Early-Time Tight Gas Production Forecasting Technique Improves Reserves and Reservoir Description

Abstract

Summary For many tight gas wells producing without curtailment, the formation linear flow period can last for several years, leading to a new evaluation technique that utilizes commonly available producing rate data. This linear flow model, which states that the inverse of rate is proportional to the square root of time, leads to simple equations and graphical techniques for predicting the performance of low-permeability gas wells. The model is also useful in evaluating the reservoir quality and effectiveness of stimulation treatments. Accurate reserves and well-performance predictions can be made with as little as 6 months of production. In addition, the proposed method is easier to apply than other methods currently in use.