As we take a look over the last year, the industry has seen further advancements in the areas of production monitoring, surveillance, analysis, and optimization. We continue to find new ways of data gathering, processing, and interpretation. We are optimizing our operations and even predicting future production behavior in a new manner. Innovative intervention methods have also followed with creative methods of addressing a variety of performance issues. We have become more efficient at using existing technology to improve performance in mature fields and in full-field management strategies for new developments. Technology is improving continuously to help us with production optimization through new approaches, including downhole multiphase-flow measurement, wireless data gathering, wireless power-transfer methods, and new fluids technology. We have seen enhancement in predictive analysis with regard to determination of production performance as well as equipment failure for multiple types of artificial-lift methods. The last year witnessed further studies and improvements in the understanding of heavy-oil and unconventional reservoirs.
While production optimization is improving continuously, growing environmental concerns are also being addressed with better understanding and technology. The contributions allowing these steps forward are being generated from large fields, offshore developments, smaller land-based operations, and all sectors of our business. New ideas and methods are being shared from all regions of the globe, demonstrating the diversity and strength of the industry as well as the people making these contributions. This efficiency and innovation should help us continue on a path of success as global markets change in the future.
The articles selected for review are intended to show some examples of implementing multiple concepts and methodologies for production evaluation while applying the data to achieve better performance. While demonstrating the full system overview, also included is an insight into the enabling technology allowing these improvements and possibly a glimpse into what may lie ahead as we continue down the path toward further understanding of our reservoirs.
Additional Reading
SPE 171101 An Integrated Approach Using Commercial Monitoring and Surveillance Tools Coupled With Statistical Analysis Techniques To Optimize Oil, Heavy-Oil, and Extraheavy-Oil Reservoirs by D. Lee, DL Petroleum Engineering and Consulting, et al.
SPE 170864 Mature Fractured Reservoir Meets the Era of Young Minds and the New Age of Technology Digital Oil Field by Mariam Abdul-Raheem Jamal, KOC, et al.
SPE 164854 Downhole Multiphase-Flow Measurement in Horizontal Wellbores by Ö. Haldun Ünalmis, Weatherford, et al.
