OilVoice - Saudi Aramco - Taking ERC Wells to New Extremes

Saudi Aramco - Taking ERC Wells to New Extremes

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Saudi Aramco’s Extreme Reservoir Contact (ERC) Wells project took another step forward recently as EXPEC Advance Research Center (EXPEC ARC) unveiled two new key subsystems.

Wireless control technologies and downhole power generation were demonstrated to company petroleum professionals after passing major yard tests in simulated downhole conditions.

“These technologies are vital components for Saudi Aramco’s Extreme Reservoir Contact Wells that will operate many laterals per well — up to possibly 50 or beyond. We are striving for this capability to provide more extensive contact with the reservoir and boost efficiencies in recovery,” said Mohammad Y. Al-Qahtani, Executive Director, Petroleum Engineering and Development.

The current Maximum Reservoir Contact wells have increased efficiency and reduced development costs but are still limited to only a few laterals per well due to the control lines that descend through the wellbore to operate valves.

Continuous determination and innovation have allowed us to overcome technological barriers and reach our vision of completing smart wells with a nearly unlimited number of laterals,” said Nabeel I. Al-Afaleg, acting manager of EXPEC ARC.

During the demonstrations, EXPEC ARC’s new downhole power generation technology proved its capability to generate an electric current from the fluid flowing through the well, with minimal pressure loss.

An innovative telemetry system, using a type of radio frequency transmitter and receiver, performed to expectations in illustrating the new wireless communication component for transmitting data and commands to the prime mover that converts electric signals into hydraulic power.

The prime mover demonstrated its activation capability to open and close inflow control valves.

Subsequent pilot tests will progressively demonstrate additional aspects of these technologies. ERC Wells, merely a concept a few years ago, are now reality.