Pressure-Transient Behavior and Inflow Performance of Horizontal Wells Intersecting Discrete Fractures

Abstract

ABSTRACT New analytical pressure-transient solutions and dynamic inflow performance equations for horizontal wells intersecting discrete fractures in an infinite reservoir are presented. The horizontal well is assumed orthogonally penetrating multiple identical and parallel fractures. The reservoir containing the horizontal well is bounded by non-flow parallel planes at the top and the bottom. The pressure-transient solutions are derived using the source and Green's functions developed by Gringarten and Ramey, as well as the superposition principle. The dynamic inflow performance equations are derived by applying the derived transient solutions. The derived analytical pressure-transient solutions may provide a theoretical basis for the analysis of the transient pressure behavior of horizontal wells intersecting discrete fractures. New evaluation techniques may be developed for determining reservoir properties and fracture characteristics from horizontal well testing. The dynamic inflow performance models presents a theoretical tool for evaluating the effects of fractures on horizontal well performance. They are particularly useful in the production modelling of horizontal wells in tight reservoirs with natural or induced fractures.