An Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Solution for Autonomous Well Control, Leveraging Real-Time Continuous Flow Measurement at the Wellhead

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach and customized initiative adopted by Company Asset to guarantee ongoing measurement, monitoring, and control of oil flow from production wells by harnessing Artificial Intelligence. Alongside keeping oil flow targets on track, the system also enabled automatic gas flow regulation, providing holistic well control. This setup offered significant advantages for meeting well testing key performance indicators (KPIs) and removing the need for manual operations, resulting in substantial man-hour savings. The demand for real-time flow monitoring and control at each wellhead prompted an evaluation of various solutions. The installation of a Multiphase Flow Meter (MPFM) improved flow measurement accuracy and allowed the oil flow rate signals to be used for valve control. With this arrangement, the well could be operated autonomously, managing both natural oil production and artificial gas lift as necessary. The design is flexible and can be relocated depending on well activation requirements. The following actions were taken: Managing change for the introduction of new solutionsPerforming risk assessmentsAssessing critical surface and subsurface parameters for gas lift wellsCreating safe operating procedures, scenario planning, schematics, and an intuitive control system Autonomous well control enabled thorough management of gas-lifted wells and greatly lessened the need for manual labor when redirecting wells to testing facilities. It also streamlined gas flow rate optimization and ensured uninterrupted oil production from the wells. Observed well control was stable, consistently meeting established setpoints. By linking the MPFM to the available wellhead piping connections, several ongoing and future benefits were realized: Saving approximately 87 man-hours for 10 wells and 1,200 hours for 140 wellsGaining 1,850,000 barrels of oil by preventing production losses in gas lift wellsOptimizing gas lift flow rates, saving 9,000 MMscf of lean gas across 50 wells, valued at $133 millionAchieving 100% compliance with well testing KPIsTimely and effective dual-string well testing, generating a $10 million production gainMaintaining subsurface parameter limits to protect reservoir integrityAdvancing digitalization of well operationsSupporting autonomous well managementEnabling real-time well testingProviding precise insight into well performanceUsing AI-driven decision-making to ensure compliance with restrictions and wellhead/reservoir guidelines The solution has proven highly effective in sustaining continuous production, supporting prompt well testing, and minimizing manual intervention by utilizing AI-powered autonomous control. This strategy is transferable to other facilities within the company and globally for several reasons: Enables real-time monitoring and control of flowsEnsures compliance with well testing requirementsPromotes effective reservoir management By implementing this approach, well availability will increase through sustained production, while safeguarding the health of both the reservoir and surface infrastructure.