MX2015003815A

MX2015003815A - Multiple zone integrated intelligent well completion.

Info

Publication number: MX2015003815A
Application number: MX2015003815A
Authority: MX
Inventors: William M Richards; Timothy R Tips
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date: 2012-09-26
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2015-07-14
Also published as: BR112015006645B1; EP2900903A1; AU2016228178A1; EP2900903B1; SG11201502303UA; AU2012391052B2; EP2900903A4; AU2016228178B2; BR122020004840B1; AU2012391052A1; EP3578752B1; BR112015006645A2; MX355034B; EP3578752A1; WO2014051557A1

Abstract

A system for use with a well having multiple zones can include multiple well screens which filter fluid flowing between a completion string and respective ones of the zones, at least one optical waveguide which senses at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices which variably restrict flow of the fluid through respective ones of the well screens, and multiple pressure sensors which sense pressure of the fluid which flows through respective ones of the well screens. A completion string for use in a subterranean well can include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device which selectively prevents and permits substantially unrestricted flow through the well screen, and at least one other flow control device which is remotely operable, and which variably restricts flow through the well screen.

Description

COMPUTER INTELLIGENT WELL COMPUTATION OF MULTIPLE ZONE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This disclosure generally refers to equipment used and / or operations performed in conjunction with underground wells and, in one example described below, more particularly provides an integrated multi-zone intelligent well completion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the case where multiple zones are to be produced (or injected) in an underground well, it can be difficult to determine how many fluids to communicate between a soil formation and a completion string in the well. This can be particularly difficult in cases where the fluids produced from the multiple zones are mixed in the completion string, or where the same fluid is injected from the well to multiple zones.

Therefore, it will be appreciated that improvements are still needed in the construction and operation of well completion systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this disclosure, systems and methods are provided that they contribute improvements to the techniques to build or operate well completion systems. An example is described below in which a variable flow restriction device is configured to receive fluid flowing through a well screen. Next, it describes another example in which an optical waveguide is placed outside a completion string, and one or more pressure sensors detect the pressure inside and / or outside the completion string.

A system for use with an underground well that has multiple ground formation zones is provided to the technique by the following disclosure. In one example, the system may include multiple well screens that filter fluid flowing between a completion string in the well and respective zones of the multiple zones, at least one optical waveguide that detects at least one custom fluid property that it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, multiple flow control devices that variably restrict the flow rate of the fluid through the respective screens of the multiple well screens, and multiple pressure sensors that detect the pressure of the fluid which flows through respective screens of the multiple well screens.

The following describes a completion string for use in an underground well. In one example, the counting string may include at least one well screen, at least one flow control device that selectively avoids and allows the substantially unrestricted flow rate through the well screen, and at least one other device of flow control that is remotely operable, and that can variably restrict flow through the well screen.

A method for operating a completion string in an underground well is also described below. In one example, the method comprises: a) closing all multiple flow control devices connected in the completion string, the completion string including multiple well screens that filter fluid flowing between the completion string and respective multiple zones ground formation zones, at least one optical waveguide that detects at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones, the multiple flow control devices that variably restrict the flow rate of the fluid through respective screens of the multiple well screens, and multiple pressure sensors that detect the pressure of the fluid flowing through respective screens of the multiple well screens; b) at least partially open a selected device of the flow control devices; and c) measuring a change in property detected by the optical waveguide and a change in fluid pressure as a result of the opening of the selected device of the flow control devices.

These and other features, advantages and benefits will be apparent to a skilled artisan at the time of careful consideration of the detailed description of the representative embodiments of the following disclosure and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are indicated in the various figures using the same reference numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a partially cross-sectional view representative of a well system and associated method that may incorporate the principles of this disclosure.

Figures 2A-C are cross-sectional views representative of the successive longitudinal sections of a completion string that can be used in the well system and the method of Figure 1, and which may incorporate the principles of this disclosure.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view representative of a section of the completion string, with fluid flowing from a land formation to the completion string.

Figure 4 is a representative elevation view of another section of the completion string.

Figure 5 is a representative cross-sectional view of another example of the well system and method.

Figure 6 is a representative cross-sectional view of a flow control device that can be used in the well system and method.

Figure 7 is a representative cross-sectional view of a wet connection that can be used in the well system and method.

Figure 8 is a representative cross-sectional view of an expansion joint that can be used in the well system and method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A well completion system 10 and associated method that can incorporate the principles of this disclosure is representatively illustrated in Figure 1. However, it should clearly understand that the system 10 and the method are simply an example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and it is possible a wide variety of other examples. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of system 10 and method described herein and / or which are shown in the drawings.

In the example of Figure 1, a completion string 12 is installed in a borehole 14 lined with casing 16 and cement 18. In other examples, borehole 14 could be at least partially untubed or could be be an open hole.

The completion string 12 includes multiple completions team games 20. In some examples, all sets 20 of the completion equipment can be transported to the well at the same time, and gravel 22 can be placed around the well screens 24 included in the completion equipment, all in a single trip into the well. poll 14.

For example, a system and technique that can be used to install multiple sets of completion equipment and gravel seals around the wells of completion equipment is marketed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. of Houston, Texas USA as the system ENHANCED SINGLE TRIP MULTI-ZONE (TM), or ESTMZ (TM). However, other systems and techniques may be used without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

The well shutters 26 are used to isolate multiple grounding zones 28 from each other in the borehole 14. The well shutters 26 seal a ring 30 formed radially between the completion string 12 and the borehole 14.

A flow control device 32 and a hydraulic control device 38 that controls the hydraulic actuation of the flow control device are also included in each set 20 of completion equipment. A convenient flow control device, which can variably restrict the flow rate inside or outside of the completion string 12 is the infinitely variable interval control valve IV-ICV (TM) marketed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. convenient hydraulic control device to control the hydraulic drive of the IV-ICV (TM) is the surface controlled reservoir analysis and management system, or SCRAMS (TM), which is also marketed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

In each set of completion equipment 20, a pressure sensor 36 is included to sense the pressure in and / or out of the completion string 12. The pressure sensor 36 could be provided as part of the hydraulic control device 34 (such as as part of the device SCRAMS (TM)), or a separate pressure sensor can be used. If a separate pressure sensor 36 is used, a convenient sensor is the ROC (TM) pressure sensor marketed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

After the sealing operation with gravel is completed, a service tool and sealing work string with gravel (not shown) is removed which is used to transport the completion string 12 into the well, and a string of production 38 is lowered into the borehole 14 and secured within the completion string 12. In this example the production string 38 includes seals 40 for sealingly coupling a seal hole 42 in one of the most superior wellbore seals 26 , an expansion joint 44 for convenient separation to a pipe hook in a well head (not shown), and a well shutter 46.

Expansion joint 44 may be similar to a Long Space Out Travel Joint, or LSOTJ (TM), marketed by Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., except that provisioning is made to extend lines 48 through the expansion board. Preferably, the seals 40 are secured within the seal bore 42, and then the expansion joint 44 is activated to allow it to be compressed, so that separation is achieved appropriate for the placement of a well head above. The well plug 46 is then fixed, for example, by applying pressure to one of the hydraulic lines 48.

When the production string 38 is placed in the completion string 12, a wet connection is made between lines 48 carried in the production string and lines 50 carried in the completion string. Preferably, the lines 48, 50 each include one or more electrical, hydraulic and optical lines (e.g., at least one optical guide line, such as, an optical fiber, an optical ribbon, etc.). An example of such a wet connection is shown in Figure 7 and is described more fully below.

In the example of figure 1, the lines 48, 50 are shown as external to the production string 38 and the completion string 12, respectively, but in other examples all or part of the lines could be placed inside the string of production and / or completion, or on a wall of the production and / or completion string. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular location on lines 48, 50.

Preferably, the optical waveguides are external to the completion string 12 (for example, between the screens of well 24 and well 14), so that the properties of the fluid 52 flowing between the zones 28 and the interior of the completion string 12 can easily be detected by the optical waveguides. In other examples, the optical waveguide could be placed in a wall of the casing 16, external to the casing, in the cement 18, etc.

Preferably, the optical waveguide has the ability to detect the temperature and / or pressure of the fluid 52. For example, the optical waveguide may be part of a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system that detects Rayleigh backscattering. in the optical waveguide as an indication of the temperature along the waveguide. For pressure sensing, the optical waveguide could be equipped with Bragg fiber gratings and / or Brillouin backscattering in the optical waveguide could be detected as an indication of the deformation (resulting from the pressure) along the the optical waveguide. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular technique to detect any particular property of the fluid 52.

The fluid 52 is shown in Figure 1 as flowing from the zones 28 to the completion string 12, as in a production operation. However, the principles of this disclosure also apply to situations (such as, acidification, fracturing, other stimulation operations, suitability or other injection operations, etc.), in which the fluid 52 is injected from the completion string 12 into one or more of the zones 28.

In one method, all flow control devices 32 could be closed, so as to prevent flow of fluid 52 through all the screens 24, and then one of the flow control devices can be opened to allow the fluid flow through one of the corresponding screens. In this way, the properties of the fluid 52 flowing between the respective zone 28 and through the respective well screen 24 can be detected individually by the optical waveguide. The pressure sensors 36 can meanwhile detect longitudinally distributed internal and / or external pressures along the completion string 12, and this will provide an operator with meaningful information as to how and where the fluid 52 flows between the zones 28 and the interior of the completion string.

This process can be repeated for each of the zones 28 and / or each of the sets 20 of the completion equipment, so that the characteristics and flow paths of the fluid 52 can be precisely modeled as length of the completion string 12. Water or overflow of gas, water or steam flood fronts, etc. in individual zones 28 can also be detected using this process.

Referring now further to Figures 2A-C, an example of a longitudinal section of the completion string 12 is representatively illustrated. The section illustrated shows how the flow through the well screens 24 can be controlled. effectively using the flow control devices 32. The section shown in Figures 2A-C can be used in the system 10 and the completion string 12 of Figure 1, or can be used in other systems and / or strings of completion.

In the example of Figures 2A-C, there are three flow control devices 32 which are used to variably restrict the flow rate through six of the well screens 24. This demonstrates that any number of flow control devices can be used. flow control 32 and any number of well screens 24 for controlling the flow rate of fluid 52 between one of the corresponding zones 28 and the completion string 12. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular number or combination of the various components of the completion string 12.

Another flow control device 54 (such as a mechanically driven sliding sleeve type valve, etc.) can be used to selectively allow and substantially avoid unrestricted flow through the well screens 24. For example, during For gravel filling operations, it may be desirable to allow the unrestricted flow through the well screens 24, for circulation of muddy fluid back to the surface of the earth. In fracturing operations or other stimulation operations, the flow control device 54 can be closed so as to prevent flow through the screens 24, so that sufficient external pressure can be applied to the screens to push the fluid outwardly. to the corresponding zone 28.

An upper device of the hydraulic control devices 34 is used to control the operation of a higher device of the flow control devices 32 (FIG. 2A), and to control an intermediate device of the flow control devices (FIG. 2B) . A lower device of the hydraulic control devices 34 is used to control the actuation of a lower device of the flow control devices 32 (Fig. 2C).

If the aforementioned SCRAMS (TM) device is used for the hydraulic control devices 34, the signals transmitted through the electric lines 50 are used to control the application of hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic lines to a selected device of the flow control devices 32. Therefore, the devices flow control 32 can be individually actuated using the hydraulic control devices 34.

In Figure 2A it can be seen that an inner tubular 60 is secured to an outer tubular 94 (for example, by means of threads, etc.), so that the inner tubular 60 can be used to support a weight of a remaining part of completion string 12 below.

Referring now further to Figure 3, an example of how the flow control device 32 can be used to control the flow rate of the fluid 52 through the well screen 24 is illustrated in a representative manner. In this view, it can be seen The fluid 52 enters the well screen 24 and flows to an annular area 56 formed radially between a perforated base pipe 58 of the well screen and an inner tubular 60. The fluid 52 flows through the annular area 56 to the control device of the well. flow 32, which is contained within an outer tubular casing The flow control device 32 variably restricts the flow rate of the fluid 52 from the annular area 56 to a flow passage 64 that extends longitudinally through the completion string 12. Said variable restriction can be used to balance the production of the multiple zones 28, to avoid conicity of water or gas, etc. Of course, if the fluid 52 is injected into the zones 28, the variable restriction can be used to control a shape or extension of a flood front of water or steam in the various zones, etc.

Referring now further to Figure 4, a way in which the lines 50 can be routed through the completion string 12 is representatively illustrated. In this view, the case 62 is removed, so that they can be seen the lines 50 extending from one of the flow control devices 32 (such as, the intermediate flow control device shown in Figure 2B) to a well screen 24 below the flow control device.

The lines 50 extend from a connector 66 in the flow control device 32 to an end connection 68 of the well screen 24, where the lines are routed to another connector 70 to extend the lines further down the string. completion 12. The end connection 68 can be provided with flow passages (not shown) to allow fluid 52 to flow longitudinally through the end connection from the well screen 24 to the flow control device 32 through the annular area 56. the end connection 68 may allow the formation of a complex flow passage and conduit shapes at the end connection, but if desired other means may be used to fabricate the end connection.

Referring now further to Figure 5, representatively another example of the completion system 10 and completion string 12 is illustrated. In this example, set 20 of the completion equipment includes only one of each of the well screen 24, flow control device 32, hydraulic control device 34, and flow control device 54. However, as mentioned above, any number or combination of components may be used within the scope of this disclosure.

A difference in the example of Figure 5 is that the flow control device 54 and at least a portion of the flow control device 32 are placed within the well screen 24. This can provide a more compact longitudinally configuration, and can eliminate the use of support 62. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration or arrangement of the components of the completion string 12.

Furthermore, it can be seen in figure 5 that the hydraulic control device 34 can include the pressure sensor 36, which can be connected in port to the internal flow passage 64 and / or to the outer ring 30 to the completion string 12. Multiple pressure sensors 36 may be provided in the hydraulic control device to separately detect internal or external pressures of the completion string 12.

Referring now further to Figure 6, another example of the way in which the flow control device 32 can be connected to the hydraulic control device 34 is representatively illustrated. In this example, the hydraulic control device 34 includes circuits 72 (such as, one or more processors, memory, batteries, etc.) in response to signals transmitted from a remote location (eg, a control station on the surface of the earth, an installation on the sea floor, a floating platform, etc.) through the lines 50 to direct the hydraulic pressure (via a hydraulic manifold, not shown) to an actuator 74 of the flow control device 32.

Figure 6 shows a flow control device 32 including a sleeve 76 which is moved by the actuator 74 relative to an opening 78 in an outer casing 80, in order to variably restrict the flow rate through the opening . Preferably, the flow control device 32 also includes a position indicator 82, so that the electronic circuits 72 can verify whether the sleeve 76 is properly positioned to obtain a desired flow restriction. The pressure sensors 36 can be used to verify that a desired pressure differential is achieved through the flow control device 32.

Referring further to FIG. 7, a manner in which a wet connection 84 between the lines 48 in the production string 38 and the lines 50 in the completion string 12 can be performed representatively is shown. In this example, the wet connection 84 is made above the uppermost well plug 26 but in other examples the wet connection could be made inside the well plug, under the well plug or in another location.

As shown in Fig. 7, a wet connector 86 on the production string 38 is axially coupled with a wet connector 88 on the completion string 12 when the seals 40 are secured in seal hole 42. Although only one set is visible in FIG. 7, wet connection 84 preferably includes connectors 86, 88 for each of the electrical, hydraulic and optical connections between lines 48, 50 .

However, it is not necessary that all wet electrical, hydraulic and optical connections are made by axial coupling of connectors 86, 88. For example, radially oriented hydraulic connections can be made by using longitudinally spaced seals and ports in the production string 38 and completion string 12. As another example, an electric wet connection could be made with an inductive coupling. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the use of any particular type of wet connectors.

Referring now further to Figure 8, a manner in which the lines 48 can extend through the expansion joint 44 in the system 10 is representatively illustrated. In this view, it can be seen that the lines 48 ( preferably including electric, hydraulic and optical lines) are wound between an inner mandrel 90 and an outer housing 92 of the expansion joint 44.

However, note that the use of the board of Expansion 44 is not necessary in the system 10. For example, a separation between the uppermost well plug 26 and a pipe hook seat in the wellhead (not shown) could be accurately measured, and the string production 38 could be configured accordingly, in which case the well shutter 46 may not be used in the production string.

Although the flow control device 32 in the previous examples is described as being a hydraulically variable throttle neck operated remotely, any type of flow control device that provides a variable flow resistance could be used, sticking to the reach of this divulgation. For example, a remotely-operated influx control device could be used. An inflow control device could be operated using the hydraulic control device 34 described above, or relatively direct hydraulic control lines could be used to drive an inflow control device.

Alternatively, an autonomous inflow control device (one that varies a flow resistance without commands or drive signals transmitted from a remote location), such as those described in the US Publications Numbers, could be used. 2011/0042091, 2011/0297385, 2012/0048563 and others.

The use of an inflow control device (autonomously or remotely operated) can preferably be for injection operations, for example, in case precise regulation of the flow resistance is not required. However, it should be appreciated that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the use of any particular type of flow control device, or the use of a particular type of flow control device in a particular type of operation.

Alternatively, a remotely operable sliding sleeve valve that opens to command from the surface could be used. An aperture signal could be transmitted by the electric control line, or the signal could be sent from the surface to the pipeline, for example, through HALSONICS (TM) pressure pulse telemetry, an ATS acoustic telemetry system ( TM), a DYNALINK (TM) mud impulse telemetry system, an electromagnetic telemetry system, etc. The sliding sleeve valve could have a battery, a sensor, a computer (or at least a processor and memory) and a drive system to open to command.

Instead of, or in addition to the pressure sensors 36, separate pressure and / or temperature sensors could be transported to the completion string 12 during the method described above, in which flow rate trajectories of the fluid 52 flowing between the completion string and the individual zones 28 are determined. For example, a perforated deep pipe conveyed in rolled pipe. or wired could be transported to the completion string during or before the execution of the method.

Now it can be seen in its entirety that the above disclosure provides significant advances to the technology to build and operate well completion systems. In the examples described above, improved well diagnostics are made possible by the use of a selectively variable flow control device 32 integrated with an optical sensor (eg, an optical waveguide as part of lines 50) external to the completion string 12, and pressure sensors 36 connected in port to an interior and / or exterior of the completion string.

The above disclosure provides the technique with a system 10 for use with an underground well having multiple land forming zones 28. In one example, system 10 may include: multiple well screens 24 that filter fluid 52 flowing between a string of completion 12 in the well and respective zones of the multiple zones 28; at least one optical waveguide 50 that detects at least one property of the fluid 52 as it flows between the completion string 12 and at least one of the zones 28; multiple flow control devices 32 that variably restrict the flow rate of the fluid 52 through respective screens of the multiple well screens 24; and multiple pressure sensors 36 which detect the pressure of the fluid 52 which flows through respective screens of the multiple well screens 24.

The multiple well screens 24, the optical waveguide 50, the multiple flow control devices 32 and the multiple pressure sensors 36 can be installed in the well in a single trip into the well.

The system 10 may also include multiple hydraulic control devices 34 that control the application of the hydraulic drive pressure to respective devices of the multiple flow control devices 32.

Only one of the hydraulic control devices 34 can control the application of hydraulic actuation pressure to multiple flow control devices 32.

The pressure sensors 36 can detect the pressure of the external and / or internal fluid 52 to the completion string 12.

The flow control devices 32 may comprise hydraulically operated variable throttled necks remotely. The flow control devices 32 may comprise autonomous variable flow restrictors.

The flow control devices 32, in some examples, receive the fluid 52 from respective screens of the multiple well screens 24.

The system 10 may include a combined hydraulic, electrical and optical wet connection 84.

The system 10 may include an expansion joint 44 with hydraulic, electrical and optical lines 48 traversing the expansion joint 44.

The optical waveguide 50 can be placed outside the well screens 24. The optical waveguide 50 can be placed between the well screens 24 and the zones 28.

A completion string 12 was also described for use in an underground well. In one example, the completion string 12 may include at least one well screen 24; at least a first flow control device 54; and at least a second flow control device 32, the second flow control device 32 is remotely operable. The first flow control device 54 selectively prevents and allows a flow rate substantially not restricted through the well screen 24. The second flow control device 32 in a variable manner restricts the flow rate through the well screen 24.

The completion string 12 may include a hydraulic control device 34 that controls the application of hydraulic actuation pressure to the second flow control device 32.

The second flow control device 32 may comprise second multiple flow control devices 32, and the hydraulic control device 34 may control the application of hydraulic actuation pressure to the second multiple flow control devices 32.

The completion string 12 may include at least one optical waveguide 50 operating to detect at least one property of a fluid 52 flowing through the well screen 24.

A method to operate a completion string 12 in an underground well was also described. In one example, the method may comprise: closing all the multiple flow control devices 32 connected in the completion string 12, the completion string 12 including multiple well screens 24 that filter fluids 52 flowing between the completion string 12 and respective areas of the multiple ground formation zones 28, at least one optical waveguide 50 that detects at least one property of the fluid 52 as it flows between the completion string 12 and at least one of the zones 28, the multiple control devices flow rate 32 which variablely restrict the flow rate of the fluid 52 through the multiple well screens 24 respectively, and multiple pressure sensors 36 which detect the pressure of the fluid 52 flowing through the multiple well screens 24 respectively; at least partially opening a first selected device of the flow control devices 32; and measuring a first change in property detected by the optical waveguide 50 and a first change in the pressure of the fluid 52 as a result of the opening of the first selected device of the flow control devices 32.

The method may also include: closing all multiple flow control devices 32 after the step of at least partially opening the first selected device of the flow control devices 32; opening at least partially a second selected device of the flow control devices 32; and measuring a second change in property detected by the optical waveguide 50 and a second change in the fluid pressure 52 as a result of the opening of the second selected device of the flow control devices 32.

The method may include installing the multiple well screens 24, the optical waveguide 50, the multiple flow control devices 32 and the multiple pressure sensors 36 in the well in a single trip into the well.

The method may include closing all flow control devices 32, thus preventing inadvertent flow of fluid 52 into the completion string 12. This step may be useful in a well control situation.

The method may include closing all flow control devices 32, thus preventing inadvertent flow of fluid 52 out of completion string 12. This step may be useful to prevent loss of fluid 52 to surrounding areas 28.

Although several examples have been described before, with each example having certain characteristics, it should be understood that it is not necessary that a particular characteristic of an example be used exclusively with that example. On the contrary, any of the features described above and / or shown in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition or in replacement of any of the other features of these examples.

The characteristics of an example are not mutually exclusive to the characteristics of another example. On the contrary, the scope of this disclosure covers any combination of any of the characteristics.

Although each example described above includes a certain combination of characteristics, it should be understood that it is not necessary that all the characteristics of an example be used. On the contrary, any of the characteristics described above can be used, without any other characteristic or particular characteristics also being used.

It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein can be used in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc. and in various configurations without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The modalities are simply described as examples of useful applications of the principles of disclosure, which is not limited to specific details of these modalities.

In the above description of the representative examples, address terms (such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc.) are used for convenience when referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should clearly be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to particular addresses here described.

The terms "including", "includes", "comprising", "comprises" and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, device, device, or etc. it is described as "including" a certain characteristic or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc. You can include that feature or element and you can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term "comprises" is considered to mean "includes, but is not limited to".

Of course, a technical expert, at the time of careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, would readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions and other changes can be made to the specific modalities, and Such changes are contemplated through the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being formed separately may, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the above detailed description will clearly be understood as being provided by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following is claimed as property: CLAIMS

1. - A system for use with an underground well that has multiple zones of land formation, the system includes: multiple well screens that filter fluid that flows between a completion string in the well and respective zones of the multiple zones; at least one optical waveguide that detects at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the completion string and at least one of the zones; multiple flow control devices that variably restrict the flow rate of the fluid through respective screens of the multiple well screens; Y multiple pressure sensors that detect pressure of the fluid flowing through the respective screens of the multiple well screens.

2. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the multiple well screens, the optical waveguide, the multiple control devices of flow, and the multiple pressure sensors are installed in the well in a single trip into the well.

3. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising multiple hydraulic control devices that control the application of hydraulic actuating pressure to respective devices of the multiple flow control devices.

4. - The system according to claim 3, characterized in that only one of the hydraulic control devices controls the application of hydraulic actuating pressure to multiple devices of the flow control devices.

5. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensors detect fluid pressure outside the completion string.

6. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensors detect fluid pressure within the completion string.

7. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow control devices comprise hydraulically variable, driven, remotely driven necks.

8. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow control devices they include autonomous variable flow restrictors.

9. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow control devices receive the fluid from respective screens of the multiple well screens.

10. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising a combined hydraulic, electrical and optical wet connection.

11. - The system according to claim 1, further comprising an expansion joint with hydraulic, electrical and optical lines that pass through the expansion joint.

12. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical waveguide is placed outside the well screens.

13. - The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical waveguide is placed between the well screens and the zones.

14. - A completion string for use in an underground well, the completion string includes: at least one well screen; at least one first flow control device; and at least one second flow control device, the second flow control device being remotely operable, wherein the first flow control device selectively prevents and substantially allows the unrestricted flow rate through the well screen, and the second flow control device variably restricts the flow rate through the well screen.

15. - The completion string according to claim 14, further comprising a hydraulic control device that controls the application of hydraulic actuating pressure to the second flow control device.

16. - The completion string according to claim 15, characterized in that at least a second flow control device comprises second multiple flow control devices, and wherein the hydraulic control device controls the application of hydraulic driving pressure to the second multiple flow control devices.

17. - The completion string according to claim 14, further comprising at least one optical waveguide operating to detect at least one property of a fluid flowing through the well screen.

18. - The completion string according to claim 17 characterized in that the waveguide Optics is placed outside the well screen.

19. - The completion string according to claim 17, characterized in that the optical waveguide is placed between the well screen and a ground formation.

20. - The completion string according to claim 14, characterized in that the second flow control device comprises a hydraulically driven variable throttle neck.

21. - The completion string according to claim 14, further comprising a pressure sensor that detects pressure outside the completion string.

22. - The completion string according to claim 14, further comprising a pressure sensor that detects pressure within the completion string.

23. A method to operate a completion string in an underground well, the method comprises: close all the multiple flow control devices connected in the completion string, the completion string uding multiple well screens that filter fluid flowing between the completion string and respective zones of the multiple land formation zones, at least an optical waveguide that detects at least one property of the fluid as it flows between the string of completion and at least one of the zones, the multiple flow control devices that variably restrict the flow rate of the fluid through the respective screens of the multiple well screens, and multiple pressure sensors that detect fluid pressure that flows through the respective screens of the multiple well screens; at least partially opening a first selected device of the flow control devices; Y measuring a first change in property detected by the optical waveguide and a first change in fluid pressure as a result of the opening of the first selected device of the flow control devices.

24. - The method according to claim 23, further comprising: closing all the multiple flow control devices after the step of at least partially opening the first selected device of the flow control devices; opening at least partially a second selected device of the flow control devices; Y measure a second change in property detected by the optical waveguide and a second change in fluid pressure as a result of the opening of the second selected device of the flow control devices.

25. - The method according to claim 23, which further comprises installing the multiple well screens, the optical waveguide, the multiple flow control devices, and the multiple pressure sensors in the well in a single trip into the well .

26. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the completion string also comprises multiple hydraulic control devices that control the application of the hydraulic actuating pressure to respective devices of the multiple flow control devices.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that a single device of the hydraulic control devices controls the application of the hydraulic actuating pressure to multiple devices of the flow control devices.

28. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the pressure sensors detect fluid pressure outside the completion string.

29. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the pressure sensors detect fluid pressure within the completion string.

30. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the flow control devices comprise hydraulically variable throttled necks operated remotely.

31. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the flow control devices comprise autonomous variable flow restrictors.

32. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the flow control devices receive the fluid from respective screens of the multiple well screens.

33. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the completion string also comprises a combined hydraulic, electric and optical wet connection.

34. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the completion string also comprises an expansion joint with hydraulic, electrical and optical lines that pass through the expansion joint.

35. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the optical waveguide is placed outside the well screens.

36. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the optical waveguide is placed between the well screens and the zones.

37. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it also comprises closing all the flow control devices, thus avoiding the inadvertent flow of the fluid inside the completion string.

38. - The method according to claim 23, characterized in that it also comprises closing all the flow control devices, thus avoiding the inadvertent flow of the fluid out of the completion string.