ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA DEL LITORAL

COURSE PROGRAM

ACADEMIC
DEPARTMENT:
DEGREE COURSE:
SPECIALIZATION:
AREA:
COURSE TYPE:
FORMATION AXIS :

FICT
Pre-Graduate
Petroleum Engineering
Formation Evaluation
THEORETICAL
x
PRACTICAL
300-I

1. MODULE NAME
CODE

FICT-01958
PRE-REQUISITES
ICM-01974
CO-REQUISITES
EQUIVALENT TO
VALIDATED WITH
-

MODULE

Reservoir Fluid Flow

Fundamentals
Differential Equations
-

CREDITS/HOURS/PER WEEK
CHARGE
THEORY
4
PRACTICAL
0
Gabriel J. Colmont, M. Sc.

PROGRAMA DE ESTUDIO:
IG1003-1

PROFESSOR IN

ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA DEL LITORAL

COURSE PROGRAM

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES
To discuss the development of the diffusivity equation for flow of
fluids in the reservoir and its solutions of interest, as well as the
mathematical basis for pressure analysis methods of well testing.

3. COURSE SUMMARY
We begin with the derivation of the diffusivity equation for slightly
compressible fluid flowing in homogeneous-acting reservoirs. We
then present some of the more useful solutions to the fluid flow
equations, emphasizing the exponential integral solution. In addition,
we discuss the use of dimensionless variables, the radius of
investigation concept and the principle of superposition. We conclude
with a discussion of the van-Everdingen-Hurst solution to the
diffusivity equation.
4. COURSE DETAILS
Definition of reservoir formation, hydrocarbon reservoir
and drainage area of a well.
1.2 Classification of flow systems according to: geometry of
flow, type of fluids, homogeneity and spatial variation of
permeability, rate of flow of the well, and reservoir
boundaries.
1.3 Typical flow regimes according to the rate of change of
pressure with respect of time. Pressure and rate profiles.
2. Darcys law and applications.
2.1 Darcys equation for linear and radial flow, for oil and gas
and any direction of flow and in Darcy units.
2.2 Sign Convention
2.3 Limitations
2.4 Darcys Equation in Field Units.
2.5 Steady-state flow systems: inclined beds, permeability
variation and skin effect concept.
3. Diffusivity Equation.
3.1 Derivation of The Diffusivity Equation: Fundamental
physical principles; Diffusivity equation for radial, singlephase flow of a liquid with small constant compressibility;
Diffusivity equation for radial, single-phase flow of a gas;
1.1

PROGRAMA DE ESTUDIO:
IG1003-1

ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA DEL LITORAL

COURSE PROGRAM

Diffusivity equation for radial, multiphase flow.

3.2 Initial and Boundary Conditions: Initial condition; Outer
boundary conditions; Inner boundary conditions.
3.3 Dimensionless
Groups: Radial flow-Constant rate
production; Radial flow-Constant pressure production;
Linear flow-Constant rate production-General case; Linear
flow-Constant rate production-Hydraulically fractured
wells.
4. Solution to The Diffusivity Equation
4.1 Bounded cylindrical reservoir
4.2 Infinite cylindrical reservoir with line source well.
4.3 Bounded cylindrical reservoir, pseudosteady-state flow.
Flow efficiency.
4.4 Flow equation for generalized reservoir geometries.
Stabilization time. Dietz factor.
4.5 Radial flow in infinite reservoir with wellbore storage.
4.6 Linear flow in infinite-acting reservoir
5. Some concepts and principles of interest in well testing.
5.1 Radius of investigation
5.2 Principle of superposition
5.3 Horners approximation
6. Van-Everdingen-Hurst Solutions to The Diffusivity Equation
6.1 Constant rate production. No-flow outer reservoir
boundaries and constant pressure outer reservoir
boundaries.
6.2 Production at constant BHP.

5. CORE TEXT
Pressure Transient Testing, by John Lee, John B. Rollins and John P.
Spivey, SPE (2003).Chapter 1 and Appendix A, B, D and E.
Class notes by Gabriel J. Colmont in form of PowerPoint slides and
printed materials distributed by the instructor.

6. READING LIST
1. Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering, L.P. Dake, Elsevier
(1978). Chapters 4,5,6,7 and 8.
2. Well Testing, by John Lee, SPE (1982). Chapter1, Appendix A,B
and C.
3. Gas Reservoir Engineering, by J. Lee, SPE (1996). Chapter 5.
PROGRAMA DE ESTUDIO:
IG1003-1

ESCUELA SUPERIOR POLITECNICA DEL LITORAL

COURSE PROGRAM

4. The Practice of Reservoir Engineering, by L.P. Dake, Elsevier

(2201). Chapter 4.

7. APPROVAL
DEAN

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ACADEMIC
SECRETARY

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8. COURSE VALID UNTIL

ACADEMIC COMMITTEES DECISION:

PROGRAMA DE ESTUDIO:
IG1003-1

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