Modeling Inflow Performance Relationships for Wells Producing From Two-Layer Solution-Gas Drive Reservoirs Without Cross-Flow

Abstract

Continuous monitoring and accurate anticipation of the present and future performance of the flowing wells and reservoirs constitute the cornerstone elements in the design of optimum field development strategy. It is crucial for the petroleum engineer to possess the appropriate tools that assist in efficiently predicting well behavior, designing artificial lift equipment, forecasting production, and optimizing the entire production system. Inflow performance relationship (IPR) is one of the vital tools required to monitor well performance. Existing inflow performance relationship models are idealistic and mainly designed for homogeneous reservoirs. However, most reservoirs around the world are heterogeneous and composed of layers of different permeabilities. Hence, there is an urgent need for new realistic IPR models that describe the actual reservoir inflow performance behavior more efficiently than the available models. The authors investigate the effects of reservoir heterogeneity on IPR curves for wells producing from two-layer solution-gas drive reservoirs without cross-flow. Furthermore, the results provide the petroleum engineer with two simple yet accurate IPR models for heterogeneous reservoirs. The first model represents the IPR of the well under present flowing conditions, while the second model is used to forecast future well deliverability.