During the last decade, intelligent well completions have evolved to become engineered solutions widely used for both monobore and multilateral horizontal wells. However, a clear understanding of zonal or lateral branch flow contributions still remains an issue. Several SPE papers covering the issue have been published recently. This paper presents the engineered solution for a TAML level 5 dual-lateral horizontal well that was drilled and completed in the Oseberg S?r field in December 2005. The solution combines hydraulic flow control valves with advanced downhole two-phase flow and density measurement provided by a Venturi-based flowmeter with a gamma ray source and detector. Real-time data were used to optimize the settings of the downhole chokes to obtain a balanced production from the two horizontal wellbores. The completion provides the capability to control and measure, in real time, flow contributions from both laterals and is the first installation of its type. This capability is critical for production and reservoir optimization. Additional value of the technology is demonstrated by the analysis of acquired downhole data. Productivity Indices are obtained for each of the two laterals without any production loss associated with shutting down the other lateral branch. Data analysis indicated a decrease of the Productivity Index for one of the two horizontal wellbores. The successful installation of the two-phase flowmeter in an intelligent completion is a significant milestone corresponding to the general trend in the industry to improve inflow control and the understanding of flow contributions in multilateral wells. This solution for flow control and measurement can be applied effectively in both multilateral wells and monobore wells designed for commingled production from different reservoirs where accurate production allocation is a critical issue.
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