From Field to Desk: Automated Field Surveillance for Reservoir Management

Daily field surveillance is of mandatory importance because it allows tackling production issues, improving reservoir knowledge and then to maximize recovery. However, some practical challenges of data handling increase time consumption and reduce the efficiency and the appeal of routine reservoir surveillance. In addition, high frequency information opens the possibility to control and optimize field production in real-time but they cannot be effectively managed by ad-hoc spreadsheet solutions and require a more integrated approach. This paper is focused on the lessons learnt from the eni experience in developing and applying intelligent automated surveillance system in several fields worldwide, reviewing the main challenges to address for a successful initiative. In essence, the eni automated surveillance system consists in a technology framework to orchestrate five key components: data, processes, workflow automation, smart surveillance and people. It is highly focused on savings time and efforts in routine reservoir activities while improving quality of analysis. Through automated field surveillance it has been possible to standardize analysis of well and field behaviour by transforming crude data into valuable information in an automated fashion. This methodology is gaining more acceptance and popularity by different disciplines. It has been deployed in several eni complex fields, ranging from fractured carbonate oil reservoir to high viscosity oil field, developed with a horizontal injector/producer pattern. This system brings the possibility to monitor and analyze well operations for production optimization, create a complete set of alarms for monitoring critical well parameters, running automated and sending on time notifications. The automated surveillance is highly focused on savings time and efforts in routine activities. It improves quality of analysis of well and field behaviour by automatically transforming raw data into valuable information. The impact of the system will be discussed with examples of tangible improvements in performances. The main component to a successful implementation is the proper synergy among the IT infrastructure, the engineering expertise, the right technology and finally the right people and organizational commitment.