Well path optimization workflow based on reservoir opportunity index analysis: a new approach

Petroleum industry operators are always on the lookout for new methods to reduce capital expenditure. Estimation of costs and risks is one way to reduce capital expenditure since small modifications can result in huge savings in terms of time and money. The aim of this study is to present a new workflow for optimizing well path design. This workflow is based on systematically optimizing as a whole the 3 general steps which are: defining reservoir targets, selecting wellhead locations and designing the well path. Results demonstrated that this integrated optimization workflow identifies the optimum well path design through ranking the different designs in terms of drilling costs and risks and the effect of each well on final production from the reservoir as well as production scenarios. The workflow presented herein is a fast and reliable solution for comparing designs and selecting wells in optimum conditions and at the lowest risk.