Prediction of temperature distribution in intelligent wells

Intelligent well system technology enables downhole monitoring and zonal, fluid production control in real time. This allows well control decisions to be implemented that optimize recovery and avoid future problems. Currently, both pressure and temperature are usually monitored downhole; while often only the pressure data is used to provide the key information about the downhole performance. Temperature measurements have the potential to be as informative as pressure measurements in reflecting the reservoir's and the well's production performance. However, currently available models are unable to simulate the temperature profile of an intelligent well correctly. This paper provides a theoretical underpinning for the temperature data interpretation workflow. A novel temperature model for multiphase flow with (possible) phase changes in an intelligent completion will be presented. Reservoir and sandface temperature performance is also analyzed and coupled with the intelligent well temperature model. Three example cases illustrate the temperature model's utility. They demonstrate that a small, but significant temperature response can be observed in the complex system of an intelligent well equilibrated with a reservoir zone. The magnitude of the signal used for influx detection is quantified for wells with different inclinations and influx locations. The importance of measurement resolution is also discussed. This is a building block for a method to detect gas and/or water influxes and obtain phase flow rates at various locations within an intelligent well, is an important step towards a comprehensive well management scheme. Copyright 2008, Society of Petroleum Engineers.