A Complete Hydraulics Model for Horizontal Wells

Abstract

ABSTRACT A horizontal well usually yields a high rate through its long perforation interval, resulting in a large frictional pressure drop that is believed to reduce the well productivity. Unlike conventional horizontal well methods which consider the horizontal section only, the proposed model also includes the vertical section of the well and the surface facility from the well head to the GOSP. The hydraulics model was validated stage-by-stage by various known solutions, and then applied to a high rate well. It was found that the effect of frictional pressure drop on oil rate was not as pronounced as suggested by analytical methods, or some numerical simulation studies. In summary, the pressure drop in the vertical section of the horizontal well plays an especially important role in deciding how much fluid can be produced. Therefore, it is recommended to be an integral part of horizontal well models.