the application of AWC in smart fields to a more effective control of the water injection through control valves.