Temperature modeling and analysis of wells with advanced completion

Advanced completions using technologies such as Inflow Control Devices or Interval Control Valves are successfully optimising oil and gas production. They are often accompanied by the installation of Distributed Temperature Sensors and Permanent Downhole Gauges, providing continuous, real-time monitoring of the downhole pressure and temperature. Interpretation of such data to locate influxes and to track zonal inflow performance is an important step towards a comprehensive well and field control strategy. Interpretation of these downhole measurements requires accurate modelling of the well's pressure and temperature. Modelling of the pressures associated with the production of wells with advanced completion has been available for sometime. However, the workflow required for temperature modelling is not yet complete. This paper discusses using available theoretical models and software tools to model the temperature distribution in wells with advanced completion. The strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches for data interpretation will be discussed. Several methods for the quantitative interpretation of downhole temperature measurements are proposed. The application of both currently available and novel theoretical models will be discussed. The workflow will be shown to be capable of providing both zonal flow rates and phase compositions. The interpretation and analysis techniques presented here form the basis of a well and/or field monitoring and production control workflow. Copyright 2009, Society of Petroleum Engineers.