Future wireless well monitoring system using environmentally friendly tracers for permanent monitoring of well influx, a Petromaks project, awarded to RESMAN, June 2006, for a duration of 3.5 years
RESMAN Technology Status
The basic function of a downhole wireless system, based on chemically intelligent release of tracers from polymer matrixes, was successfully demonstrated under laboratory conditions in a DEMO2000-project. As part of the project, a full-size pilot system carrying nine different tracers, was installed in an oil well at the Svale field offshore Norway in July 2006. The objective for this pilot was to monitor and locate unwanted water influx. The well will come on stream by late August 2006 and liquid samples will be processed continually and analyzed.
The main idea of a follow-up project will be to advance the technology into a state-of-the-art wireless monitoring system. The function of this system will be to monitor well clean-up and production start-up, to locate unwanted water influx in the production zone, and ultimately to measure flow rates of all phases. All these tasks are performed without expensive intervention.
Scope of work
- Evaluate and find a sufficient number of unique tracers for the detection of water and hydrocarbons. The tracers should meet environmental requirements and have ultra-low detection thresholds.
- Develop/optimize release systems with sufficient stability for downhole environments (temperature, pressure, and liquid composition).
- Design units for various well completions.