Analysis and Comparison of Decline Models: A Field Case Study for the Intercampo Oil Field, Venezuela

Abstract

Summary Intercampo oil field, which contains unconsolidated reservoirs driven by edge water and bottom water, is characterized by heavy oil with mid-high permeability and high oil saturation. The three classical models of the Arps model were applied in 13 horizontal and vertical wells in the oil field; also, the paper introduces two models that are not widely applied for decline analysis and forecasting in the wells. Decline features between vertical and horizontal wells were compared. The results accord well with the actual data from the oil field. The authors point out that these decline analysis models are applicable not only for vertical wells but also for horizontal wells. The authors would like to emphasize that four decline models discussed in the paper. In regard to screening and comparison of decline analysis models, this paper illustrates how to select and use a model, as well as the model's application conditions and their features. The screened models are recommended for production performance analysis of wells, reservoirs and oil fields.