Petroleum Production Optimization

Reservoir Performance

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, students should be able to :
Construct an IPR for oil wells using Vogels Method

Predicting Present Time IPRs for Oil Wells

If all the variables in the inflow equations could be calculated, the
equations resulting from integration of Darcys Law could be used to
quantify the IPR.
Information regarding all of the variables in the inflow equation rarely
exists and empirical methods must be used to predict the inflow rate for
a well.
Several of the most widely used empirical methods for predicting an IPR
for a well will be discussed in this lecture.

Darcys IPR Curve

The Darcys IPR curve can be drawn using the following equation:
0.00708
=
0.472
ln(
)

A plot of Pwf versus qs should be a straight

line of slope -1/J with an intercept on the
Y axis (Pe).
However, in reality IPR is usually not a
straight line.
More realistic IPR Equations are :
(i) Vogel
(ii) Fetkovitch
(iii) Standing
(iv) Jones, Blount & Glaze

Darcys and Vogels IPR Profile

IPR: Vogels Method (Saturated Reservoirs)

Vogel introduced an empirical relationship for qo based on a number
of history matching simulations for oil wells producing from saturated
reservoirs.

The study involved several hypothetical reservoirs including those

with different oil characteristics, relative permeability characteristics,
well spacing and skin factors.
The Vogel method involves plotting the IPRs in dimensionless form :
pwf/pR vs qo/qomax on Cartesian plot.

It was found that the general shape of the dimensionless IPR was
similar for all the conditions studied.

IPR: Vogels Method (Saturated Reservoirs)

Based on the plots, the relationship between dimensionless flowrate
and dimensionless pressure is:

()

= 1 0.2
0.8

where
qo = inflow rate corresponding to the wellbore flowing pressure Pwf
qomax = inflow rate corresponding to the zero wellbore flowing pressure, AOF
pR = average reservoir pressure existing at the time of interest.

The pressure used to calculate the dimensionless pressure ratio

should be in gauge pressure.

IPR: Vogels Method (Saturated Reservoirs)

Application of Vogels Method (Saturated Reservoirs)

Example 2 (i)
A well is producing from a reservoir having an average
reservoir pressure of 2085 psig. A stabilized production rate of
282 STB/day when the flowing bottomhole pressure was 1765
psig. The bubble point pressure is 2100 psig. Using Vogels
method calculate:
1. The producing rate if Pwf is reduce to zero (qomax or AOF)
2. The producing rate if Pwf is reduced to 1485 psig.
3. The bottomhole pressure necessary to obtain an inflow of
400 stb/day.

Example 2 (ii)
Using Darcys Equation, solve the same problem and
compare the result. What are your observations?

Results
Parameter

Darcys Equation

Vogels Equation

qomax or AOF (STB/d)

1835

1097

qo for Pwf = 1485 psig

528

496

Pwf for q = 400 psig

1631

1618

The difference in the results is small. However, as the flowing BHP is

reduced to zero, a significant difference is observed for AOF. This can be
an important consideration if the well is being considered for artificial lift,
where Pwf can be reduced to a low value.

Example 2 (iii)
Using the same data given in Exercise 2(i), construct the IPR of
the well using Vogels method (suggested Pwf are 2085, 1800,
1765, 1618, 1300, 1000, 700, 300 and 0 psig)

Example 2 (iii)
pwf/pr
2085
1800
1765
1618
1300
1000
700
300
0

qo/qmax
0
253
282
398
618
789
923
1046
1096

Vogel's IPR
2500

2000

1500

1000

500

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

IPR: Vogels Method (Undersaturated Reservoirs)

Two test cases must be considered for applying
Vogels method to
undersaturated reservoirs. Pwf for the test can be either above or below Pb.
Equations can be derived considering the productivity index to be constant for Pwf
Pb and assuming that Vogels equation applies for Pwf < Pb. It is also assumed
that the slopes of the two segments are equal at Pwf = Pb .
Applying Vogels equation for any flow greater than the rate qb, corresponding to
pwf=pb :

= 1 0.2
0.8
(.)

IPR: Vogels Method (Undersaturated Reservoirs)

Undersaturated Reservoirs

Figure 1: IPR for an undersaturated reservoir (Beggs 2003)

IPR: Vogels Method (Undersaturated Reservoirs)

The IPR for Pwf Pb is linear.

The IPR for Pwf Pb is linear.

Example 3 (i)
The following data pertain to an undersaturated reservoir:

Pr = 4000 psig
Pb = 2000 psig
S=0
Test data: Pwf = 3000 psig for qo = 200 STB/day
Generate an IPR

Example 3 (i)

pwf
4000
3000
2000
1500
1000
500
0

qo
0
200
400
489
556
600
622

IPR
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
IPR

2000
1500
1000

500
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Example 3 (ii)
The well described in Exercise 3(i) was retested and
the following results obtained:
Pwf = 1200 psig for qo = 532 STB/day
Generate an IPR using this test data.

Example 3 (ii)
pwf
4000
3000
2000
1500
1200
700
500
0

qo
0
156
400
489
532
585
600
622

Example 3 (ii)
pwf
4000
3000
2000
1500
1200
700
500
0

qo
0
200
400
489
532
585
600
622

IPR
4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
IPR

2000
1500
1000

500
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

THANK YOU
2013 INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY PETRONAS SDN BHD
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Q&A
Session