Applications

Control an unprecedented number of zones and compartments with full production information from each. Deliver more from every well with unparalleled production and reservoir management in heterogeneous or multilayered reservoirs, extended-reach developments, multilateral wells, and extreme reservoir contact (ERC) wells.

How it improves performance

Manage your reservoir more efficiently to improve recovery by deploying the Electris™ interval control valve (ICV) with in situ flow rate, water holdup, pressure, and temperature measurements. This technology is the successor to our pioneering Manara™ first-generation electric ICV.

Benefit from downhole permanent monitoring and in-lateral flow control of multiple zones and compartments in real time—even in multilateral wells. Informed field development strategies for optimizing production and recovery can thus be devised and implemented.

How it works

Zonal management without intervention operations
In each zone where it is deployed, the technology measures water cut, fluid flow rate, pressure, and temperature at the formation face to identify the amount of oil, water, and gas being produced. Gas fraction is determined using data analytics. Measurements are made before production from the zone commingles with the flow coming up from below.

This information empowers operators to delay or prevent water and gas breakthrough by using the ICV, which is equipped with a continuous choke; hydrocarbon zones above and below the closed zone continue producing. Upstream placement of valve sensors enables transient analysis of the zone without affecting other zones, enhancing reservoir and production knowledge and optimizing drainage across the reservoir.

Data and power transmission across multiple junctions
A single electric control line connects each ICV to the next and the entire system to the surface, minimizing connection points and splices, simplifying installation, and increasing reliability. Intellitite™ downhole dual-seal dry-mate connectors eliminate potential leak paths, a common issue with monitoring systems.

Power and data are transmitted wirelessly across junctions via Electris downhole contactless wet-mate connectors (WMCs). These connectors enable simultaneous monitoring and control of multiple zones across junctions.

Independent installation of completion stages
The contactless WMC provides an electrical connection between the lower (or segments of the lower) and upper completions. Eliminating the control line across the junction enables running in the lower completion on drillpipe. The pipe can be pushed, pulled, and rotated to overcome friction and reach target depth in extended-reach wells without fear of damaging control lines, removing any restrictions on the length of the wellbore.

Infinite flow control options with absolute position sensing
The Electris ICV features a continuous-displacement choke that can be adjusted to any position within its range instead of fixed, discrete settings. An absolute position sensor embedded in the valve provides real-time feedback about the choke’s position. Operators can observe zonal fluctuations as they occur and immediately adapt flow rates. The valve reacts instantly to surface commands. Measurements made by the downhole system empower operators to dial in a target production rate for each zone instead of cycling a valve to predetermined choke settings.

Precise control of fluid flow enables fine-tuning production rates and optimizing reservoir management in real time. Unlike traditional chokes with preset positions, continuous-displacement chokes enable infinitely variable micrometric adjustments, providing greater flexibility and accuracy in managing well performance and enhancing overall efficiency.

Decision making without guesswork
The high-resolution, high-frequency data reach the surface before the fluid arrives. A surface controller integrates these data seamlessly into an operator’s existing SCADA and business systems.

The system takes full advantage of the SLB real-time equipment health and control system and unified completion performance solution.

Simplified upper completion workovers
Using the Electris downhole contactless WMC, you can confidently disconnect and reconnect completion stages multiple times. The debris-tolerant stab-in mechanism facilitates upper completion tubing changeout, ESP replacement, and other remedial operations, with no need to remove the lower completion or compromise its integrity.

Targeted firmware and software enhancements
Downhole electronics enable firmware enhancements. Updated software can be downloaded to single sensors, single units, or multiple units.

Support for data interpretation
The SLB unified completion performance solution for intelligent and Electris completions transforms sensor measurements into actionable production intelligence. Detailed contextual notifications with practical recommendations empower your production team to confidently adjust and operate ICVs within their designed operating envelope.

The solution estimates productivity index changes, gas and water breakthrough, and flow assurance issues such as scale buildup. As a result, it enables you to predict, adapt, and act with confidence to improve production without intervention. The workflows provide advice on optimal ICV choke settings while reducing data analysis and decision time by a factor of 10 compared with conventional techniques. Move from real time to ahead of time.