Low-cost flow-rate estimate in separate layers along gas wells from temperature and pressure profiles

Abstract

Estimation of rate profile along the well is important information for reservoir characterisation since it allows distinction of the production rates from different layers. The temperature and pressure sensors in a well are small and inexpensive; while flow meters are cumbersome and expensive, and affect the flow in the well. The method presented in this peer-reviewed paper shows its significance in predicting the gas rate from temperature and pressure data. A mathematical model for pressure and temperature distributions along a gas well has been developed. Temperature and pressure profiles from nine well intervals in field A (Cooper Basin, Australia) have been matched with the mathematical model to determine the flow rates from different layers in the well. The presented model considers the variables as functions of thermal properties at each location, which is more accurate and robust than previous methods. The results of tuning the mathematical model to the field data show good agreement with the model prediction. Simple and robust explicit formulae are derived for the effective estimation of flow rate and thermal conductivity in gas wells. The proposed approach has been applied to determine the well gas rate and formation thermal conductivity from the acquired well pressure and temperature data in field A. It allows for recommending well stimulation of layers with low production rates.