1. Explain the concept of Nodal Analysis 2. List 4 segments in the reservoir/well system where pressure loss occurs. 3.

Define the following terms: inflow performance curve, outflow performance curve, system graph, solution node

How Wells Flow

Basic Well Schematic

Annulus flow control valve

Casing

Annulus head pressure (AHP) Tubing flow control valve Tubing head Pressure (THP)

Tubing Annulus Packer Reservoir

How Wells Flow

Fundamental Rules
THP
AHP

Rule 1 Fluid flows in direction of reducing pressure

If Pbh < Pres fluid will flow from the reservoir > well
Pressure difference between reservoir > well Known as the drawdown

Pbh

Pres

Note: BHP is the more common acronym for Bottom Hole Pressure

How Wells Flow

Fundamental Rules
THP AHP

There will be a pressure difference (Hydrostatic Head) between two points in a static fluid column. dP = Density of fluid (psi / ft) height between points (ft)

If we know the THP and fluid density:

Can calculate static pressure at any depth

Plot on a Pressure vs Depth diagram
Pbh Pres

How Wells Flow

Pressure Depth Diagram
Pressure THP AHP SITHP

In reality: The reservoir pressure dictates the shut-in THP

SITHP = Pressure - Fluid column hydrostat head For flowing well simulations:
Depth

Split the system at the reservoir / wellbore interface

Predict wellbore pressures from surface down

Pbh = Pres

Pbh

Pres

How Wells Flow

Pressure Depth Diagram
Pressure THP AHP SITHP

If we open the tubing flow control valve:

and if the pressure in the flowline / vessel downstream < SITHP. Since fluid flows in the direction of reducing pressure

D e p t h

Well fluids will flow into the flowline

If we assume the pressure difference between the wellhead and the bottom hole is constant Pbh will fall fluid will flow continuously from the reservoir to the wellbore

Pbh

Pres

Pbh = Pres

How Wells Flow

Pressure Depth Diagram
Pressure THP AHP SITHP

Once the well starts to flow the pressure difference between the wellhead and the bottom hole will not be constant. It changes due to: Fluid friction ( a function of rate) Free gas fraction function of pressure / temp)

D e p t h

(a

Pbh

Pres

Pbh

Pres

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance
For a given: Fluid composition FTHP Tubing geometry
Depth

Q1 2
Pressure Q1 Rate 2 3

We can predict the FBHP at a number of production rates Q1, 2 and 3.

We can then plot FBHP vs Rate. This is known as the Tubing Performance Curve (TPC) or Vertical Lift Performance (VLP)

Flowing bottom hole pressure, psi

Production rate, STB/D

Flowing bottom hole pressure, psi

Production rate, STB/D

Flowing bottom hole pressure, psi

Production rate, STB/D

Flowing wellhead pressure, psi

Production rate, STB/D

Flow Rate Absolute Permeability Relative Permeability Viscosity Net Pay Thickness Drainage Area

Drainage Area Shape

Location of Wellbore

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance

Tubing Performance Curve (TPC)

PRes

FBHP

Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR)

SOLUTION POINT WELL WILL PRODUCE AT THIS RATE

Rate

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance

Impact of Reducing FTHP

PRes Decrease THP by opening choke or reducing Psep

FBHP

PRODUCTION BENEFIT FROM REDUCING FTHP

IPR

Rate

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance

Tubing Size Changes If the tubing size is increased

for the same: Range of production rates Fluid types FTHP

Depth

Q1 2 3 Pressure Q1 Rate 2 3

We can predict a different set of FBHPs We can then plot FBHP vs rate, and get a new tubing performance curve.

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance

Impact of Increasing Tubing Size 3 / tubing

1 2

5 1/2 tubing
P Res

FBHP

IPR
PRODUCTION BENEFIT FROM INCREASING TUBING SIZE

Q (3 1/2)

Q (5 1/2)

Rate

How Wells Flow

Quantifying Well Flow Performance

Impact of stimulation to reduce skin

P Res TPC

FBHP

Improved IPR (SKIN = 0)

IPR (SKIN = 10) PRODUCTION BENEFIT FROM REDUCING SKIN

Rate

Summary
Nodal Analysis Basic Concepts
Wells flow in the direction of reducing pressure Q = P x PI
Critical to understand reservoir and well pressure gradients Affected by rate, pressure and temperature Well flow performance is depicted on inflow / out flow plots

Inflow Performance is governed by:

Reservoir pressure Reservoir quality (permeability and thickness of payzone) Completion efficiency (or skin) Relative permeability (change in permeability as water production starts)

Vertical Lift Performance is governed by:

Tubing head pressure Tubing size Fluid properties (GOR, gravity, viscosity) Well depth

Artificial Lift determines the maximum well potential

different levels of drawdown achieved depending upon method employed

Flow rate Net pay thickness Perforated interval Shot density

Horizontal permeability
Vertical permeability Drilling fluid damage Viscosity

References

1. Mach, Joe, Proano, Eduardo, and Brown, Kermit E.: "A Nodal Approach for Applying Systems Analysis to the Flowing and Artificial Lift Oil or Gas Well," paper SPE 8025, 1979.