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SPE 28688
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves--Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
by L.E. Doublet,- Texas A&M U., P.K. Pande,- Fina Oil and Chemical Company, T.J. McCollum,- UNOCAL-Coastal Califomia,
and T.A. Blasingame,- Texas A&M U.
SPE Members
ervn-rs. Inc.
This paper_ pI8IllIIIld for pr8S1lation at1he 1994 PelItlIeum ConIeI1ll1C8 and Exhibition of Mexico held in Veracruz, MEXICO, 1()'13 OclDber 1994.
This JllIIl8r _ selected for plllSllnlalion by an SPE P~ram Committee lolowing lllYiew of information oontained in an absllllct submillad by 1he aulhor(s). Contents 011he paper, as preSlted,
haw not been nMewed by 1he Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subjeclto OOll8Ction by the aulho'1s). The ma18riaJ, as presented, does not necessanly reftecl an~ position 01 1he Society 01
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p-m-d. Write Ubnuien, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson. TX75Oll3--3838, U.S.A. Telex, 163245 SPEUT.
BRIEF SUMMARY
This paper presents rigorous methods to analyze and interpret
production rate and pressure data from oil wells using type curves
to perform decline curve analysis. These methods are shown to
yield excellent results for both the variable rate and variable
bottomhole pressure cases, without regard to the structure of the
reservoir (shape and size), or the reservoir drive mechanisms.
Results of these analyses include the following:
Reservoir properties:
- Skin factor for near well damage or stimulation, S
- Formation permeability, k
In-place fluid volumes:
- Original oil-in-place, N
- Movable oil at current conditions, Npmov
- Reservoir drainage area, A
We have thoroughly verified these analyses and interpretation
methods using both synthetic data and numerous field examples.
In addition, we provide illustrative examples to demonstrate the
ease of analysis and interpretation, as well as to orient the reader
as to what are the benefits of rigorous decline curve analysis.
INTRODUCTION
The importance of performing accurate analysis and interpretation
of reservoir behavior using only rate and pressure data as a
function of time simply can not be overemphasized. In most
cases, these will be the only data available in any significant
quantity, especially for older wells and marginally economic wells
where both the quantity and quality of ~ types of data are
limited. The theoretical application of this technique is for newer
wells, at pressures above the bubble point, although we show that
the methods described here can be accurately applied at any time
during the depletion history of a particular well.
The development of modem decline curve analysis began in 1944
when Arpsl published a comprehensive review of previous efforts
for the graphical analysis of production decline behavior. In that
work, Arps developed a family of functional relations based on
the hyperbolic decline model for the analysis of flow rate data.
Hyperbolic: (O<b<l)
Harmonic: (b=l)
q(t)
q(t)
= [l+'lj,;t]
qj
[1 +bD;t]lib
(1)
.oo
(2)
(3)
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
Np(t)
t=Nplq
= ~[1 - exp(-D;t)]
(5)
or in terms of q(t)
Np(t)
Hyperbolic: (0<b<1)
()
Np t
= I5t[q; - q(t)]
(6)
q' [
1 lIbl
= (l-b)v;
1 - (l+bDjt) - J (7)
or in terms of q(t)
Harmonic: (b=I)
Np(t)
= (l-b\vJ 1 - (~tb]
(8)
Np(t)
= ~ 1n(1+Djt)
(9)
or in terms of q(t)
Np(t)
u,
= !li
In{!J.L) =_!li 1jq(t) .. (10)
Dj ~'q(t)
Dj qj
Ap
q=
mt + bpss
(11)
="'iJc;
bpss =
(12)
141.2~[tln(1~}~
e CA rwa ~
(13)
SPE 28688
(14)
ar
ar
A;t) =f:cP[A~~] d~
(15)
(II)
i =Nplq
(14)
A~
=[mi}b
(16)
]
pss
Rearranging this result gives,
pss
qlAp
(qIAP)jnt
I
[I + Dii]
(17)
- -...L--Lkl!.
1
(qIAn).
r mt - bpss -70.6 BJlln (..4...~)"'"
.(18)
e Y CAT~a
qDd=[1 +l~
(20)
(21)
and
_ qlAp
qDd - (qlAplint
(22)
A~ = [mi;' b
(16)
]
pss
We recognize that Eq. 16 is a "harmonic" type of equation in
which the "material balance time" function, i, is given by Eq. 14
as
(14)
where the definitions of ifri and q/Jd for this case are given by
iDd=Dji
i=Nplq
-.lLI -
A~ =[1 +In.i]
bpss
D -
SPE28688
(23)
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type CUNes-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
t [In
r~ _
tJ tD
(24)
(25)
dimensionless variables as
qDd =
- tDd ~
dtDd .......................... (29)
=qDdi -qDd
............................................. (30)
~M
(31)
SPE 28688
(33)
Once the qnJ.tDJ) values are obtained from qrJ..tD) values, the
associated aeovative and integral functions can be computed using
standard techniques, or these functions can be computed
simultaneously with the qrJ.tnt) values using the numerical
Laplace transform inversion algorithm.l 9
In Fig. 1 we present the original Fetkovich6 type CUNe, along
with the derivative function, q/Jdd' as defined by Eq. 31. We note
in Fig. 1 that the qIJdl stems show a dramatic characterization of
the transfer from transient to boundary-dominated flow, however,
as we suggested before, we would not expect the qIJdl concept to
be particularly applicable due to random noise present in field
data.
Figure 2 presents the FetkovichlMcCray type cUNe lO where qIJd,
qDdj, and qDdid are all plotted versus tDd on the type curve grid.
Although this plot appears somewhat busy, we believe that Fig. 2
provides all of the necessary functions for both rigorous and
empirical analysis of production data. Figure 2 is used throughout
our present work for the analysis and interpretation of both
simulated and field data.
ANALYSIS OF OIL PRODUCTION DATA USING
THE FETKOVICHIMCCRAY TYPE CURVES
A step-by-step procedure for the use of the Fetkovich/McCray
type curve is given in Appendix C, and is abbrevialed in this
section for reference and use in applications. Our type curve
analysis technique provides methods to estimate the original-oilin-place and other volume-related properties, as well as the flow
characteristics of the reseNoir.
Our methodology is based on the use of the simple material
balance time function, i, that yields a harmonic decline for the case
of liquid production, regardless of the rate and pressure schedule.
We provide the following procedure for the analysis and
interpretation of production data using decline type CUNes.
1. Computation of Material Balance Time from Production Data
i=Nplq
(14)
=(p
) =.!L
&p
i - Pwt:
(34)
t/: 6~
d-r
(35)
(36)
(37)
-lJ!.k
{qIAplMJ,
(tnihdp {qlXlMP
N-
(38)
Ct
B
=141.2 !!E..
(~2 In (.A...--.d....-)~
~
Y
kh
e CA r~a ~Ap
(39)
bpss = 141.2ff[tIn(e~
CAAr~J
(13)
bpss =(~1f)):;
(40)
(41)
re=Vf
Effective Wellbore Radius:
(42)
rml=~
(43)
reD
Formation Penneability:
k=
141.2~h -2IIn[
4A
l[(tAPLMPl
eYCAr~aJ qlXl p]
(44)
k=141.2~h l:2ln[ 4A
l[--L1
erCAr~aJ bpssJ
Porosily
Fluid viscosity
Wellbore radius
Skin Factor:
s =-l~~)
SPE 28688
(45)
. 6
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
Drainage radius, re
Net pay thickness, h
Porosity, , (fraction)
Irreducible water saturation, Swirr
Original nominal well spacing
Formation permeability, k
Original-oil-in-place, N
Pear=JJ
Semi-analytical approach::
Plot (qlf.p) versus cumulative oil production, Np , and
extrapolate to (qlf.pFO
Variable Pwfwith
multiple sbut-ins
0.0001
3000.0
100
100
variable
variable
0.0001
100.0
200.0
210.0
310.0
410.0
420.0
520.0
620.0
630.0
730.0
1000.0
2500.0
4000.0
variable
1000
variable
2500
1500
variable
2000
700
variable
1000
500
200
100
100
15.0
variable
0.0
variable
variable
.0.0
variable
variable
0.0
variable
variable
variable
variable
variable
Reservoir Properties:
Wellbore radius, rw
= 0.25 ft
SPE 28688
= 744.7 ft
= 10ft
= 0.20
=
=
=
=
0.00
40 acres
1 md
564,210 5TB
Fluid Properties:
Oil formation volume factor, B
Oil viscosity, Jl
Total compressibility, Ct
= 1.1 RB/STB
= 1.0cp
= 20.0xlO6 psi- 1
Production Parameters:
= 4000psia
[tlliJMp
[qn:llMP
= 1.0
= 1.0
[~MP
[qlf.pJMp
= 1270.6 days
= 0.00888 STBlDlpsi
Original-Oil-in-Place:
NN
(38)
-6
psi"
'
= 5.6148
NB
(41)
h (l-Swirr)
A
Vlfi
(42)
SPE28688
47,000 STB \,
rlm=..!L-
(43)
reD
rmr-
7jdcS<P = 0.2482 ft
Formation Penneability:
!lH. l.In [
k - 141.2 h 2
k
4A
erCAr~a
] [(ql&p) MP
(qL\:llMp]
(44)
.
In [
(10ft)
Skin Factor:
(45)
s =- ~OO~i~2) =0.0
Since most wells are not usually produced at a constant
bottomhole pressure indefinitely, we developed our second
verification case with multiple rate and pressure changes
(including shut-ins). This case more closely models actual field
performance and should be considered representative of the types
of production histories for which our methodologies were
developed.
~
[tlll1Mp = 1.0
[qni]MP = 1.0
[ikp =
[q/&PMP
1270.6 days
= 0.00888 STBID/psi
Summaty Discussion:
The simulated cases provide an excellent test for the utility of the
type curve analysis method. The results of the type curve analysis
and material balance analysis are essentially the same as the data
input to the simulator. Our method was shown to work well for a
variety of producing scenarios involving both variable rates and
variable bottomhole pressures, which gives us confidence in
applying these methods to field data cases.
(4)(1,742,359 ft2)
] [(.00888)] = I md
(1.781)(31.62)(0.2482 ft)2
(1)
s =-l~~)
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
.
Application to Field Cases
SPE 28688
[tlliJMp
= 1.0
[qn:ilMP = 1.0
[iJMp
(qll::.pMP
= 3300 days
= 0.019 STBlDlpsi
s
=-2.6
Material Balance Analysis: (Fig. 23)
Due to the lack of bottomhole pressure data, it is not possible to
use Peal plotted versus Np to estimate movable oil. Instead, we
plot the daily oil rate, q, versus Np to find the movable oil
volume. The extrapolation of this line to the Np axis intercept
yields a movable volume at the time when all reservoir energy has
been depleted.
Estimates for primary and secondary movable oil were 190 MSTB
and 130 MSTB, respectively. Our results indicate that
approximately 10,000 STB of primary movable oil remained in
the drainage area of the well when the waterflood was initiated in
1987. The analysis of the secondary decline trend is difficult at
present due to a lack of secondary production history. However,
using the present secondary decline rate we estimate that
approximately 113 MSTB of recoverable oil remained as of July
1994. Obviously, the actual movable oil volume will be less than
the volume calculated if the well were produced to zero rate.
Volumetric Analysis
Npmov = 190.0 MSTB (primary)
Np,mov = 130.0 MSTB (secondary)
Recovery Factor = 6.07% (primary)
= 4.15% (secondary)
Summary Discussion
The results of the type curve match and material balance analysis
yield realistic estimates for original-oil-in-place, movable oil,
drainage area, permeability, and skin factor. The primary
recovery factor calculated using the value of original-oil-in-place
from the type curve match is typical for wells in this unit
A pressure build-up test was performed on well NRU 4202 in
1988, and the permeability to oil was estimated to be 0.2 md, and
SPE28688
the calculated skin factor was -3.7. Both of these values are
consistent with the values obtained from our analysis, although it
should be noted that the calculations for drainage area,
permeability, and skin factor are adversely affected by the lack of
an accurate value for the net pay interval.
[tn:iJMp
[qniJMP
= 1.0
= 1.0
[~MP
[ql.c:\pMP
= 2000 days
= 0.013 STBlDlpsi
= -0.6
SummlUY Discussjon:
The analysis techniques used for this well show that the analyst
must be careful when major events, such as long shut-in periods,
or questionable production data affect a well's producing history.
If a good well history is available, the analysis and interpretation
can be accurately performed. The results of our type curve match
as well as our material balance analysis indicate that the well is
draining a very small area and may require stimulation, although
the primary recovery factor estimated from this analysis is typical
for wells in the unit.
<
Reservoir Properties:
Estimated wellbore radius, rw
Average net pay thickness, h
Average porosity, ~ (fraction)
Estimated irreducible water sat, Swirr
Average formation permeability, k
Original nominal well spacing
= 0.3 ft
= 190 ft
= 0.09
= 0.30
1.0 md
= 80acres
Fluid Properties:
Average oil formation volume factor, B
Average oil viscosity, Jl
Initial total compressibility, Cti
Average total compressibility, Ct
=
=
=
=
1.33 RBISTB
0.9cp
12.4xlO-6 psi-I
18.3x 10-6 psj-l
Production Parameters:
Initial reservoir pressure, Pi
Flowing bottomhole pressure, Pwf
= 2650 psia
unknown
Spraberry Well A
This well was drilled in 1957 and completed in both the upper and
lower sections of the Spraberry. The well has produced
approximately 123 MSTB as of September 1993. The semilog
and log-log production plots shown in Figs. 30 and 31 indicate
that the oil rate varied significantly during the later stages of
primary depletion. The rate integral and rate integral derivative
functions reduce the affects of the data scatter evident on the rate
function prof1le (Fig. 32). This smoothing allows for a better type
curve match even for rate data with a high degree of scatter.
10
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
[tOOMP = 1.0
[qw1Mp = 1.0
(iJMp =
[q/tJ.pJMp
8500 days
= 0.0069 STBID/psi
= -5.4
SPE 28688
Reservoir Properties:
Estimated wellbore radius, rw
Estimated net pay thickness, h
Average porosity" (fraction)
Estimated irreducible water sat, Sw;rr
Average formation permeability, k
= 0.25 ft
= 300ft
= 0.05
= 0.30
= 0.01 - 1.3 md
Fluid Properties:
Average oil formation volume factor, B
Average oil viscosity, Jl
Initial total compressibility, C'i
Average total compressibility, Cl
=
=
=
=
1.35 RB/STB
0.45cp
16.4xlO-6 psi- 1
21.0xlO-6 psi- 1
Production Parameters:
Initial reservoir pressure, Pi
Flowing surface tubing pressure, Pwf
= 3326 psia
= 80 psia (7/94)
SPE 28688
a time of 132 days to remove the most significant part of the rate
data scatter.
After reinitialization, we obtained a good match on the reD=28
transient flow stem. It is interesting to note the effect that the gas
lift process has on the flow rate profile. The rate profile shows a
spike-like trend in Fig. 36 but is smoothed to a pair of overlapping
trends for the (q/6.p) function in Fig. 37. This behavior does not
affect the overall quality of the type curve match.
[iJMP =
[tDtiMp = 1.0
[qn:iJMP = 1.0
11
330 days
s = -5.0
Material Balance Analysis: (Figs. 39-41)
Plots of Peal' (q/6.p), and q versus N p are used to estimate the
movable oil volume. We assume that because flowing bottomhole
pressure is held constant after gas lift is initiated, the straight line
extrapolation of q to zero yields about the same value for movable
oil as does extrapolation of Peal or (q/6.p) to the N p axis intercept
All of the material balance methods yield a movable oil volume of
360 MSTB with gas lift. which means that there are approximately
30 MSTB of movable oil remaining in the reservoir at present
conditions.
We also note that during the period before installation of gas lift,
that the extrapolated movable oil volumes for all material balance
methods are also quite similar (...310 MSTB). The results of the
volumetric analysis are given below.
Volumetric AnalYSis
Np,mov = 360.0 MSTB (with gas lift)
Recovery Factor =7.39%
Summary Discussion
The type curve and material balance analyses yield acceptable
results for original-oil-in-place, movable oil, and the reservoir
flow characteristics. The calculated recovery factor is in the range
of what we would expect for Austin Chalk wells, and we note the
short operating life that is also characteristic of these wells. The
calculated permeability of 0.23 md and skin factor of -5.0 are also
representative values. The calculated permeability may be in error
since we may have underestimated the effective net pay interval.
As this is a horizontal well, it appears that we may be able to
accurately model the behavior of horizontal wells in the Austin
Chalk using the FetkovichlMcCray type curve which was
developed for vertical wells (radial flow). In addition, this
analysis technique may provide a method to estimate the well
drainage area, which is often unknown for Austin Chalk wells.
[tn:iJMp
[qn:iJMP
= 1.0
= 1.0
[iJMP
[q/6.pJMp
= 84 days
= 0.32 STBID/psi
s
= -1.0
Material Balance Analysis: (Figs. 46-48)
Plots of Peal' (q/6.p), and q versus Np are used to estimate
Np,moV' and again the computed movable volume for all three
methods is exactly the same. Primary movable oil for this well is
estimated to be 100 MSTB, indicating that the remaining movable
oil volume is less than 10,000 STB. The recovery factor is
slightly higher than for the Barton Lightsey 64 even though no gas
lift process was initiated. The comparison of recovery factors is
somewhat misleading when we consider that the Barton Lightsey
well will recover approximately 3.5 times as much oil as the
Scarmardo Carrabba well. We assume that the higher oil recovery
factor is due to better reservoir quality, if not better
communication between the fracture and matrix systems. All
things being equal, one possible recommendation would be to
perform a significant stimulation treatment on this well.
Yolumetric Analysis
Np,mov = 100.0 MSTB
Recovery Factor =7.81%
12
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
Summary Discussion
The type curve matching and material balance analyses yield
consistent results even though we have used a type curve
developed for vertical wells to analyze horizontal wells. While the
reservoir quality surrounding this well appears to be much higher
than that of the Barton Lightsey well, the movable oil volume is
much lower, which suggests less than optimal communication of
the well and the reservoir.
Santa Clara (Lower Repetto) Field, Offshore, CA
The Santa Clara (Lower Repetto) Field (Fig. 49) was developed
on an approximate 40 acre nominal well spacing beginning in
1984. There are presently 9 producing wells in the field at an
average true vertical depth of 7500 feet The original reservoir
pressure in the Lower Repetto was estimated to be 5900 psia.
The Lower Repetto reservoir is characterized by four distinct
zones consisting of thinly bedded turbidite sandstones, with
interbedded silts and shales which limit both the vertical and lateral
continuity of reservoir properties. These clastic turbidites were
formed as a result of density currents which were deposited on the
mid and outer fan portions of a turbidite lobe.
This depositional process resulted in the formation of poorly
sorted, medium to very fme-grained arkoses and lithic arkoses.
These sands have porosities ranging from 5 to 35 percent, with an
average in-situ oil permeability of less than 3 md, and possibly
much less even though core permeabilities for the Lower Repetto
often average 20 md or higher. The in-situ reservoir permeability
is much lower than the calculated core permeability due to the
unconsolidated nature of the rock, and relatively high oil viscosity
at reservoir conditions.
Due to this lack of consolidation, sand production is a major
problem and gravel-packed completions using slotted liners are
required. The high viscosity of the oil at reservoir conditions
results in the rapid depletion of reservoir energy, therefore,
pressure communication is limited to within a few hundred feet of
any particular well. The Lower Repetto formation dips at 10 to
20 to the west, and due to the placement of the drilling platform
on the Upper Repetto structure, Lower Repetto wells are intersected at angles between 500 and 600 relative to horizontal.
The original-oil-in-place for the reservoir is estimated to be greater
than 300 MMSTB. Total production from the Lower Repetto as
of January 1994 was 3.6 MMSTB oil and 3.9 BCF gas. Ultimate
recovery is expected to be less than 3% due to the heterogeneous,
low permeability nature of the reservoir, in addition to the high
cost of development drilling.
However, given the producibility problems as well as the expense
of operation, the operator has elected to obtain continuous
measurements of flow rate and bottomhole pressure. Subsequently, the quantity and quality of oil production data and
bottomhole pressure data for the wells is very good, and we
expect to perform a rigorous analysis of these data.
Santa Clara Field. Fluid Property and Production Data:
Reservoir Properties:
Wellbore radius, rw
= 0.146 ft
Net pay thickness, h
= 120 - 150 ft
Average porosity, ~ (fraction)
= 925
Average irreducible water saturation, Swirr = 0.35
Average formation permeability, k
< 3.0md
Original nominal well spacing
40acres
Fluid Properties:
Average oil formation volume factor, B
= 1.42 RB/STB
Average oil viscosity, Jl
= 2.0cp
= 10.OxIO-6 psi-I
Initial total compressibility, Cti
= 1l.OxIO-6 psi- 1
Average total compressibility, Ct
Production Parameters:
= 5900psia
Initial reservoir pressure, Pi
= 50- 600
Well deviation
SPE 28688
[tntJMp = 1.0
[qntJMP
= 1.0
= 0.068 STBID/psi
=-8.1
SPE 28688
NOMENCLATURE
Field Variables
Formation and Fluid Parameters:
A
= drainage area, ft2
B
= formation volume factor, RBISTB
Ct
= total system compressibility, psi- l
Cti
= initial total system compressibility, psi- l
,
= porosity, fraction
h
= formation thickness, ft
Swirr = irreducible water saturation, fraction
k
= formation permeability, md
re
= reservoir drainage radius, ft
rw
= wellbore radius, ft
roo = apparent wellbore radius (includes formation damage
or stimulation effects), ft
J.l
= fluid viscosity, cpo
PressurelRateffime Parameters:
b
= FetkovichlArps decline curve exponent
bpss = constant in the pseudosteady-state equation for liquid
flow, as defined by Eq. 13 or Eq. A-4
Di
= constant defined by Eq. 19, D-I
m
= constant in the pseudosteady-state equation for liquid
flow, as defined by Eq. 12, psilSTB
(qltJ.P)int
constant defined by Eq. 18, STBlDlpsi
q
= oil flow rate, STBID
N
= original oil in place, STB
13
14
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
.
Pi
Pwf
Ptt
!J.p
= time, days
= Nplq, material balance time, days
= equivalent constant pressure time as defined by
tep
McCray8, days
'f
= dummy variable of integration
Djrnensionless Variables: Real Domain
CA = reservoir shape factor
r
= Euler's Constant =0.577216 ...
NpDd = dimensionless decline cumulative production
function
= circumference to diameter ratio =3.1415926 ...
PD
=
kh
!J.p, dimensionless pressure function for
141.2 qBJl
the constant flow rate case
t
t
qD
= 141.2 k ~Jl
J q, dimensionless flow rate function
jP
w
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We acknowledge the permission to publish field data provided by:
Fina Oil and Chemical, Co. (Western Division, USA).
Mobil Exploration and Producing, U.S., Inc.,
UNOCAL Corporation (Coastal California Division), and
Union Pacific Resources Co. (upRC).
SPE 28688
REFERENCES
1. Arps, J.J.: "Analysis of Decline Curves," Trans.,
AIME(1945) 160,228-247.
2. Nind, T.W.: Principles ofOil Well Production, 2nd Edition.
McGraw-Hill (1981).
.
3.
Arps, J.J.: "Estimation of Primary Oil Reserves," Trans.,
AIME(1956) 207, 182-91.
4.
Slider, H.C.: "A Simplified Method of Hyperbolic Decline
Curve Analysis," JPT(March 1968) 235-236.
5. Gentry, R.W.: "Decline-Curve Analysis," JPT (Jan. 1972)
38-41.
6.
Fetkovich, M.J.: "Decline Curve Analysis Using Type
Curves," JPT(June 1980) 1065-1077.
7. Fetkovich, M.J., et al: "Decline Curve Analysis Using Type
Curves - Case Histories," SPEFE (Dec. 1987) 637-656.
8.
McCray, T.L.: Reservoir Analysis Using Production
Decline Data andAdjusted Time, M.S. Thesis, Texas A&M
University, College Station, TX (1990).
9. Blasingame, T.A. McCray, T.C. and Lee, W.J.: "Decline
Curve Analysis for Variable Pressure DropNariable
Flowrate Systems," paper SPE 21513 presented at the 1991
SPE Gas Technology Symposium, Houston, TX, January
23-24.
10. Palacio, J.C. and Blasingame, T.A: "Decline Curves
Analysis Using Type Curves: Analysis of Gas Well
Production Data ," paper SPE 25909 presented at the 1993
SPE Rocky Mountain Regional/Low Permeability
Reservoirs Symposium, Denver, CO. April 12-14.
11. Blasingame, T.A and Lee, W.J.: "Variable-Rate Reservoir
Limits Testing," paper SPE 15028 presented at the 1986
SPE Permian Basin Oil & Gas Recovery Conference,
Midland, TX, March 13-14.
12. Dietz, D.N.: "Determination of Average Reservoir Pressure
from Buildup Surveys." SPEFE (August 1965) 955-959.
13. Muskat, M.: Flow ofHomogeneous Fluids Through Porous
Media, McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York (1937).
14. Carter, R.D.: "Characteristic Behavior of Finite Radial and
Linear Gas Flow Systems - Constant Terminal Pressure
Case." paper SPE 9887 presented at the 1981 SPEIDOE
Low Permeability Symposium, Denver, Colorado, May 2729.
15. Carter, R.D.: "Type Curves for Finite Radial and linear Gas
Flow Systems: Constant Terminal Pressure Case." SPEJ
(Oct. 1985) 719-728.
16. Shih, M.Y.: Decline Curve Analysis for Horizontal Wells.
M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M University, College Station. TX
(1994).
17. Ehlig-Economides, C.A, and Ramey, H.J., Jr.: "Transient
Rate Decline Analysis for Wells Produced at Constant
Pressure," SPEJ (Feb. 1981) 98-104.
18. van Everdingen, AF. and Hurst, W.: "The Application of
the Laplace Transformation to Flow Problems in
Reservoirs," Trans., AIME (1949). 186, 305-324.
SPE28688
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
bpll = 141.2 ~
[t In (e~ cAAr~J]
(A-3)
q
where
=-l...... i + bpss
(A-5)
NCt
-!!.
t=
q
(A-6)
Eqs. A-5 and A-6 were developed and verified by Blasingame and
Lee ll for the analysis of oil well production data. Taking the
reciprocal of both sides of Eq. A-5 and rearranging gives
.!l.- =-L
l1p
bpss 1 +
1
I
Ncppss
and Blasingame lO for the analysis of oil and gas well production
data.
Estimation of Movable Oil: Constant Bottomhole Pressure Case
Solving Eq. A-3 for the flowrate, q, gives
q=....L{PI-PwflI
Np
~
(A-8)
bpss
Ncppss
We immediately note that if Pwl =constant, then a plot of q versus
N p will yield a straight line of the following character
slope
y-intercept =
(A-7)
Eq. A-7 shows that a of plot qlAp versus i will yield a "harmonic"
decline on a FetkovichlMcCray type curve as discussed by Palacio
Nc,1pss
(A-9)
t-
{PiPwfl
(A-IO)
pss
x-intercept
Np,mov Np at q=O
(A-ll)
This result has considerable implications from a practical
standpoint. In particular, we can use a plot of q versus Np as a
means to estimate the movable oil for the case of a well produced
at an approximately constant bottomhole pressure. For cases of
variable bottomhole pressures, Eq. A-8 becomes less applicable,
but we can still use the q versus N p plot as a "semi-analytical"
method to predict movable oil.
An interesting historical footnote is that Nind2 developed Eq. A-8
from a completely empirical perspective. His goal was to develop
the exponential decline case using the observation of a linear trend
of q versus N p . In this light, we recall that the analytical
development of the exponential decline solution for a well
produced at constant bottomhole pressure is given by EhligEconomides and Ramey.17
A~ =b~ss - Nc 1pss ~
(A-12)
t
Eq. A-12 and other variations of this result are developed and
discussed in detail in refs. 8 and 10.
Considering the form of Eq. A-12, we note that a plot of qll1p
versus Npll1p will yield a straight line with the following
parameters
slope
y-intercept
x-intercept
(A-4)
15
NCt1pss
Ap
(A-l3)
(A-14)
(A-15)
Ap
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
16
P =Pi -
JJc; N
(A-l)
from say, type curve analysis or using the qlt:.p versus Nplt:.p plot
as described above, we can calculate the average reservoir
pressure, p, as
Peal =Pwf+ qbpss
(A-16)
Plotting Pcol versus Np gives the following results
slope
= - JJc;
= Pi
(A-17)
y-intercept
(A-I8)
x-intercept = Np,mov = N p atp=O
(A-19)
While Eqs. A-16 to A-19 provide the most rigorous and
comprehensive analysis of movable oil, this analysis requires a
certain degree of interpretation. For example, we will never
produce an oil reservoir to the p=O condition, so we really want to
determine Np,mov at some Pabn, which depends on the producing
conditions.
Obviously this method assumes that the measured flow rates and
bottomhole pressures are reasonably accurate, which is usually
Dn1 the case in practice. So again, we have a call for vigilant data
acquisition--if we want to perform state-of-the-art analysis and
interpretation of production data.
SPE 28688
qDd
qDd
= [1 }tDdJ
I
[1 + btDdJlIb
(B-2)
(B-3)
f:
Dd
NpDd=
qDJT)dT
(8-4)
NpDd,
= l!b[l-qDd(l+btDd)] ...(B-8)
or in terms of qDd
NpDd
= n[l-q]J]
(B-9)
= 1n(1 +tDd)
or in terms of qDd
Harmonic: (b=I)
(B-lO)
NpDd
NpDd
= 1n(lIqDd} =-1n(QDd}'"
(B-11)
t/Jd
-.Ll
tlli
tlli 0
qDJT)d T
(B-12)
The different cases for the dimensionless rate integral function are
given below
~
Rate Inte~ral Relation
Exponential: (b=O)
qDdi
= -L[l- exp(-tlli)]
tDd
....... (B-13)
or in terms of qDd
qDtJj = -L[l- q/Jd]
t/Jd
(B-14)
17
SPE 28688
Hyperbolic: (O<b<I)
qDdj = _1 _I_[I-[I+bt11-lIb)]
tfrj I-b
............................ (B-IS)
or in terms of qDd
qDdj =
Ha17TllJnic: (b=I)
I-b tnt
tnt
~
............................ (B-I6)
(B - 17)
qDdj = - 1 1n(I)
+ tDd
tDd
or in terms of qDd
qDdj
....LIn(lIqDd)
tDd
.
(B-I8)
qDdid=- dqDdj
- tDd ~=- tDd ....d.-{NpDd) .. (B-I9)
d In(tDd )
dtDd
dtDd tDd
Or if we use the defmition of the cumulative production function,
NpDd, we have
qDdid=- tDd
.....d...-[...Lfctn1
qDJ:r) d r ]
dtDd fIJd 0
tD = 0.00633 -In.(C-3)
flJlCtr~
Combining either definition of dimensionless time (Eq. C-2 or C3) yields the following expression for the dimensionless decline
time
(B-20)
= ...L[1exp(-tDd)] - qDd
tDd
qDdid
Ha17TllJnic: (b=I)
qDdid
= _I_In
(I + tDd) - qDd'"
tDd
I-b tfrj
tfrj
~
............................ (B-23)
(B-24)
ra
[J
(C-4)
_ dqDdi
qDdid-- d In{fIJd)
(C-6)
4A
erCAr~a
] 2trtD
................................................................... (C-l)
- tDd dtDd
(C-7)
qDdi=
14I.2~tIn[
4A 2 ](qII1P)i
eYCArwa
(C-8)
and
qDdid= 141.2~1.21n[
kh
where
Hyperbolic: (O<b<I)
tr
2
eYCAr2
wa
Similarly the definition of the dimensionless "decline" flow rate is
given by
............................ (B-22)
(C-2)
flJlc,A
Combining Eqs. B-I2 with B-20 gives the most useful definition
of the dimensionless rate integral derivative function, qDdid. This
result is given as
qDdid=qIJdj-qDd
(B-2I)
Applying Eq. B-21 to our previous results for the qDdi functions
yields
Rate lntel:ra1 Deriyative Relation
~
qDdid
=0.00633 .....M...
fc
Exponential: (b=O)
tDA
qDdi =
t1Ji
(q,I1P)i=tf:
4A ] (qII1P)id
eYCAr~a
11~ d
(C-9)
(C-IO)
and
(qII1P)id=-
d[{qll1~i] =_i(q/~p)i]
(C-II)
dt
dint
i=Nplq
(C-12)
2. Compute the flow rate and flow rate integral functions using
the material balance time function. These functions are
given by
(qll1p) ={Pi -~wn
11~
(C-l3)
18
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
tJ: t1~
(qlt1P)i =
. _ d[(qlt1P)i] _ -d[(qlt1P)i]
(qlt1p )id
- - dIn{ij - - t
di
(C-15)
bpss = (~~~
(C-16)
N-
c, (tllilMp (qllilMp
(C-17)
NB
(C-18)
tPh(I-Swirr)
.
where the effective drainage radius, re, can be estimated from the
following identity
re=
V"f
(C-19)
From the rate match point, we can solve for the formation
permeability, k
k-1412!lE..l.ln[ 4A
[(qII1P)MP]
. h 2
erCAr~aJ (qllilMp
(C-20)
rKt'l= ..!L.
reD
(C-21)
and
s = - l~~)
(C-12)
SPE 28688
SPE 28688
19
. . ._ _..a...-_ _........_ _
4000
3000
l'
10'
2000
.-
1000
J
1 10'
~
1000
2000
3000
t. Days
Figure 6 Semilog Production Plot for Simulated Case #2 (Variable Pwt with Shut-ins).
10"
10" l-~~..t.u.I.L-~~.Y.&A'0L.::..;"""-a...I""""'oI.\l10L.."""""""t~~1.A.&IoL10~O
....,.L;;,w. . . .1......
0'~.......ww..~~-a...I~1;0 ..
10"
10'"
~ 10' -:i-----+-----ir--....r---+-~--+
(I)
fi
10 -+-~-rr_rrnri-__,,...,.."'I"T'l,.,.,,;- .....-flT......,,r+--..,..T"'r'l'Tl"lrYt_
10
102
10'
"Days
10' l--~~~~or---h--~~---+----t----+---~
10'
Rgure 7 - Log-Log Production Plot for Simulated Case #2 (Variable Pwf with Shut-ins).
10'
10'
't10"
(I)
10"
1
LL
10"
10"
10'
10' .,...
--"'
--1
110-
01.-
10-3
10~ -+~-rr_rrrnr-r-T..,.,.."""I---r-tr-T"!"TI"I'lrt-..,...,..,.~rri-...,....,...,M"T'lrni---r
__.......~
10'
1200
10'
10'
t,.-Nlq. Days
1000
~lo"
(I)'
fI
,0
'
r-----
q
-'~
800
600
~
i'
----------------_!~------------------------------+----.
. . . - ---.,.-----.------.------.----__+_ 0
200
10
500
1000
1500
"Days
2000
2500
10'
3000
pwJ.
10'
~ 10' +-----+----t-----+-'~--~
(I)
fi
10" l . -...........a..L""""""................................._~...&o.I.I ..........- - I........"""'""....................l.&U.lw.lLl~..........~~~....-....:::~ 10'
10~
10"'
10.
10'
t~
10'
10'
10'
10'
'
10 -+-____._'II""I""W'.....,.;.-,....,.-rT'I'Yft'r--_r_r-T"Il'Tftri--r-T"TT'T'I'm-
10
10'
102
"Days
w~
w"'
w~
w4
10'
10' r~"TT'I."..,.?~C!!!m;::::::::::t:::o::~r.,-,~~='~~~~~~C~..,..,.,~
~ ; F.~yType.Cutvel
eaJ:~I~~'t~~
10~ -I-.....--.~.......__,....,.............I--_r_......,I"'I"ftri-__._"T""I''T'I''1'nt-~-rr_rrnri-__,r-T~rTnt
10
10'
10'
t,.-N/q.[)eys
103
10
10'
SIrooIated
with ShIt-n)
(qAP)..,I(qoJ"PII 0.00888 STBIO/pIl
(I..,)"p!(IoJ... 1270.8 Days
~,...(qoJwI(qAliltll'= 1/0.00888 =112.6 psUSTBIO
NCt. 11.2842 STB/pIt
N~ _ . 47.000 STB
10'
105
10'
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves--Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
20
SPE 28688
A- .- .-C .-.
-
'-wc'- . -
&-A-~-A .-:
lie. II
..... - - L
lu-lu-~- A.
;...
.-. :
O-+--__-..,...-..,...-..,...-..,...-.......--r---.-----aw---t20000
10000
N,.STB
50000
30000
-t--....a....-....a....---------------r::===::::::::===;r
.. 0.015
0.010
0.005
lj.
.....- - r - -.....--r-.......;;~--t-
N,.ST8
50000
30000
I ~01
J
I
.. 8000
a.
J 6000
l.aoo -PIl~-------_-.e.._---------t-
1604
.4202
4001
L--
f\oi
~901 _ _ _
1B~
_ , . 1701 ~
1901
170"-
'----
~
I
___ J
4201
SEC. 8
2000
20000
10000
50000
30000
BLK.
N,.STB
Simulated Cue .2
102 -:t----'---+--......--+------+--....I.---+----Io---+----I~._~
20000
10000
N,.STB
30000
40000
50000
0-
10'
-t----t-----t-~~.,."bt~~.iiii:i~-I...t=_..I-~rt
.. 0.015
!
~
lj.
"Days
0.005
0.000 - t - -.....-
.......10000
.......-
.....20000
.....- - r - -.......--r-......;.,;;;~-_+_
40000
30000
50000
N,.STB
~ 10' ~----+-----+---~U"I:'---_t_
0-
10 -+-_.....,.'TTt"n+---r-.......'"I"'I""In+---r~I'T'I"nt+- __~...._.......
10'
103
I.Daya
10'
O-t--..,...-..,...-..,...-__-
10000
__-..,...-__
20000
30000
-..,...----;;;;po.;1~_+_
50000
N,.STB
SPE 28688
21
..
.....
fI)
ti
10'
-r---,.~~L::_t--...,-_r_....,~~II"l~---'T"(
6000
2000
10000
8000
12000
I. Days
-I-__~.........J......,............,..,nnJ~........,,...,..,~ri=::;:::;:;:;:;;;;;:::=;:::;:;:;;;:J..
103
10'
10
10'
r.,rN/q. Days
~ 10' -:t-----h~---+-.......
10'
10'
10'
10"
--_t:_
(I)
c:i
10 .....--.-......~I"I"I't-__--.-.......""""'"-..............."'I""I"I'I....
10'
10'
10'
J
'I
102
I. Days
103
"i'
10"
10"
Rgure 22 Match of Production Data for NRU Well 4202 (Clearfork) Radial Flow Type Curve.
10~ 4---r..,..,~nri---.r-T"'TT'lrn';i=:;::;r=;:;:;;;rr=::;:::;::;:;:;;;:J_
100
10'
80
.. .. .
~60
41\.
~40
190.000 sm
= 130,000 STB
20
0
10oo
200000
N".STB
10'
300000
k~~~~,..-----WiTr::,."..".::=
::-::;;.5:-:.:....,=.::1._
..00000
R8~teraj~:~~~~
10'
IJ 10' ~~d~~~~Ii;Ii~ifiiiiii.d~f
,..,.. . L;._~
I
~
10'
J
j;0l
.c.
~60..c.
&:;0'
~02
&,301
J07
JOB
-'92
.coo
,(02
.cO-l
~O2 &,3OJ ~J04 ~m
OJ
103- c.
20n
207
BOJ
29J
~801
0-4-
~02
~I
&,102
'000
10,(,
209
!A20{
1007
1006
m
2
&,201
8O",
t;.
Figure 28 Match of Production Data for NRU Well 1004 Clearfork (RadiaJ Flow Type Curve).
\ '0J
60
210
295
100!)
200
105.000 STB
20
1005
100?
1001
_______________
1003 100,( JI
o-+-.......
-r--.--...---.-~-.--.._,r=___r_...;y:=.
=to75_.000r-/
........
ST
....B....,...-.--....-.,....+-
r--'I'.......
5oo
10oo
150000
200000
250000
N,.ST8
Figure 2.-. NRU Wen 1004 - section 8 01 North Robertson Unit
22
SPE 28688
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves-Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
101
1500
10
1200
10'
~en
10'
fI
900
102
f:i
10'
10
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
1.cooo
I. Days
300
10 4--"'~......-4_--"---""'-""'--Io-l""""-+--~-""'.L.p-_"""":IIL.J"""--+-O
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
t.Days
Figure 35 - Semilog Production Plot for Barton Ughtsey Well 64 (Austin Chalk).
10 -+-_ _.--'I"I"I+-.......""'I""Y'ftft.........-P""'I"'I,....,......__"r"I'.....-.....
10'
f:i
102 ~----+------.-_--.:.a----~
10'
..
I. Days
10' -+-_....,...rT'I'rnr.....,r--r-~Pft"l'iI--.,...,I""'P'I..,.".,a+__.............M10
110 ..J------I-~=---=4----+======+====-I
10'
102
I. Days
Figure 36 - Log-Log Production Plot for Barton Ughtsey Well 64 (Austin Chalk).
en
&&.
10-3 ......f-----+----+----~-+---"IIIIIlL-_r_---__I_
..
10"
-:t-----+---~.....;..;..-.;..;~ . .:PllIlIIlr.:-~-l----~
10-2
T----t---~-r:;:::::;::::::;;=:::::;::==I=::::;_F
en
10~
-+-_-r-..........orn+-r--r-r"l"Yftt'i--...,..'I""'r"IrTI'I..+--r"r"l''TTI'n+---..~I''''r'I''rn+
1~
1~
t,.,-N/q. Days
loJ
10'
1~
1~
!at
..
~A:~~;seyWefl64
(q~. STBIOIpSl
(q~, STBlOlpsi
(q~.,.
STBIOlpsi
104 4-_-,...r'TTnri-.....,r-r"TT'l~~~;:::;:=i:;;;;;;::=::;:::::;::;:;:;:;;;:;;==;:::;:;:;:;::;~
10
10'
10
10'
10'
twrcNJq. Days
10'
10'
Figure 33 - Match of Production Data for Well A (Spraberry) Radial Flow Type Curve.
.....................~~......~olIA.U.~
Figure 38
~30
..
0. 20
-r-
2000
1500
0.1000
10oo
N,. STB
...........~
10'
...,.....,......,.....,..--..--..--.._,._,.._'6..,0_'OO-r\O_S..,T_B-r--r--r
50000
10'
2500 ;--'--'--'--'--'-............................-Aoo_--~::=====:;-t-
~
1: -+-
150000
200000
600
Est.
~~~' ~~ Litr)
500
200000
N,.STB
300000
10"
10'
23
SPE 28688
10~
04
10
10"
10"
1O'
1et
10'
10'
10'
10'
b~.(qoJJ~7;r';~~::.~~s plilSTBIO
10'
1O'
1 ,0,
1O'
- 360,000 STB
10"
10"
0.0 -+-ooor-ooor-ooor-......-r-..........,.......,.......,...--r---r---r---r---r-..,..-.,.~~-+o
10oo
200000
300000
.-oo0
N".STB
04
1O"
10
10"
1O"
!.
10"
10'
10'
Figure 45
.!I
10'
10'
lew
8000
6000
2000
p,-3326 psia
1500
~ 1000
2000
10oo
200000
40oo
300000
...., ....
. "'"',:
500
Est. Movable OJ
- 100,000 STB
N,.STB
0-+-T""'T""T""T""'T""T"",..,.""T""...........r-T-T4~.-::r::,-,c;.,-~_~_~~
25000
50000
10oo
75000
N".STB
125000
15oo
1500
1200
10'
900
101
i.1O
eoo 1.
fi
10'
0.40
U)
~ 0.20
Ci-
300
0.10
0
10
100
200
400
300
500
tDays
25000
Agure 42 - Semilog Production Plot for S Carrabba Well 225 (Austin Chalk).
50000
10oo
75000
125000
150000
N".STB
5OOO..,......................
~=:===**===::!::::~==##H-
~ 1oJ~---+---.,f---::lIIIII~~
4000
j 3000
(I)
fi
Q;
i
~
10' -+-~..,...,I"TTImt-....,I""'"T"TT'lrnri-T""'1I""'T"1''Tmrt
PI - 3326 psis
2000
Est. Movable 01
100,000 STB
1000
10
t.Days
0-+-T""'T""T""T""'T""T""T""'T""T""T""T-,-~~~~~'r-"T""1~"T""1~"T""1r-4-
Agure 43 - Log-Log Production Plot for S Carrabba Well 225 (Austin Chalk).
25000
5oo
10oo
75000
N,.STB
125000
150000
gIO'~-~~+--~-~~----+--i::
(I)
i
&L
.~
10" T";;:;;=====:::;t:;:::;==:;:;::::;:;t:;::;:;::;;---r-----r----,---;-
...
A'
.~
.~
+ ';::'
10" ~:::;:::;::::;::;:;;;;;:=;::::;:;:;;;;;t=::;:::"""r'T"ITrt-""""'T"TT"ITrJ---r"""'I""I"TnJ.--.,r-+'"I""I"I,..,..J
10"
1~
1~
10J
twaN/q.Daya
1~
1~
1~
i
i
z!~
I I!
~
ru'
1'1
I
Decline Curve Analysis Using Type Curves--Analysis of Oil Well Production Data Using Material Balance Time:
Application to Field Cases
24
SPE 28688
...
~
- - - - - - - _... --=::::::::::--...--~
i~:~
7"_----_--~
;~~
----------
_. __- - - - _+~ .
~! UlCAO~"
--------~-
~-.u.
:~
.........,
.....................
,I,
A C ..::.._....
'I\-.~
----
Agore 54 Match of Production Data for Gilda Well 5-42 (Lower Repetto) Radial Flow Type Curve.
.i:~: .
figure 50 location or We~ 5-42 within Santa Clara (lower Repetto) Ficld
103 - : t T - - - . . . a . . - - - - I . . - - - - L - - - - I . . - - - - L - - - - I -
3000
Est. Primaty Movable 01
1.000.000 STB
2500
2000
1500
200
l'
O-t-..,.....,.....,.....,......,.....,.....,.....,......,;;:--r-......--r-T"-T"-T".....,......,......,......,.-i-
1000 5"
500000
100000o
1500000
200000O
N".STB
500
10 ;------,----r----..,...-----------~ 0
1
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
t.Days
Figure 51 - 5emilog Production Plot for Gilda Well 5-42 (Lower Repetto).
103
..
+--L......u..a.&..Uof----lI.-l.,.&,.I.,j~~..&....lL.4.l..&.&.Li
.. 0.15
.....
~ 10 -:t-----+--,tt.~-J--~~--Ien
2
0.10
0.05
0-
500000
101 -+---r-rT'TTnt+-I'"""'T-rT'TT'n'r-...--~",",.f-
100000o
N".STB
1500000
2000000
10'
Figure 52 - Log-Log Production Plot for Gilda Well 5-42 (Lower Repetto).
.!! 12000
!.
j9000
....
P, 5900 psis
16~ "
3000
O-t--r--r--r-~-r-...,....,.....,.....,...-r-.---r....,..-T"....,......;:;::~--r--r-4
500000
100000o
1500000
2000000
N" STB
102
10
'..-NIq.Daya