Downhole Flow Control Optimization in the Worlds 1st Extended Reach Multilateral Well at Wytch Farm

摘要

This paper introduces an optimization method for multi-zone or multi-lateral flow control completions. This is developed around a real application, in the world first Extended Reach Multilateral well at Wytch Farm. The flow control completion is described before the theroetical framework is set out against the background of the specific Wytech Fram well. Then the optimization plan is sketched, with detailed graphical explanation of how the optimization is performed and the assujptions and analytical relationships described. Some Wytch Farm data is presented and analyzed, showing that more work is still needed to complete this important work which is attempting to fill up a gap left by the fast development in flow contorl hardware over the past 5 years. The key issues in optimization are discussed along with the lessons learnt. In the closing remarks the authors state that the main objective of this paper is more to push the industry to put some much needed effort in this area than to develop a reliable tool first itme round.