Operators and technology companies release updated intelligent well interface guidance
A joint industry project involving 14 oil and gas operators, service providers and vendors has updated a recommended practice for electric intelligent wells.
The Intelligent Well Interface Standardisation (IWIS) project is facilitated by OTM Networks, part of R&D consultancy Sagentia Innovation. IWIS was established to standardise aspects of intelligent well technologies enabling a level of interoperability between different vendors.
IWIS 2.0 updates the original recommendations to support growing use of advanced electric completions, which require higher power levels and more sophisticated integration with subsea control and communication systems. It introduces recommendations for power, communications and mechanical interfaces, alongside safety and redundancy considerations.
A central feature of IWIS 2.0 is the introduction of an IWE Interface Module, for supply by downhole equipment vendors. This provides a standardised package for the larger, high-power interface electronics required by advanced electric completions, while allowing greater design flexibility and simplifying integration and qualification.
OTM has facilitated IWIS since the initiative was established, with the latest update involving 18 months of collaboration.
“Creating common ground between operators and technology companies is really important,” says Shreekant Mehta, Senior Vice President, Energy Sector at Sagentia Innovation. “By working together, they have developed recommended practice that reflects the realities of intelligent well applications, technologies and operating environments. IWIS 2.0 will help reduce duplication and integration effort, providing a practical route for new intelligent well technologies to work within evolving subsea architectures.”
The updated practice is intended to inform future revisions to API 17F Annex G for electric completions. It has also been developed with the intent to align with Subsea Instrumentation Interface Standardisation (SIIS) Level 3, which is being updated to level 3.1 and will include T1L Ethernet communications.
Operators involved in the IWIS 2.0 project include AkerBP, bp, Equinor, Petrobras, Shell and TotalEnergies. Technology companies include: Baker Hughes, Emerson, Halliburton, Metrol, SLB & OneSubsea, TechnipFMC, Teledyne and Weatherford.
IWIS 2.0 is now available for download on the IWIS website: https://iwis-jip.com/
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Why is IWIS considered an important industry standard?
IWIS is one of the most widely recognised initiatives focused on intelligent well interface standardisation. It brings together leading industry stakeholders to address interoperability challenges and establish common guidance that supports innovation and technology adoption.
Why was IWIS 2.0 developed?
IWIS 2.0 was developed to address advances in intelligent wells, electric completions, digital technologies and subsea production systems. The updated guidance reflects industry experience and emerging requirements across the energy sector. Adopting IWIS guidance can help organisations reduce engineering effort, simplify system integration, improve supplier compatibility and accelerate the implementation of intelligent well technologies.
Who contributes to the IWIS Joint Industry Project?
The IWIS JIP brings together a broad range of global operators, service companies, equipment suppliers and technology specialists. This collaborative approach helps ensure the guidance reflects real-world challenges and industry needs.
Why is standardisation important for intelligent well technology?
Standardisation enables suppliers, operators and technology developers to work more efficiently together. It reduces duplication, improves compatibility and helps accelerate the deployment of new technologies across the industry. Interoperability helps ensure that equipment, control systems and digital technologies can communicate effectively, reducing complexity, supporting innovation and improving long-term operational flexibility.
What role does OTM Networks play in the development of IWIS?
OTM Networks leads and manages the IWIS Joint Industry Project (JIP), coordinating collaboration between operators, equipment manufacturers and technology providers. Through this role, OTM Networks helps drive the development of best-practice guidance that supports the future of intelligent well technology.
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