VFP Designer - User Guide

19.
VFP Designer
User Guide
Rock Flow Dynamics
March 2019
19.1
Copyright Notice
Rock Flow Dynamics r (RFD), 2004–2019. All rights reserved. This document is the intel-
lectual property of RFD. It is not allowed to copy this document, to store it in an information
retrieval system, distribute, translate and retransmit in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of RFD.
Trade Mark
RFD, the RFD logotype and tNavigator r product, and other words or symbols used to identify
the products and services described herein are trademarks, trade names or service marks of
RFD. It is not allowed to imitate, use, copy trademarks, in whole or in part, without the prior
written consent of the RFD. A graphical design, icons and other elements of design may be
trademarks and/or trade dress of RFD and are not allowed to use, copy or imitate, in whole
or in part, without the prior written consent of the RFD. Other company, product, and service
names are the properties of their respective owners.
Security Notice
The software’s specifications suggested by RFD are recommendations and do not limit the
configurations that may be used to operate the software. It is recommended to operate the
software in a secure environment whether such software is operated on a single system or
across a network. A software’s user is responsible for configuring and maintaining networks
and/or system(s) in a secure manner. If you have any questions about security requirements
for the software, please contact your local RFD representative.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by RFD. RFD assumes no responsibility for any error that
may appear in this manual. Some states or jurisdictions do not allow disclaimer of expressed
or implied warranties in certain transactions; therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
Since the software, which is described in the present document is constantly improved, you
may find descriptions based on previous versions of the software.
2
19.1
Contents
1. Introduction 6
2. Project of VFP Designer 7

2.1. VFP Designer project window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2. Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables . . . . . . 8
2.3. Top Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.4. Tabs: Basic Data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction etc. . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5. Right Panel Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6. Report panel – Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3. Cases 14
4. Basic data 15
5. Defining a Well Geometry 17

5.1. Import. Well Trajectory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.1.1. Import. WELLTRACK Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.1.2. Import. Well Path/Deviation Text Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
5.1.3. Import. LAS Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
5.1.4. Import. GWTD Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
5.1.5. Import. OWX Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
5.1.6. Import. MoReS Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
5.1.7. Import. Vertical Wells Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5.1.8. Load Wells from Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.2. Trajectory construction methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5.3. Copy a Well Trajectory from a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5.4. Manually Editting of Well Trajectory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
5.5. Visualization of Horizontal Well Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
5.6. Creating a multilateral well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6. Well trajectory in 3D 36
6.1. Paint settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
6.2. Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
6.3. Import Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.3.1. LAS Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.3.2. RFT Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
6.3.3. Landmark OWX Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
7. Defining a Well Construction 44

7.1. Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
7.1.1. Casing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
7.1.2. Tubing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.1.3. Perforation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
CONTENTS 3
19.1
7.1.4. Squeeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
7.1.5. Packer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
7.1.6. Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
7.1.7. Separator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
7.1.8. Bottom Hole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
7.1.9. Gas Lift Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
7.1.10. Sub-critical Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
7.1.11. Autonomous inflow control device (AICD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
7.1.12. Spiral inflow control device (SICD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
7.1.13. Pull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
7.2. Well Construction Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
8. Defining a Pressure Drop Measurements 65
9. Schedule 67
10. Temperature 70
11. Defining Fluid Properties 71

11.1. Black Oil variant via PVT Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
11.1.1. Import of Black Oil variant from file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
11.1.2. Creation of Black Oil variant from correlations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
11.1.3. Defining Black Oil via compositional variant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
11.2. Specifying compositional variant via PVT Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
11.2.1. Import compositional variant from file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
11.2.2. Add library components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
11.2.3. Add user components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
12. Working with VFP Tables 85

12.1. Calculation of VFP Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
12.1.1. VFPPROD Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
12.1.2. VFPINJ Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
12.2. Import from File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
12.3. Visualization of Samples along with VFP Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
12.4. Convert a VFP Table to a Table of Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
12.5. Normalize Values of VFP Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
12.6. Export of VFP Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
13. Correlation Types 95

13.1. Single Phase Flow Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
13.1.1. Friction pressure loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
13.1.2. Single-Phase Friction Factor (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
13.1.3. The Single Phase hydrostatic pressure drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
13.2. Multiphase Flow Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
CONTENTS 4
19.1
13.2.1. Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
13.2.2. Griffith Correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
13.2.3. Petalas & Aziz correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
13.2.4. Beggs & Brill correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
13.2.5. Beggs & Brill revised correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
13.2.6. Orkiszewski method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
13.2.7. Gray correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
13.2.8. Aziz, Govier and Fogarasi correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
13.2.9. Mukherjee & Brill correlation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
14. Matching 135

14.1. Selection of Data Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
14.2. Defining Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
14.2.1. Selection of Well Construction Parameters for Matching . . . . . . . . 136
14.2.2. Selection of Correlation Parameters for Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
14.2.3. Selection of Correlation Types for Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
14.3. Parameters of Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
14.4. Results of Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
15. IPR Table 141

15.1. IPR models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
15.1.1. Vogel’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
15.1.2. Fetkovich’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
15.1.3. Well Productivity Index (PI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
15.1.4. Well Test Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
15.1.5. Jones’ Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
15.2. Creating IPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
16. Workflows 147

16.1. Editing workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
16.2. Creating variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
16.3. Running workflow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
17. Integration with Simulator 151
18. Integration with Model Designer 152
19. References 153
CONTENTS 5
19.1
1. Introduction
tNavigator is a software package, offered as a single executable, which allows to build static
and dynamic reservoir models, run dynamic simulations, perform extended uncertainty anal-
ysis and build surface network as a part of one integrated workflow. All the parts of the
workflow share common proprietary internal data storage system, super-scalable parallel nu-
merical engine, data input/output mechanism and graphical user interface. tNavigator supports
METRIC, LAB, FIELD units systems.
tNavigator is a multi-platform software application written in C++ and can be installed on
Linux, Windows 64-bit OS and run on systems with shared and distributed memory layout
as a console or GUI (local or remote) based application. tNavigator runs on workstations and
clusters. Cloud based solution with full GUI capabilities via remote desktop is also available.
tNavigator contains the following 8 functional modules licensed separately:
• Geology Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);
• Model Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);
• Network Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);
• Black Oil simulator;
• Compositional simulator;
• Thermal simulator;
• Assisted History Matching (AHM, optimization and uncertainty analysis);
• Graphical User Interface.
The list of tNavigator documentation is available in tNavigator Library.
In this document there is a description of VFP Designer which is available from tNav-
igator main window.
VFP Designer allows to:
• Create and edit well geometry and construction;
• Define fluid properties;
• Calculate VFP tables based on correlations;
• Match VFP tables with loaded pressure drop measurements.
tNavigator User Manual contains the description of physical model, mathematical model
and the keywords that can be used in dynamic model.
1. Introduction 6
19.1
2. Project of VFP Designer

2.1. VFP Designer project window
Graphical interface of VFP Designer consists of:
• Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables;
• Top panel buttons;
• Tabs: Basic data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction, Samples, Schedule, Temperature,
IPR, VFP.
• Log panel.
Figure 1. VFP Designer project window
To select the required option left-click on it. Corresponding data will be visualized on the
right panel.
2. Project of VFP Designer 7

19.1
2.2. Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables

1. Menu Document.
• Open.
• Save.
Save current state of the project.
• Save as.
Displays Save Settings dialog.
• Workflows.
Displays Calculations and Workflows dialog.
• Exit.
2. Menu Settings.
• Unit System. Indicated system of units (METRIC / FIELD / LAB) will be used in
graphical interface.
3. Menu Project Management.
• PVT →VFP. Calls the Project Management dialog. Using this dialog for the
selected VFP table (tables) a PVT project (black oil or compositional variant) can
be specified. PVT projects can be added, deleted or edited.
4. Menu VFP Tables.
• Import VFP Table From File. Load VFP Table from an available file. In
this case the keyword VFPPROD (see 12.19.66) or VFPINJ (see 12.19.65) will be
loaded.
Some of the above mentioned menu options are presented on the top panel as buttons as
well.
2.3. Top Panel Buttons

The description of buttons Open, Save and PVT → VFP, Import VFP Ta-
ble From File see in the section Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP
Tables.
• Time Step Editor.

Allows to add/delete time steps.
2.2. Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables 8

19.1
– Add Steps.
Step Length. Time step length: One step, Year, Six Months, Three Months, Month,
Week, Day;
– Remove Steps. A rule can also be removed by right mouse button click on a
time step;
2.3. Top Panel Buttons 9

19.1
2.4. Tabs: Basic Data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction etc.

In the VFP Designer the following tabs are available:
• Basic data. Allows to specify basic data about object and a well type;
• Geometry. Allows to load and visualize a well trajectory;
• 3D. Allows to visualize a well;
• Well Construction. Allows to create and visualize a well construction;
• Samples. Allows to load and visualize experimental data (pressure drop measurements);
• Schedule. Allows to specify a well schedule;
• Temperature. Allows to specify temperature distribution along a well bore;
• IPR. Allows to specify IPR table (see section 15.2);
• VFP Tables. Calculation of VFP Tables.
2.4. Tabs: Basic Data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction etc. 10

19.1
2.5. Right Panel Buttons

• Import.
Calls the import well trajectories dialog;
• VFPPROD (VFPINJ) Points.

Calls the table of VFPPROD Points. Table values can be edited manually;
• Correlation parameters.
Calls the dialog of correlation parameters;
• Sample Selection.
Calls the dialog of measurement selection If a measurement (Sample) is not checked it
will be not visualized;
• Matching.
Calls the matching dialog;
• Convert To Table.
Converts a calculated VFP tables to a table of values. After converting the VFP table
points of the VFP chart can be dragged by holding the key Shift. Corresponding table
values (on the right) will be changed automatically. After converting the VFP table it is
not possible to recalculate it;
• Export.
Exports crated VFP tables via keywords VFPPROD (see 12.19.66) if a well type is
producer or VFPINJ (see 12.19.65) if an injection well is set. Pressing this button calls
a dialog of export:
– Table Number. Indicate a table number. This number will be written to the file in
which a VFP table is exported;
– File Name. Indicate a file name (full path to the file) in which the created VFP
table will be exported.
• Normalize.
Normalizes values of VFP table in the region of non monotone behaviour of VFP plot.
• Replace Unphysical Values.

If a value of bottom hole pressure exceeds 1010 in calculation it will be automatically
replaced by the special value equal to 1010 . Using the following options it can be
corrected:
– Auto Replace. All pressure values equal to 1010 will be replaced by maximum
allowed value selected from obtained values of bottom hole pressures.
2.5. Right Panel Buttons 11

19.1
– Replace. Replaces a special value for bottom hole pressure 1010 to the specified
value.
• Table Description. Allows to make a description of VFP table:
– Name. Specify a name of VFP table;

– Comment. Write a comment for VFP table.
2.5. Right Panel Buttons 12

19.1
2.6. Report panel – Log

At the bottom part of the project there is a panel showing short information about ongoing
processes.
By default all messages are shown in the log–panel (corresponding to the button
Messages on the bottom panel). In order to see only warnings press the button Warnings
on the bottom panel. In order to see only errors press the button Errors on the bottom
panel.
2.6. Report panel – Log 13

19.1
3. Cases
In order to create several variants of well model, e.g., having a different well construction or
fluid properties, switch to the tab Cases (see figure 2). Press the button (or ) to add
(or delete) a model variant.
Figure 2. Current variant of well model.
To use the required model variant for calculations right-click on the selected variant and
choose Set Current. Then data corresponding to the current variant will be displayed on all
tabs of VFP Designer.
3. Cases 14
19.1
4. Basic data
For an object the following data should be specified:
• Name. Specify a object’s name;
• Group Name. Specify a name of group including a created object;
• Object.
– Pipe;
∗ Current VFP.
– Well.
• Well Type.
– Injection. If injection well is set the keyword VFPINJ (see 12.19.65) will be ex-
ported.
– Producer. If producer well is set the keyword VFPPROD (see 12.19.66) will be
exported.
• Current VFP. Specify a VFP table from a list of available VFP tables in the VFP
project.
• Preferred Phase:
– Not specified;
– WATER;
– OIL;
– GAS;
– LIQ;
• Inflow Equation. Specify a special inflow equation to model the flow of gas between
the completed grid blocks and the well completions:
– STD (or NO) – the standard inflow equations will be used;
– R_G (or YES) – Russell-Goodrich equation;
– P_P – dry gas pseudo-pressure equation (should not be used for gas condensate);
– GPP – generalized pseudo-pressure equation (this option may be used by gas
condensate producers – the keyword PICOND, see 12.19.213). Generalized pseudo-
pressure equation alters both the gas and oil mobilities and takes accounts also of
the effects of condensate dropout;
– LPP – gas inflow/outflow from a well is calculated using the expression with
pressure-dependent gas viscosity and density, similar to PSEUDOP in PERF
(see 13.9.11);
4. Basic data 15
19.1
– QUAD – gas inflow/outflow from a well is calculated using a quadratic inflow

relationship, similar to QUAD in PERF (see 13.9.11);
• Instructions for Automatic Shut-in:
– SHUT – isolate well from the formation;

– STOP – stop well above formation.
• Density Type. Specify a model of density calculations for the wellbore hydrostatic head:
– SEG – segmented model of density calculations. This model is supported in tNav-

igator for black-oil models and compositional models, this option can also be used
with BRINE (see 12.1.62) option.
The mixture density in the wellbore is calculated in each segment between two
connections, and depends on the relative quantities of the phases that are flowing
in this segment of the wellbore. This calculation model is more accurate than AVG
if different mixtures of fluids flows to the well through each connection.
– AVG – averaged density calculation model. The mixture density is considered as
uniform in the wellbore at formation level, depends on the total inflow rates of
each phase and the well’s BHP;
• Drainage Radius. A drainage radius is used for productivity/injectivity index calcula-

tions (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
If 0 is specified, then is used the pressure equivalent radius of the grid blocks containing
the well connections. The productivity index is equal to the sum over the connections
of the product of the connection factor and the local mobility of the preferred phase.
If the value is negative, the well’s potential flow rate is printed in the well reports instead
of the productivity index. (The well’s potential rate is the flow rate it would achieve in
the absence of any rate constraint, limited only by its BHP and THP constraint);
• Crossflow Ability. If the check box is checked the crossflow ability is activated;
• Use Segment Model. If the check box is checked then the Multisegment well
model is implemented for a well (keywords WELSEGS (see 12.19.11), COMPSEGS,
see 12.19.27);
• Well Head. Specify well head coordinates:
– X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
– Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
– Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
4. Basic data 16
19.1
5. Defining a Well Geometry

The tab Geometry allows to create and visualize a well trajectory. The well trajectory can be
• imported from a file;
• copied from a text file or Excel tables.
The visualization window is located to the right of the panel.
5.1. Import. Well Trajectory

A well trajectory can be imported from a file of standard format using the button Import
located on the right panel. Press the button Add Rows to import the file contaning
selected trajectory (see figure 3).
Figure 3. Import of trajectory
5. Defining a Well Geometry 17

19.1
Well trajectories can be loaded using the following formats:
• Import. WELLTRACK Format;
• Import. Well Path/Deviation Text Format;
• Import. LAS Format;
• Import. GWTD Format;
• Import. OWX Format;
• Import. MoReS Format;
• Import. Vertical Wells Format;
• Load Wells from Database.
Supported formats of imported well trajectory files are listed below:
5.1.1. Import. WELLTRACK Format

There are two types of WELLTRACK format:
1. For each well the separate table is created. Several well trajectories can be contained
in a file. A well name is specified using the keyword ”welltrack” followed by a well
name. A colon and a wellbore number may be added after a well name.
Trajectory data reading starts when the first number occurred.
Columns are the following:
1.1. X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).

1.2. Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
1.3. Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
1.4. MD (Measured Depth) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
A columns order and Z axis orientation can be indicated when loading the files. A well
table is terminated by a comma or a slash /.
Example
welltrack Well_P82
50133.99849282 57365.78811816 3335.08379542 3331.36235500
50131.05636316 57365.30935266 3350.53042953 3346.51853724
50129.97016088 57365.15669689 3356.13983138 3352.01963798
50128.40792386 57364.95680241 3364.20096452 3359.92539399
............................................................;
5.1.1. Import. WELLTRACK Format 18

19.1
2. All wells are defined by one table. Columns are:
2.1. Well name.

2.2. X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
2.3. Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
2.4. Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
2.5. MD (Measured Depth) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
Example
Well_P82 50133.99849282 57365.78811816 3335.08379542
3331.36235500
Well_P82 50131.05636316 57365.30935266 3350.53042953
3346.51853724
Well_P82 50129.97016088 57365.15669689 3356.13983138
3352.01963798
................................................ .....
Well_V350 50626.37190988 59306.20715875 3476.42938629
3477.48641053
Well_V350 50625.29074100 59306.09947473 3489.80035778
3490.90156557
Well_V350 50624.10952261 59306.00296529 3504.01549917
3505.16623325
.....................................................
The following fields and options of Wells Import dialog, common for all the formats, can
be set for this format as well:
• Reload All. Delete earlier loaded trajectories and load new ones. If this option is not
activated loaded trajectories will be added to available ones.
• Use for Identification. Select whether the wells should be recognized by names or by
UWI.
• File Names. Show full paths of files containing information about the objects in the
format indicated above.
• Add Rows. Add file with trajectory.
• Remove Rows. Delete selected file.
• Add Point with Zero MD. Continue well trajectories to the nearest point at XY plane
if the top trajectory point is visually below this plane.
5.1.1. Import. WELLTRACK Format 19

19.1
• Invert Z-coordinate (For all formats except Well Path/Deviation and MoReS ones).
It is recommended to activate this option if the loaded trajectories were generated by
the third-party software which has the opposite direction of Z axis. Here Z is directed
downward.
• Use OEM encoding. This field is recommended to activate if the loaded file is the old
encoding file (e.g. DOS encoding).
• Well Filter. Define the wells filter name in which loaded wells will be selected.
• Length Units XY (except LAS and MoReS formats). Choose Units System for X and Y
axes. Available units are METRIC, FIELD, LAB. If option Not specified is activated,
units are defined by default in Settings menu.
• Length Units Z (except LAS and MoReS formats). Choose Units System for Z axis.
Available units are METRIC, FIELD, LAB. If option Not specified is activated, units
are defined by default in Settings menu.
• Apply. Load trajectories of wells from chosen files using activated options.
Additional options can be used:
• Use keywords. Select the format for loading well data. If this option is activated the
first alternative with the keyword ”welltrack” is used, otherwise the second one will be
applied.
5.1.2. Import. Well Path/Deviation Text Format

A file should contain an information about a trajectory for one well. Lines starting from ”#”
symbol are comments. In dialogue there is a possibility to define a line from which the table
will be read.
UWI.
5.1.2. Import. Well Path/Deviation Text Format 20

19.1
downward.
• Input Data Type. This option is used to indicate the type of columns which are available
in the data which will be input. The exact name of the columns can be modified later in
the preview window.
– MD X Y Z. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t )
– MD DX DY TVD (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) where DX, DY are shifts with
respect to the well head, respectively).
– MD INCL AZM (where INCL (inclinometry) is the angle between the current
direction and the vertical; AZIM (azimuth) is the angle in clockwise direction
between the north direction and its projection onto a horizontal plane). MD
(METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
• Method (available only for MD INCL AZM input data type). Well trajectory con-
struction method based on MD, INCL and AZM data should be chosen. The detailed
description of each method is given in the section Trajectory construction methods.
– Tangential.
– Balanced Tangential.
– Average Angle.
– Radius of Curvature.
– Minimum Curvature.
• Preview:
– Delimiter. Define a symbol separating table columns (e.g. tab or space symbols).
5.1.2. Import. Well Path/Deviation Text Format 21

19.1
– Comment. Define a comment symbol. Comments start with the determined symbol
and all text following the symbol will be ignored.
– Skip lines. Skip defined number of lines starting from the file beginning.
– Table of trajectories. Names of columns correspond to the format. Names of
columns can be rearranged. Moreover, in the table additional options are avi-
able:
∗ Skip. Ignore a data column.
∗ Skip line. Ignore all row data to the right.
Example
# WELL TRACE
# WELL NAME: 1336
# WELL HEAD X-COORDINATE: 9005.36000000
# WELL HEAD Y-COORDINATE: 25888.28000000
# WELL KB: 187.71000000
# WELL TYPE: UNDEFINED
# MD AND TVD ARE REFERENCED (=0) AT KB AND INCREASE DOWNWARDS
# ANGLES ARE GIVEN IN DEGREES
#==================================================
MD X Y Z TVD DX DY AZIM INCL DLS
#==================================================
5.0000000000 9005.3600000 25888.280000 182.71000000
5.0000000000 0.0000000000 0.0000000000 14.000000000
0.2500000000 0.0000000000
50.000000000 9005.4075011 25888.470517 137.71042837
49.999571632 0.0475011024 0.1905165158 14.000000000
0.2500000000 0.0000000000
80.000000000 9005.4550020 25888.661032 107.71109472
79.998905285 0.0950019787 0.3810321248 14.000000000
0.5000000000 0.2500000000
......................................................
5.1.3. Import. LAS Format

This is a standard LAS Format for well trajectory (and log curve). To get the detailed descrip-
tion of the format follow the link.
5.1.3. Import. LAS Format 22

19.1
UWI.
downward.
• MD, X, Y, Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) (where X, Y, Z are well coordinates).
• MD, DX, DY, TVD (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) (where DX, DY are shifts with respect
to the well head).
• MD, INCL, AZIM (where INCL (inclinometry) is an angle between the current di-
rection and vertical; AZIM (azimuth) is an angle in clockwise direction between north
direction and its projection onto a horizontal plane).
The Measured depth MD (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) is always present in a file.

The accordance between column names and their content can be set in this dialog box.
5.1.3. Import. LAS Format 23

19.1
5.1.4. Import. GWTD Format

The file can contain several well trajectories. The well name is specified using the keywords
”Well name” or ”Wellname”, or ”Well” followed by a colon symbol and the well name. A
comment can follow after that (name columns in the example above). The trajectory data
reading starts when the first number occurred.
The following types of column names can be set:
1. MD (Measured Depth) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
2. X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
3. Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
4. Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
The order and Z axis orientation can be chosen when loading.
UWI.
downward.
5.1.4. Import. GWTD Format 24

19.1
Preview. Trajectories table. The column names are in agreement with the format but can
can be rearranged. Moreover, in the table additional options are available:
• Skip. Ignore a data column.
• Skip line. Ignore all row data to the right.
Example
Well name : P82
MD in Entry point
3335.08379542 50133.99849282 57365.78811816 -3331.36235500
3350.53042953 50131.05636316 57365.30935266 -3346.51853724
3356.13983138 50129.97016088 57365.15669689 -3352.01963798
3364.20096452 50128.40792386 57364.95680241 -3359.92539399
5.1.5. Import. OWX Format

Each row starts from keywords except the header followed by data. Each keyword has several
parameters. The parameter position in the row is strictly determined (i.e. parameter typing
starts from and end up in the particular position in the row).
Possible keywords are:
• WELL, 2WELL, 3WELL, etc., define different well attributes;
• PICK, 2PICK, etc., define different marker features;
• WPERF, 2WPERF, etc., define different perforation data;
• LOG1, LOG2, etc., define different log curve features;
• PLG1, PLG2, etc., define different trajectory features.
Thus, well trajectories, logs, markers, events can be determined in one file.
Wells are identified by the first parameter UWI of the keyword WELL (it exists in PLG1
and LOG1 as well).
5.1.5. Import. OWX Format 25

19.1
Example
Project : my project
Depth Mode : MD
Depth Unit : feet
Distance Unit : feet
Date : 01 Aug 2016
WELL 11111111111111 well-a

2WELL Company LTD well-a 01-11 20 01-Aug-2000 0 0
3WELL 2453895.209 480864.110 40.64190000 -
103.86439000 2453895.209 480864.110
4WELL KB 4714.000 6423.000
5WELL
ELEV KB 4714.000
PICK Mrk-11
2PICK 6344.625 6344.625 -1630.625 42
PICK Mrk-12
2PICK 6151.875 6151.875 -1437.875 1
COMP 1 01-Jun-2000
2COMP N 0.00
WPERF 1 1 6259.000 6288.000
2WPERF0.00 0.00 0.000 0.000 0.000
LOG1 UWI: 11111111111111 Depth:
LOG2 Common: well-a
LOG3 Curve: XXD Run #: Units: API: 10 220 10 01
LOG4 Measr. Depth TVD Depth Log Value Null Value: -999.990
LOG5 6140.000 6140.000 3.534
LOG5 6141.000 6141.000 3.530
LOG5 6142.000 6142.000 3.486
PLG1 UWI: wel1
PLG2 Common: well1 Method: 5
PLG3 Measr. Depth TVD Depth TVDSS Depth X-Offset Y-Offset
PLG4 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
PLG4 5380.300 5365.752 -100.797 -26.337
PLG4 5386.090 5371.524 -100.965 -26.764
UWI.
5.1.5. Import. OWX Format 26

19.1
downward.
5.1.6. Import. MoReS Format

The standard load file syntax of MoReS simulator for defining well trajectories is supported.
UWI.
5.1.6. Import. MoReS Format 27

19.1
downward.
5.1.6. Import. MoReS Format 28

19.1
5.1.7. Import. Vertical Wells Format

The file can contain several well trajectories. The file must contain 4 columns: the well name,
X and Y coordinates and the depth of the last trajectory point (as MD, KB, or TVDSS).
The following types of column names can be set:
1. MD (Measured Depth) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
2. TVDSS (True Vertical Depth Subsea) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
3. KB (Kelly Bushing) (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
4. X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
5. Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
The order and Z axis orientation can be chosen when loading.
UWI.
downward.
5.1.7. Import. Vertical Wells Format 29

19.1
Preview. Trajectories table. The column names are in agreement with the format but can
can be rearranged. Moreover, in the table additional options are available:
• Skip. Ignore a data column.
• Skip line. Ignore all row data to the right.
5.1.8. Load Wells from Database

This calculation is available only via workflows.
Loading wells from database is done by means of a Python script. An example script is
available upon request. To import from a database with different structure (or any other
source of data, for that matter) the script has to be modified accordingly. The script
must implement methods get_wells() (no arguments, returns the list of well names) and
get_trajectory_arrays(name) (takes well name as an argument, returns a complex data struc-
ture with trajectory).
If a well with the same name already exists in the project, it is not rewritten.
5.2. Trajectory construction methods

The trajectory construction is based on the calculation of coordinate increments of the well
trajectory line segment using the inclinometry and azimuth angles. I1 , A1 denote inclinom-
etry and azimuth for top segment point, respectively and I2 , A2 for bottom segment point,
respectively. The following trajectory construction methods can be implemented:
1. Tangential:
• ∆Z = ∆MD · cos(I1 )
• ∆X = ∆MD · sin(I1 ) cos(A1 )
• ∆Y = ∆MD · sin(I1 ) sin(A1 )
2. Balanced Tangential:
• ∆Z = 21 ∆MD · (cos(I1 ) + cos(I2 ))

• ∆X = 12 ∆MD · (sin(I1 ) · cos(A1 ) + sin(I2 ) · cos(A2 ))
• ∆Y = 21 ∆MD · (sin(I1 ) · sin(A1 ) + sin(I2 ) · sin(A2 ))
3. Averaged Angle:
• ∆Z = ∆MD · cos( 21 (I1 + I2 ))
5.1.8. Load Wells from Database 30

19.1
• ∆X = ∆MD · sin( 21 (I1 + I2 )) · cos( 12 (A1 + A2 ))

• ∆Y = ∆MD · sin( 12 (I1 + I2 )) · sin( 12 (A1 + A2 ))
4. Radius of Curvature:
• ∆Z = ∆MD · sin(I2I2)−sin(I
−I1
1)
• ∆X = ∆MD · (cos(I1 )−cos(I2 ))(sin(A2 )−sin(A1 ))

(A −A )(I −I )
2 1 2 1
• ∆Y = ∆MD · (cos(I1 )−cos(I2 ))(cos(A1 )−cos(A2 ))

(A −A )(I −I )
2 1 2 1
Here, the angles are assumed to be measured in radians. If the angles are measured in
degrees, then the right side of the first expression should be multiplied by 180
π , while
180 180
second and third ones by π · π .
5. Minimum Curvature:
• ∆Z = 12 ∆MD · (cos(I1 ) + cos(I2 )) · RF

• ∆X = 12 ∆MD · (sin(I1 ) cos(A1 ) + sin(I2 ) cos(A2 )) · RF
• ∆Y = 12 ∆MD · (sin(I1 ) sin(A1 ) + sin(I2 ) sin(A2 )) · RF,
where:
• RF = 2 tan(DL/2)
DL ,
• DL = arccos(cos(I2 − I1 ) − sin(I1 ) · sin(I2 ) · (1 − cos(A2 − A1 )))
5.2. Trajectory construction methods 31

19.1
5.3. Copy a Well Trajectory from a File

A well trajectory can be copied from a text file or Excel table to the table located on the
tab Geometry on the left. Trajectory data should contain Depth and X, Y, Z coordinates of
trajectory points:
• Depth (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• X (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Y (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Z (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
5.3. Copy a Well Trajectory from a File 32

19.1
5.4. Manually Editting of Well Trajectory

After loading a well trajectory to a project values of its depth and values of its coordinates
will be showing in a table on the tab Geometry (see figure 4). Shown in the table values can
be modified manually. In this case a visualization of horizontal well profile (on the right) will
be changed automatically. If new coordinate values are not consistent with other trajectory
points then rows with inconsistent coordinate points will be highlighted with red color.
5.4. Manually Editting of Well Trajectory 33

19.1
5.5. Visualization of Horizontal Well Profile

Figure 4 shows a visualization of well trajectory. Horizontal Deviation (METRIC: m, FIELD:
f t ) is set along X axis and a well depth TVD (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) is set along Y axis.
Figure 4. Horizontal well profile
5.5. Visualization of Horizontal Well Profile 34

19.1
5.6. Creating a multilateral well

On the tab Geometry it is possible to create a multilateral well. On the panel Branches you
can add or/and delete a branch using the button Add brunch and Delete Branch (see
figure 5), respectively. Additional well branches are denoted as well_name:1, well_name:2
etc. The created well is visualized on the tab Well trajectory in 3D (see figure 6).
Figure 5. Multilateral well
Figure 6. Multilateral well. 3D view
5.6. Creating a multilateral well 35

19.1
6. Well trajectory in 3D
3D tab visualizes a well bore in 3D as shown in the figure 7.
Figure 7. 3D view of a well
To edit the 3D visualization on the right panel the following buttons are available:
• Show Paint settings;
• Show Log Table;
• Import Logs.
6.1. Paint settings

The following settings are available:
• General Settings:
– Trajectory Thickness. Specify a thickness of trajectory line;
– Equal Aspect Ratio. If the check box is checked the real proportion of well
trajectory will be kept.
• Trajectory Settings:
6. Well trajectory in 3D 36
19.1
– Correlations. Each trajectory interval is painted by the color corresponding to

the correlation type specified for this interval. For each correlation type (Beggs–
Brill, Hagedorn–Brown etc.) can be set a different color (see figure 8). Correlation
settings are:
∗ Correlation set From. Select VFP table from which correlation types will be
taken;
∗ Correlation Type. Beggs–Brill, Beggs–Brill Revised, Hagedorn–Brown, Ork-
iszewski and Gray;
∗ Color. To change a color double-click on the color cell. In the appeared dialog
select the color.
– Dogleg Severity. A well trajectory is painted depending on its deviation level (see
figure 9). DLS (Dog Leg Severity) settings are:
∗ Max DLS Value, deg/30 m. Specify the maximum value of trajectory devia-
tion in degrees per 30 m.
DLS is a measure of the rate of change in direction of a well bore over an interval
of the length equal to 30 m (or 100 feet). DLS is measured in degrees per 30 m
(or 100 f t ) of length.
d
DLS = arccos(sin I1 sin I2 (sin A1 sin A2 + cos A1 cos A2 + cos I1 cos I2 ))
∆MD
where
∗ d is the standard interval length (METRIC: 30 m, FIELD: 100 f t );
∗ ∆md (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) is the difference between MD values taken
at 1 and 2 points of well segment;
∗ A1 , A2 are the azimuth angle values taken at points 1 and 2 of well segment,
respectively;
∗ I1 , I2 are inclanation angles at points 1 and 2 of well segment, respectively.
6.2. Table
Having pressed on the button located on the right panel the log table containing values of
dog leg severity (DLS ) vs. measured depth md will be shown.
6.2. Table 37
19.1
Figure 8. Trajectory: Correlations
6.3. Import Logs

If Logs are available for a well they can be loaded using the button located on the right
panel. In order to visualize loaded logs press on the button Show Paint settings and on
the tab Trajectory Settings select required logs (see figure 11).
Files can be loaded in the following formats:
• LAS Format;
• RFT Format;
• Landmark OWX Format.
6.3.1. LAS Format

LAS Format is standard format for well log data. For the detailed description of LAS format
follow the link.
Brief description: file consists of several sections. Each section starts from symbol ’∼’.
The main file sections are:
• ∼Well. Well attributes list.
• ∼Curve. Well log curves list. Each line describes one log curve. Well log curves are
presented in the table of the section ∼Ascii. Well log data are defined in the corre-
sponding table column. Depth or time should be written in the first line of the section.
This is the curve argument. The line format is the following: from the beginning to the
first dot the log name should be written; from the first dot to the last colon the measured
unit is defined.
6.3. Import Logs 38

19.1
Figure 9. Settings: Dog leg severity
Figure 10. Settings: Log table of Dog leg severity vs. MD
6.3.1. LAS Format 39

19.1
Figure 11. Visualization of GK log along well trajectory
• ∼Ascii. The table shown below contains the well log data. The columns order corre-
sponds to the row order in the section ∼Curve.

19.1
Example
# LAS format log file
# Project units are specified as depth units
#============================================================
∼Version information
VERS. 2.0:
WRAP. NO:
#============================================================
∼Well
STRT .m 1117.8000000 :
STOP .m 1613.6000000 :
STEP .m 0.20000000 :
NULL . -999.250000 :
WELL. 273 : WELL
FLD. : FIELD
DATE. Thursday, November 29 2012 13:40:49 : DATE
UWI. : UNIQUE WELL ID
#============================================================
∼Curve
DEPT .m : DEPTH
IKP .mS/m : IKP
GK .gAPI : GK
NGK .m3/m3 : NGK
DTP . : DTP
BK .ohm.m : BK
Zones . : Zones
GKcut . : GKcut
Agk . : Agk
∼Parameter
#============================================================
∼Ascii
1117.8000000 1117.8000488 -999.250000 -999.250000 0.2099999934
-999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000
1118.0000000 1118.0000000 -999.250000 -999.250000 0.2099999934
-999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000
1118.2000000 1118.1999512 -999.250000 -999.250000 0.2099999934
-999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000 -999.250000
.................................................
To load files it is necessary to define the following parameters:
• Las File Names. Show full paths of files containing information about well logs data
in LAS Format.
• Add Rows. Add a file.

19.1
• Remove Rows. Delete a file from the list.
• Preview. Number of Lines. Number of file lines shown in the Preview window.
UWI.
• Merge logs with equal names. If this option is activated new well logs data and already
loaded logs data will be merged by equal names. If new loaded log data coincide with
existed ones in terms of measured depth log data from new loaded files with the same
depth replace earlier loaded log data.
• Well Filter. Define well filter name. Data will be loaded for wells selected using a filter.
6.3.2. RFT Format

RFT (MDT) format file contains the table with the following columns:
• Well name;
• Measured depth (MD);
• Measured pressure data in RFT (MDT) format;
• Date.
Load dialogue allows to choose columns for which data from above mentioned file will
be loaded.
Example
SN-71H1 2511.0 271.33 29.03.2009
SN-71H1 2515.0 271.72 29.03.2009
SN-71H1 2524.0 271.88 29.03.2009
SN-71H1 2537.2 272.78 29.03.2009
SN-81 2517.4 266.55 08.02.2013
SN-81 2517.7 266.57 08.02.2013
SN-81 2523.3 266.89 08.02.2013
SN-82HI 2517.2 264.57 21.03.2013
SN-82HI 2518.9 265.08 21.03.2013
SN-82HI 2523.6 264.97 21.03.2013
SN-82HI 2525.3 265.01 21.03.2013
SN-82HI 2526.8 265.02 21.03.2013
To load a file it is necessary to define the following parameters:
6.3.2. RFT Format 42

19.1
• File Names. Show the full paths of files containing information about measured pressure
data in RFT (MDT) format.
• Add Rows. Add a file.
• Remove Rows. Delete a chosen file from the list.
• Delimiter. Define a symbol separating table columns (e.g. tab or space symbols).
• Comment. Define a comment symbol. Comments start with the determined symbol. All
comment text following the symbol will be ignored.
• Skip line. Ingnore, i.e. do not load, defined number of lines from the begining of the
file.
UWI.
• Date Format. Choose available date format or define arbitrary one.
• Input Units. Choose units system for input data (e.g. METRIC, FIELD, LAB). Avail-
able units are METRIC, FIELD, LAB. If option Not specified is activated, units are
defined by default in Settings menu.
The import file format is defined in the table:
• Well – Well Name;
• Date – Date;
• Depth – Measured depth (MD);
• Pressure – Measured pressure data in RFT (MDT) format.
6.3.3. Landmark OWX Format

Landmark OWX Format is a universal format. In the Landmark OWX format file an infor-
mation about well trajectories, markers, events, logs can be defined. To get the description of
this format follow the link.
6.3.3. Landmark OWX Format 43

19.1
7. Defining a Well Construction

VFP Designer allows to create a well construction on the tab Well Construction using differ-
ent objects.
Figure 12. Well construction
7.1. Objects
To create a well construction the following objects are available:
• Casing;
• Tubing;
• Perforation;
7. Defining a Well Construction 44

19.1
• Squeeze;
• Packer;
• Filter;
• Separator;
• Bottom Hole;
• Gas Lift Valve;
• Sub-critical Valve;
• Autonomous inflow control device (AICD);
• Spiral inflow control device (SICD);
• Pull.
Objects used to create the well construction are shown in the object tree (on the left).
7.1.1. Casing
Casing pipes are an important part in the construction of oil and gas wells, preventing the
ground from falling during production activity. If this object is selected in the object tree (on
the left part of Well Construction tab) then its characteristics, located on right part of the tab,
become available for editing. The following characteristics can be modified:
• Bottom (MD). A pipe bottom along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Inside Diameter (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Outside Diameter (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Inside Roughness (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Open Hole Open hole is the part of well trajectory without casing. It is possible only in
solid rock where a well collapse is not possible. If the check box is checked a casing is
replaced by open hole;
• Catalog. Built–in catalog of casing pipes.
After pressing the button ... , the Casing Catalog will appear. The catalog consists of the
following columns:
• Name;
7.1.1. Casing 45
19.1

• Inside Roughness (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).
From a catalog you can select Casing with required characteristics. For easy of reference
catalog data can be sorted by name, inside/outside diameter or roughness. Enter, for example,
the name of required object from catalog into a cell below a caption Name then the selected
object will appear at the top of the column and will be highlighted with blue color.
When working with a catalog user can:
• import an available catalog from a file ;
• export an available catalog into a file ;
• Restore built–in catalog ;

• add manually objects.
Import a catalog
To import an available catalog press the button Import catalog located on the right
panel. In the appeared window the following columns should be specified:
• File name. Show a full path to a file containing a catalog;
• Delimiter. Define a symbol separating catalog columns. The following symbols can be
used:
– Tab;
– All spaces;
– Comma;
– Semicolon.
• Comment. Define a comment symbol. Comments start with the specified symbol. All
text following the symbol is ignored.
• Skip Lines. Specify a number of lines from the beginning of file which will be skipped
when loading a file;
• Name;
• Skip Ignore a column of data;
• Skip line Ignore all data to the right, i.e. next row will be read.
7.1.1. Casing 46
19.1
Export a catalog
The created catalog can be exported to a file. Press the button Export Catalog located
on the right panel. In the appeared window you should specified:
• File Name. A full path to a file in which the created catalog will be exported.
Restore built–in catalog

The catalog of standard casing pipes are available, which can be used to construct a well.
To do this select a casing from the catalog and press the button Choose. Characteristic of the
selected casing will appear on the right part of Well Construction tab.
Adding a Casing
In order to add a casing pipe to a well construction select the object Casing from object
library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and then left-click on the visualization
window. Holding a left mouse button pressed drag a mouse cursor up to the bottom of casing
pipe. A top of casing pipe is set automatically according to the top of created or imported well
trajectory.
Any object characteristics can be manually edited in the table on the right. An object size
or location can be changed using a mouse. Select an object and holding the key Ctrl drag the
object or its boundaries.
An object can be selected either in the object tree (on the left on the tab Well Construc-
tion) or on the visualization window by left-clicking on the object (the selected object will be
highlighted with red color).
To delete an object select the object in the object tree (on the left) and press the key Delete.
Or on the visualization window select an object by left-clicking on it and then right-click on
it and in the drop-down menu select Delete.
7.1.2. Tubing
A tubing pipe is used to transport oil or gas from a productive formation. If an object is
selected in the object tree (on the left part of Well Construction tab) then its characteristics,
located on the right part of the tab, become available for editing. The following characteristics
can be edited:
• Bottom (MD). A pipe bottom along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Outside Roughness (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Catalog. Built–in catalog of tubing pipes.
7.1.2. Tubing 47
19.1
After pressing the button ... the Tubing Catalog will appear. The catalog consists of the
following columns:
• Name;
• Outside Roughness (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ).

From a catalog you can select Tubing with required characteristics. For easy of reference
catalog data can be sorted by name, inside/outside diameter or inside/outside roughness. Enter,
for example, the name of required object from a catalog into a cell located below a caption
Name then the selected object will appear at the top of the column with and will be highlighted
with blue color.
When working with a catalog user can:
• import an available catalog from a file ;
• export an available catalog into a file ;
• Restore built–in catalog ;
• add manually objects.

Import a catalog
To import an available catalog press the button Import catalog located on the right
panel. In the appeared window the following columns should be specified:
• File name. Show a full path to a file containing a catalog;
• Delimiter. Define a symbol separating catalog columns. The following symbols can be
used:
– Tab;
– All spaces;
– Comma;
– Semicolon.
• Comment. Define a comment symbol. Comments start with the specified symbol. All
text following the symbol will be ignored.
• Skip Lines. Specify a number of lines from the beginning of file which will be skipped
when loading a file;
7.1.2. Tubing 48
19.1
• Name;
• Outside Roughness (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Skip Ignore a column of data;
• Skip line Ignore all data to the right, i.e. next row will be read.
Export a catalog
The created catalog can be exported to a file. Press the button Export Catalog located
on the right panel. In the appeared window you should specified:
• File Name. A full path to a file in which the created catalog will be exported.
Restore built–in catalog)

The catalog of standard tubing pipes are available, which can be used to construct a well.
To do this select a tubing from the catalog and press the button Choose. Characteristic of the
selected tubing will appear on the right part of Well Construction tab.
Adding a Tubing
In order to add a tubing pipe to a well construction select the object Tubing from the object
library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and then left-clicking on visualization
window. Holding a left mouse button pressed drag a mouse cursor up to a casing bottom. A
casing top is set automatically according to the top of created or imported well trajectory.
7.1.3. Perforation
If an object is selected in the object tree (on the left part of Well Construction tab) then its
characteristics, located on right part of the tab, become available for editing. The following
perforation characteristics can be modified:
7.1.3. Perforation 49
19.1
• Name;
• Top (MD). A top boundary of perforation interval along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD:
f t );
• Bottom (MD). A bottom boundary of perforation interval along Z axis (METRIC: m,

FIELD: f t );
• Skin;
• Multiplier;
• Status. Specify a status of the object:
– Active. If Active is selected the object is enabled;

– Inactive. If Inactive is selected the object becomes disabled, i.e. it will be visual-
ized on the Well Construction tab, but will be excluded from calculations.
Adding a Perforation
In order to add a perforation to a well construction select the object Perforation from
object library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. On visualization window holding
a left mouse button pressed drag a mouse cursor from a top boundary of perforation interval
to its bottom boundary.
7.1.4. Squeeze
If an object is selected in the object tree (on the left part of Well Construction tab) then its
characteristics, located on right part of the tab, become available for editing. The following
characteristics can be modified:
• Name;
• Top (MD). A top boundary of squeeze interval along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Bottom (MD). A bottom boundary of squeeze interval along Z axis (METRIC: m,

FIELD: f t );
7.1.4. Squeeze 50
19.1

Adding a Squeeze
In order to add a squeeze to a well construction select the object Squeeze from the object
library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. On visualization window holding a left
mouse button pressed drag a mouse cursor from a top boundary of squeeze interval to its
bottom boundary.
7.1.5. Packer
A packer is a device used to seal a wellbore. If the object is selected in the object tree (on the
left part of Well Construction tab) then its characteristics, located on the right part of the tab,
become available for editing. The following characteristics can be edited:
• Name;
• Depth (MD). A packer location along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
Adding a Packer
In order to add a packer to a well construction select the object packer from the object
library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and on visualization window left-click
on the place of well construction where parker should be installed.
7.1.5. Packer 51
19.1
7.1.5. Packer 52
19.1
7.1.6. Filter
Filter is used to prevent the sand formation particles recovery during exploitation of the
reservoir, improving the productivity and life of the well.
If the object is selected in the object tree (on the left part of Well Construction tab) then its
characteristics, located on the right part of the tab, become available for editing. The following
characteristics can be edited:
• Name;
• Top (MD). A open hole location along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );
• Bottom (MD). A bottom boundary of squeeze interval along Z axis (METRIC: m,

FIELD: f t );

Adding a Filter
In order to add a filter to a well construction select the object Filter from object library
(vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. On visualization window holding a left mouse
button pressed drag a mouse cursor from a top boundary of filter to its bottom boundary.
7.1.6. Filter 53
19.1
7.1.7. Separator
A separator can be used to separate water or free gas from the flowing mixture in a well. The
corresponding keyword in the simulator is WSEGSEP (see 12.19.22).
• Name;
• Branch Number.
• Removed Phase. The phase that is preferentially removed by the separator and sent to
the offtake:
– WAT – the separator removes water;
– GAS – the separator removes free gas (at local pressure);
– NONE – there is no separation.
• Maximum Separation Efficiency. A number between 0 and 1. Defines the fraction
of the preferentially removed phase in the offtake as long as the fraction of this phase
within the remaining mixture exceeds the Limiting Holdup Fraction (see below);
• Limiting Holdup Fraction. A number between 0 and 1. Defines the threshold below
which the separation efficiency decreases linearly towards zero;
Adding a Separator
In order to add a separator to a well construction select the object separator from the
object library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and in visualization window
left-click on the place of well construction where the separator should be installed.
7.1.7. Separator 54
19.1
7.1.8. Bottom Hole

Bottom Hole is the last part of a well. It is used to extract oil or gas from reservoir.
• Name;
• Depth (MD). A bottom hole location along Z axis (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );

Adding a Bottom Hole

In order to add a bottom hole to a well construction select the object Bottom Hole from
an object library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and on visualization window
left-click on the place of well construction where the bottom hole should be installed.
7.1.8. Bottom Hole 55

19.1
7.1.9. Gas Lift Valve

Gas lift is one of artificial liquid lifting due to gas injection into a well during hydrocarbon
production.
• Name;
• Depth (MD). A depth of gas lift valve installation (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t );

Adding a Gas Lift Valve

In order to add a gas lift valve to a well construction select the object Bottom Hole from
an object library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and on visualization window
left-click on the place of well construction where the bottom hole should be installed.
7.1.9. Gas Lift Valve 56

19.1
7.1.10. Sub-critical Valve

The pressure drop in the sub-critical valve is calculated using a model of flow through a
pipe containing a constriction with specified cross-section area. The corresponding keyword
in simulator is WSEGVALV (see 12.19.15).
• Name;
• Depth (MD).(METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) A depth of sub-critical valve installation;
• Flow coefficient. A flow coefficient for the valve;
• Cross-Section Area of Constriction. (METRIC: m2 , FIELD: f t 2 ) Cross-section area

for flow in the constriction;
• Pipe Additional Length. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) Pressure drop along a pipe of

additional length is caused by friction. It should be zero if there is no additional friction
pressure loss;
• Diameter. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) The pipe diameter used for calculation of the
friction pressure drop;
• Roughness. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) Absolute roughness of the pipe wall;
• Pipe Cross-Section Area. (METRIC: m 2 , FIELD: ft 2 ) The pipe cross-section area used
for calculation of the friction pressure drop;
• Max. Cross-Section Area of Constriction. (METRIC: m 2 , FIELD: ft 2 ) Maximum

cross-sectional area for flow in the constriction;

Adding a Sub-critical Valve

In order to add a sub-critical valve to a well construction select the object from the object
library (vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. In the visualization window left-click
on the place of well construction where the sub-critical valve should be installed.
7.1.10. Sub-critical Valve 57

19.1
7.1.10. Sub-critical Valve 58

19.1
7.1.11. Autonomous inflow control device (AICD)

An autonomous inflow control device (AICD) controls the inflow profile along a horizontal
well or branch by imposing an additional pressure drop between the sand face and the tubing.
The corresponding keyword in the simulator is WSEGAICD (see 12.19.16).
• Name;
• Depth (MD). (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) A depth of AICD installation;
• Strength of AICD. (METRIC: bars/((kg/m3 )(rm3 /day)2 ), FIELD: psi/((lb/ f t 3 )(r f t 3 /day)2 ));
• Length of ICD. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) ;
• Density of Calibration Fluid. (METRIC: kg/m3 , FIELD: lb/ f t 3 );
• Viscosity of Calibration Fluid. (METRIC: cP, FIELD: cP);
• Maximum Flow–Rate. (METRIC: m 3 /day, FIELD: bbl/day.);
• Volume Flow Rate Exponent;
• Viscosity Function Exponent;
• Flow Scaling Factor. The flow scaling factor can be calculated using one of the fol-
lowing cases:
– Case 0 – the flow scale factor is equal to the ratio of ICD length to the length of
the tubing segment which is the parent of the ICD device;
– Case 1 – the flow scale factor is equal to the absolute value of segment length;
– Case 2 – the flow scale factor is equal to the ratio of ICD length to the total length
of all completions which feed the ICD;
– None.

7.1.11. Autonomous inflow control device (AICD) 59

19.1
Adding a AICD
In order to add an device to a well construction select the object from the object library
(vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. In the visualization window left-click on the
place of well construction where the device should be installed.
7.1.11. Autonomous inflow control device (AICD) 60

19.1
7.1.12. Spiral inflow control device (SICD)

A spiral inflow control device (SICD) controls the inflow profile along a horizontal well or
branch by imposing an additional pressure drop between the sand face and the tubing. The
device located around a section of the tubing redirect the fluid inflowing from the formation
into the tubing. Before entering the tubing the fluid passes through a sand screen and then into
a spiral. The corresponding keyword in simulator is WSEGAICD (see 12.19.16).
• Name;
• Depth (MD). (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) A depth of SICD installation;
• Strength of SICD. (METRIC: bars/((kg/m3 )(rm3 /day)2 ), FIELD: psi/((lb/ f t 3 )(r f t 3 /day)2 ));
• Length of ICD. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) ;
• Density of Calibration Fluid. (METRIC: kg/m3 , FIELD: lb/ f t 3 );
• Viscosity of Calibration Fluid. (METRIC: cP, FIELD: cP);
• Critical Value of Local Water. The critical value of the local water in liquid fraction;
• Width of Transition Region. (METRIC: m, FIELD: f t ) Width of the region in the

vicinity of the critical value of the local water in liquid fraction;
• Maximum Permitted Value. Maximum permitted value of the ratio of the emulsion
viscosity to continuous phase viscosity;
• Maximum Flow–Rate. (METRIC: m 3 /day, FIELD: bbl/day);
• Flow Scaling Factor. The flow scaling factor can be calculated using one of the fol-
lowing cases:
– Case 0 – the flow scale factor is equal to the ratio of ICD length to the length of
the tubing segment which is the parent of the ICD device;
– Case 1 – the flow scale factor is equal to the absolute value of segment length;
– Case 2 – the flow scale factor is equal to the ratio of ICD length to the total length
of all completions which feed the ICD;
– None.

7.1.12. Spiral inflow control device (SICD) 61

19.1
Adding a SICD
In order to add an device to a well construction select the object from the object library
(vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction. In the visualization window left-click on the
place of well construction where the device should be installed.
7.1.12. Spiral inflow control device (SICD) 62

19.1
7.1.13. Pull
A pull through pump can be used to control the rate of water removal from the separa-
tor and water reinjection into the formation. The corresponding keyword in the simulator is
WSEGPULL (see 12.19.23).
• Name;
• Maximum Pump Power. (METRIC: kW, FIELD: hp)
• Maximum pressure boost. (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi);
• Limiting Oil Rate. (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);

Adding a Pull
In order to add a pull to a well construction select the object Pull from the object library
(vertical panel) on the tab Well Construction and in visualization window left-click on the
place of well construction where the pull should be installed.
7.1.13. Pull 63
19.1
7.2. Well Construction Visualization

A well construction is visualized on the tab Well Construction. An example of well construc-
tion is shown in figure 12. If the object is selected in the object tree (on the left) the selected
object is highlighted with red color on the visualization window.
7.2. Well Construction Visualization 64

19.1
8. Defining a Pressure Drop Measurements

This tab allows to define and visualize results of pressure drop measurements. The list of
samples (measurements) is located on the left. Right-clicking on the sample’s name (Sample)
calls the pop up menu allowing to:
• Create;
• Rename;
• Duplicate;
• Delete.
To add or remove samples you can use buttons and located at the bottom of the
panel.
Figure 13. Samples tab
Measurements data are entered to the table located nearby. The following parameters are
specified:
• THP (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi) is the tubing head pressure;
• FLO is the oil, liquid or gas production rate;
– OIL (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day) – oil rate;

– LIQ (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day) – liquid rate (oil + water);
– GAS (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: Msc f /day) – gas rate;

19.1
– TM (METRIC: kg−mol/day, FIELD: lb−mol/day)– total molar rate (for models

in E3 format).
• WFR is the water-oil ratio, water cut or water-gas ratio;
– WOR (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: stb/stb) – water-oil ratio;

– WCT (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: stb/stb) – water cut (water-liquid ratio);
– WGR (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: stb/Msc f ) – water-gas ratio;
– WTF – water molar fraction (for models in E3 format).
• GFR is the gas-oil ratio, gas-liquid ratio or oil-gas ratio.
– GOR (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: Msc f /stb) – gas-oil ratio;

– GLR (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: Msc f /stb) – gas-liquid ratio;
– OGR (METRIC: sm3 /sm3 , FIELD: stb/Msc f ) – oil-gas ratio;
– MMW (METRIC: kg/kg − mol , FIELD: lb/lb − mol ) – mean molecular weight
(for models in E3 format).
• ALQ is the Artificial Lift Quantity.
– GRAT (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: Msc f /day) – lift gas injection rate (for gas
lift);
• BHP (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi) is the bottom hole pressure.
Figure 13 shows pressure drop measurements – Sample 1. Data are entered in the table
with above indicated columns. This sample is visualized as points on the right.
After switching to the VFP tab the added sample (Sample 1) will appear in the sample list
on the left of the VFP tab and will be visualized as points on the VFP chart (see figure 26).
The sample point and the corresponding VFP curve have the same color. Moreover, in the
sample list (on the left) mismatches between samples and the corresponding VFP graphs are
shown.

19.1
9. Schedule
To specify events for a well it is required to set dates, at which these events will happen. To
set specific date press the button Open Time Step Editor located on the top panel. The
editor allows to add/delete time steps.
• Add Steps.
Step Length. Time step length: One step, Year, Six Months, Three Months, Month,
Week, Day;
• Remove Steps. A rule can also be removed by right mouse button click on a time
step;
In order to add (delete) an event press the button ( ) located at the bottom of list
of dates. Pressing the button calls Events Editor. In Events Editor for each object the
following events are available:
• Casing
– Open Hole;
– Change Inside Diameter;
– Change Outside Diameter;
– Change Inside Roughness;
– Change Bottom;
• Tubing
– Change Inside Diameter;

– Change Outside Diameter;
– Change Inside Roughness;
– Change Outside Roughness;
– Change Bottom.
• Perforation
– Change Top;
– Change Bottom;
– Change Skin;
– Change Multiplier;
– Change Status.
• Squeeze
9. Schedule 67
19.1
– Change Top;
– Change Bottom;
– Change Status.
• Packer
– Change Depth;
– Change Status.
• Gas Lift Valve
– Change Depth;
– Change Status.
• Bottom Hole
– Change Depth;
– Change Status.
• Filter
– Change Top;
– Change Bottom;
– Change Multiplier;
– Change Status.
• Separator
– Change Depth;
– Change Status.
For each event the following parameters should be specified:
• Event Name. Specify the name of event;
• Object. Select from the drop-down menu the object, for which an event is specified;
• Value. Specify the value for the selected object.
9. Schedule 68
19.1
Figure 14. Schedule example.
9. Schedule 69
19.1
10. Temperature
This tab allows to visualize a temperature distribution along a well bore. On the left, in the
table temperature values as a function of measured depth are specified. The corresponding
absolute depth (TVD) is calculated automatically. On the right the distribution of temperature
is visualized (see figure 15).
Figure 15. Distribution of temperature along a well.
10. Temperature 70
19.1
11. Defining Fluid Properties

Due to the integration of VFP Designer with PVT Designer a fluid composition for wells can
be specified. For this you need to call the window Dependencies by pressing the button
PVT→VFP in the top panel or switch to the tab Dependencies when calculating VFP table
(see section Calculation of VFP Table).
In the Dependencies dialog, a fluid properties variant (black oil or compositional one)
from PVT project is assigned to the selected VFP table (tables) (see figure 16). The Depen-
dencies dialog consists of a list of VFP projects located on the left and a list of PVT projects
located on the right. A VFP project may contain several variants and each of them may contain
several VFP tables.
For PVT project you can:
• Set.
The selected composition will be used in a VFP project.
• Unset. A variant of fluid properties will not use for the calculation of VFP table;
• Edit.
Pressing this button calls PVT Designer for editting the selected variant;
• Add.
– Type. Specify a project type – PVT Designer;

– Name. Specify a project name. The created project will automatically appear in
the PVT project tree and new project window of PVT Designer will automatically
open;
By default the fluid is not specified in a VFP project. In the PVT Designer the following
variants are available:
• Black Oil Variant;
• Compositional Variant.
To specify fluid properties in the VFP Designer follow the steps:
1. Press the button Dependencies on the top panel or start a calculation of VFP table;
2. In the Dependencies dialog select VFP table (or several tables), for which you need to
set fluid properties;
3. Select a variant of fluid properties (black oil or compositional variant) in the list of PVT
projects;
11. Defining Fluid Properties 71

19.1
4. Press the button Set. If several VFP tables are selected then for all table the same
fluid variant will be used. For each VFP table the different fluid property can be used.
The name of the set PVT variant will mark with green if the corresponding VFP table
is selected (see figure 16).
Figure 16. Assigning fluid properties to VFP table calculation
11.1. Black Oil variant via PVT Designer

The Black Oil variants can be defined in the following ways:
• Import of Black Oil variant from file;
• Creation of Black Oil variant from correlations;
• Defining Black Oil via compositional variant.
11.1.1. Import of Black Oil variant from file
1. Press Import from File in the top toolbar and select one of the following items:
• Black Oil Variant (for E1 format);

• Black Oil Variant from NE (for NE format).
A popup window will show up.
11.1. Black Oil variant via PVT Designer 72

19.1
Figure 17. Import of a Black Oil variant
2. Press ... and browse to the file you intend to import (e.g., <model_name>_props.inc).
The file should contain black oil properties specified using standard keywords:
• For E1 format, PVTO (see 12.5.4), PVTG (see 12.5.8), PVDO (see 12.5.2), PVCDO
(see 12.5.3), etc.
• For NE format, TEMP, BLACKOIL, WATEROIL, GASWATER, SATURATED, OIL,
GAS, UNSATOIL, UNSATGAS, DENW, CW, BW, VISW, PREF, CVW, etc.
3. If needed, adjust the following settings in the popup window:
• File Units System
Unit system used by the file.
• Number of Regions
(E1 only). Number of PVT regions to read from the file. Extra regions, if any, are
ignored.
4. See the Preview field to make sure that you are reading the right file. See the Log field
to make sure that the file is parsed and understood properly.
11.1.1. Import of Black Oil variant from file 73

19.1
5. Press Add Black Oil Variant. The new variant will be added to the root level in the
tree of black oil variants. If there were multiple regions, they will be added as separate
variants.
i The name assigned to the new variant is the name of the imported file
with region’s number attached as a postfix.
Values in the imported PVT tables can be edited manually.
11.1.2. Creation of Black Oil variant from correlations

PVT Designer allows the calculation of black oil properties using a variety of empirical
correlations.
To create a Black Oil variant from correlations:
1. Switch to the tab Black Oil Variants.
2. Click Create on the left panel below the tree of variants. Alternatively, right-click
in the left panel and select Create in the context menu. A Water tab containing water
properties will appear in the main panel.
3. If needed, press Correlation Options to specify water properties.
4. Press + to the right of the Water tab header to add the tab(s) Oil and/or Gas.
5. In the Correlation Options window (appears upon creating a tab, also can be opened
later by pressing ) enter the correlation options for oil and/or gas. Tables of properties
will be created based on the correlations.
6. Specify the density for oil and/or gas.
7. If necessary, edit the tables of pressure-dependent properties of water, oil, and gas by
double-clicking in the corresponding cells.
Correlation parameters for oil include:

• Pressure (number of stages, minimum, maximum);
• Table type: Live Oil (PVTO, see 12.5.4) or Dead Oil (PVDO, see 12.5.2);
• Correlation types for the following parameters (see the available options below):
• Rs
• Oil FVF Sat.
• Oil FVF Undersat.
• Dead Oil visc.
• Live Oil Visc. Sat.
11.1.2. Creation of Black Oil variant from correlations 74

19.1
Figure 18. Correlation parameters for oil

19.1
• Live Oil Visc. Undersat.
• Correlation options (the list may depend on the selected correlation types)
• Temperature
• Oil density (may be specified in various forms):
– Specific Gravity Oil (density of oil relative to water, dimensionless quantity);
– Oil API (dimensionless);
– Oil Density (mass density, METRIC: kg/m 3 , FIELD: lb/ft 3 );
• Gas density (may be specified in various forms):
– Specific Gravity Gas (density of gas relative to air, dimensionless quantity);
– Gas Density (mass density, METRIC: kg/m 3 , FIELD: lb/ft 3 );
• Pbub (bubble pressure) or Rs (gas solubility in oil) – either of the two parameters
should be specified;
• Rs calibration coefficient;
• Isothermal compressibility.
• Temperature option parameters (to use option TEMP (see 12.1.64) in the model):
• Reference pressure (exported as VISCREF, see 12.15.52);

• Reference Rs (exported as VISCREF, see 12.15.52);
• Viscosity vs Temperature (a table of values; exported as OILVISCT, see 12.15.54).
The following correlations for various parameters are supported:
• RS (solubility of gas in oil):
– Standing
– Lasater
– Vasquez and Beggs
– Kartoatmodjo and Schmidt
– Glaso
– de Ghetto et al
– Petrosky and Farshad
– GOM (Dindoruk and Christman correlation, which is said to be particularly well
suited for oils from the Gulf of Mexico region [?])
• Oil formation volume factor for saturated oil:
– Standing

19.1

– GOM (Dindoruk and Christman)
• Oil formation volume factor for undersaturated oil:
– Standing
• Viscosity for dead oil:
– Standing
– Beggs and Robinson
– Glaso
– de Ghetto
– Hossain
– Elsharkawy and Alikhan
• Viscosity for saturated live oil (PVTO tables):
– Standing
– Chew and Connaly
– Khan
– de Ghetto
– Hossain
– Beggs and Robinson
• Viscosity for undersaturated live oil (PVTO tables):
– Standing

19.1

– Kouzel
– Khan
– de Ghetto
– Hossain
– Bergman and Sutton
Figure 19. Correlation parameters for gas
Correlation parameters for gas include:

• Table type: currently supports only one option, Dry Gas (PVDG, see 12.5.7);
• Correlation types for the following parameters (see the available options below):
• Viscosity
• Gas FVF

19.1
• Correlation options, including:

• Gas Density (may be specified in various forms)
• Temperature
• Z factor
Parameters that can be specified for water include:
• Salinity option:
◦ Water – PVTW (see 12.5.5) keyword is exported;
◦ Salt water – dissolved salt is considered (see below), PVTWSALT (see 12.7.8) key-
word is exported;
• Water temperature;
• Reference temperature;
• Reference pressure;
• Parameters that may depend on salt concentration:
– Water FVF;
– Compressibility;
– Viscosity;
– Viscosibility;
– Density;
• Viscosity vs Temperature (a table of values; exported as WATVISCT, see 12.15.53).
If the salt water option is checked, then certain parameters are specified as functions of salt
concentration. The salt might be selected from the library (including NaCl, MgSO4 and other
common variants) or entered manually. In the latter case all parameters have to be specified
by the user.
11.1.3. Defining Black Oil via compositional variant

To define Black Oil via compositional variant, do the following:
1. Define a compositional variant (see Specifying compositional variant via PVT De-
signer).
2. Create PVT tables for the resulting compositional variant.
3. Press Add Black Oil Variant on the right panel. A new Black Oil variant will be
created and added to the tree of variants.
11.1.3. Defining Black Oil via compositional variant 79

19.1
Figure 20. Setting up water parameters
11.1.3. Defining Black Oil via compositional variant 80

19.1
11.2. Specifying compositional variant via PVT Designer

The approaches used to define the composition of a fluid are listed below.
• Import composition from a file (see Import compositional variant from file);
• Create a variant manually and define its composition in the following ways:
– Add components (see Add library components and/or Add user components);
– If needed, adjust fractions and component properties;
11.2.1. Import compositional variant from file

To import composition variant from a file, do the following:
1. Press Import from File in the top toolbar and select one of the following items:
• Compositional Variant (for E3 format);

• Compositional Variant from NE (for NE format).
A popup window will show up.
Figure 21. Importing composition from a file
2. Press ... and browse to the file you intend to import. The file should contain composi-
tion specified with the use of standard keywords:
• For E3 format, STCOND (see 12.14.11), CNAMES (see 12.14.3), VCRIT

(see 12.14.24), TCRIT (see 12.14.20), etc.
11.2. Specifying compositional variant via PVT Designer 81

19.1
• For NE format, COMPONENTS, TEMP, PROPS, EOS, EOSOPTIONS, LBC1..LBC5,

BINA, etc.
3. If needed, adjust the following settings in the popup window:
• File Units System

Unit system used by the file.
• Number of Regions
(E3 only). Number of EOS regions to read from the file. Extra regions, if any, are
ignored.
4. See the Preview field to make sure that you are reading the correct file. See the Log
field to make sure that the file is parsed and understood properly.
5. Press Add Compositional Variant. The new variant will be added to the root level in
the tree of compositional variants.
If there were multiple regions, they will be added as separate variants.
If the component composition was specified as depth-dependent by the keywords COM-
PVD (see 12.14.14) or ZMFVD (see 12.14.17), then multiple compositions will be added
within one variant.
The name assigned to the new variant is the name of the imported file
with region’s number attached as a postfix. The name assigned to the
i new composition is the keyword used to specify the composition, possi-
bly with depth value attached as a postfix (for the keywords COMPVD
(see 12.14.14) and ZMFVD, see 12.14.17).
11.2.2. Add library components

tNavigator uses a standard PVT properties library containing the following compounds com-
monly found in oil and/or used in enhanced oil recovery treatment: alkanes up to C45, benzene,
toluene, methanol, ethylene glycol, H2 , He, air, N2 , O2 , H2 S, and CO2 .
To add library components to your composition variant, do the following:
1. Press Add Library Components. A popup window will appear.
2. Select the components you need.
3. Press OK. The selected library components will be added to the current composition
variant.
Once a library component is added to the project, its properties may be edited by double-
clicking on the corresponding cell.
11.2.2. Add library components 82

19.1
Figure 22. Components tab
11.2.3. Add user components

To add user components to your composition variant, do the following:
1. Press Add User Components. A popup window will appear.
The button that adds components is customizable. It

i may be set to Add Library Components (default) or
Add User Components, and acts accordingly.
2. Add the components you need in one of the following two ways:
• Select Custom and enter all main properties of your compound, namely critical
temperature Tc , critical pressure Pc , acentric factor ω , molecular weight M , and
critical volume Vc .
!
Critical volume is optional. If not specified, it will be calculated as
follows:
ZRTc
Z = 0.2905 − 0.085ω, and Vc =
Pc
• Select From Correlation, select the correlation from a dropdown list, enter the
molecular weight and specific gravity (relative to water), and let tNavigator esti-
mate the rest of the properties using the empirical correlation (see below).
! Specific gravity is optional. If not specified, it will be also calculated

from molecular weight by correlation.
11.2.3. Add user components 83

19.1
3. Press OK. The specified user components will be added to the current composition
variant.
Figure 23. Adding a user component
In compositional simulation, equations of state (EOS) are widely used for phase behavior
calculations. Correct description of components contained in a mixture is crucial for proper
EOS predictions. For each component it is required to define the critical temperature Tc , the
critical pressure pc , and the acentric factor ω . In addition, the binary interaction coefficient
ki j is needed for each pair of components. Undefined component properties can be calculated
using different correlations based on specific gravity γ and molecular weight M (or boiling
point Tb ) [16].
Thus, using specific gravity γ and molecular weight M defined by user, Tc , pc , Vc , ω
and Tb (used only for internal calculations) are derived using correlations.
The following correlations are available:
• Riazi and Daubert;
• Kesler and Lee;
• Cavett;
• Twu.
Note that the correlations are intended to be used on hydrocarbon components only, and
the input molecular weight values is limited by 30 6 Mw 6 600.
Once added, user components are treated in the same way as library components. You
may change all their properties manually, including those used to calculate other properties
via correlations. At that, the correlations are not reapplied, that is, the calculated properties are
never updated automatically. To update them manually, use the Compute Selected Properties
button.
11.2.3. Add user components 84

19.1
12. Working with VFP Tables

To create VFP table different correlations describing different flow regimes in a wellbore are
used. To add a VFP table to a project the following options are available:
• Calculation of VFP Table;
• Import from File.
12.1. Calculation of VFP Table

To create a VFP table press the grey plus near the last tab Temperature and in the drop
!
down menu select Calculate VFP tables.
To calculate VFP table it is required to specify fluid properties which can be
created or loaded using the PVT Designer (see PVT Designer User Guide).
Figure 24. Add VFP table. Dependences
In the window Add VFP table there are three tabs: Dependences, Correlation parame-
ters and VFPPROD/VFPINJ Points. More detailed information how to specify fluid proper-
ties is given in the section 11.
!
The tab VFPPROD Points is in the Add VFP table window if in the tab Basic
Data Producer is set as the well type. If Injector is a well type then the tab
VFPINJ Points will appear.
12. Working with VFP Tables 85

19.1
Figure 25. Correlation parameters
In the tab Correlation parameters the following parameters are specified (see figure 25):
• Deviated Angles:
– Vertical Deviated Swap Angle (in degrees). If an angle between vertical and well
deviated part (in counterclockwise direction) is lower than the specified value then
the well part is considered to be vertical. In the figure 25 this angle is shown in
red.
– Horizontal Deviated Swap Angle (in degrees). If an angle between vertical and
well deviated part (in counterclockwise direction) is higher than the specified value
then the well part is considered to be horizontal. In the figure 25 this angle is shown
in blue.
In other cases a well (its parts) is assumed to be deviated. Moreover, if vertical
and horizontal deviated angle are equal to 0 degrees then a whole well is vertical.
In case of both angles are equal to 90 degrees then the well is horizontal.
• Correlation Types:
– Correlation For Vertical Part of Well. When selecting a correlation type the
vertical part of well is highlighted with red color. The following correlation types
are available:
∗ Beggs & Brill;
∗ Beggs & Brill revised;
∗ Hagedorn-Brown;
12.1. Calculation of VFP Table 86

19.1
∗ Petalaz–Aziz;
∗ Orkiszewski;
∗ Gray;
∗ Aziz–Govier–Fogarasi;
∗ Mukherjee–Brill.
– Correlation For Deviated Part of Well. When selecting a correlation type the
deviated part of well is highlighted with green color. Available correlation types
are indicated above.
– Correlation For Horizontal Part of Well. When selecting a correlation type the
horizontal part of well is highlighted with blue color. Available correlation types
are indicated above.
• Pressure Gradient Correction Factors:
– Friction. A coefficient used for correction of pressure gradient caused by fraction

(see section 13.1). It is used for matching;
– Hydrostatic. A coefficient used for correction of hydrostatic pressure gradient (see
section 13.1). It is used for matching.
If further you need to change correlation parameters press the button Correlation
parameters on the right panel.
After calculating new variant of VFP table a new tab with new number will be created,
i.e. VFP 1, VFP 2 etc. The number of VFP tabs is not limited.
12.1.1. VFPPROD Points

If Well Type is set as producer then after specifying correlation parameters a dialog to specify
VFPPROD points will appear. The bottom hole pressure (BHP) is calculated based on the
VFPPROD points.
Values of the following parameters are specified:
• FLO (METRIC: kg/day, FIELD: lb/day) is the oil, liquid or gas production rate;
– OIL – oil rate;

– LIQ – liquid rate (oil + water);
– GAS – gas rate;
• WFR is the water-oil ratio, water cut or water-gas ratio;
– WOR – water-oil ratio;

– WCT – water cut (water-liquid ratio);
12.1.1. VFPPROD Points 87

19.1
– WGR – water-gas ratio;
• GFR is the gas-oil ratio, gas-liquid ratio or oil-gas ratio.
– GOR – gas-oil ratio;

– GLR – gas-liquid ratio;
– OGR – oil-gas ratio;
• ALQ is the artificial lift quantities.
– GRAT is the gas rate (METRIC: ksm3 /day, FIELD: Msc f /day).
To change VFPPROD points press the button on the right panel.
12.1.1. VFPPROD Points 88

19.1
12.1.2. VFPINJ Points

If Well Type is set as injection well then after specifying correlation parameters a dialog to
specify VFPINJ points will appear. The bottom hole pressure (BHP) is calculated based on
the VFPINJ points.
Values of the following parameters are specified:
• FLO (METRIC: kg/day, FIELD: lb/day)is the oil, liquid or gas production rate;
– OIL – oil rate;

– LIQ – liquid rate (oil + water);
– GAS – gas rate;
To change VFPINJ points press the button on the right panel.
12.1.2. VFPINJ Points 89

19.1
12.2. Import from File

To import a VFP table press on the tab and in the drop-down menu select Import VFP
table from File or press the button on the top panel.
• Format. VFP tables can be loaded in the following formats:
– E1/E3/MO (keywords VFPPROD (see 12.19.66), VFPINJ (see 12.19.65), TUBI,

see 14.6.32);
– MoRes;
– NE/VI.
• File Names. Show a full path to a file containing VFP table.
• Add Rows. Add file.
• Remove Rows. Delete file from the list.
• Preview. Shows the file selected in the list.
• Number of Lines. Number of lines shown in the Preview window.
• Use Input Units. Define a system of units of the imported files (SI, METRIC, FIELD,
LAB).
• Load Data. Load files available in the field File Names.
12.2. Import from File 90

19.1
12.3. Visualization of Samples along with VFP Table

A sample should be loaded to a project before calculations of VFP table. After the VFP table
is calculated the sample will be shown on the VFP graph as point(s) and the sample will
appear in the sample list on the left of VFP tab (see figure 26). The sample points and the
associated VFP curve have the same color.
In order to see sample points on the VFP graph (VFP tab) you need to set values of
WFR and GFR equal to values specified for the sample. To do this you can either to move a
slider (at the bottom of window) or left-click on sample points from the sample list (on the
left). In the latter case only VFP curves corresponding to the selected sample point will be
automatically shown on the visualization panel. Moreover, for each sample point its mismatch
with corresponding VFP point is shown in the sample list (on the left).
!
If any sample (pressure drop measurement) is added after VFP table has
been calculated it is required to calculate a new VFP table in order to see
the added sample. Furthermore, all earlier added samples will be seen on the
new VFP tab.
Figure 26. Visualization of pressure drop measurements on the VFP tab
12.3. Visualization of Samples along with VFP Table 91

19.1
12.4. Convert a VFP Table to a Table of Values

In order to convert a calculated VFP table to a table of values press the button Convert
To Table on the right panel. After converting the VFP table to a table of values points of VFP
graph can be dragged by holding the key Shift. Moving points automatically changes values
of VFP table on the right. Moreover, the button Normalize is available.
12.4. Convert a VFP Table to a Table of Values 92

19.1
12.5. Normalize Values of VFP Table

After the calculated VFP table has been converted to a table of values the button Normal-
ize becomes available. If the VFP graph is non-monotone, i.e. there is a region where BHP
locally decreases when THP increases, the normalization allows to remove such regions. All
points belonging to this region are assigned to the same value of BHP, thus, the VFP graph
becomes constant in this region (see figure 27).
Figure 27. Normalization of non-monotone range of VFP table values
12.5. Normalize Values of VFP Table 93

19.1
12.6. Export of VFP Table

In order to export calculated or matched VFP tables press the button Export on the right
panel of VFP tab. In the appeared window you need to define:
• Table Number. Indicate a table number. This number will be written to the file in which
a VFP table is exported;
• File Name. Indicate a file name (full path to the file) in which the created VFP table
will be exported.
The keyword VFPPROD (see 12.19.66) (if Well Type is set as producer) or VFPINJ
(see 12.19.65) (if Well Type is set as injection well) will be saved.
12.6. Export of VFP Table 94

19.1
13. Correlation Types

Tubing hole pressure is one of the main parameters of well condition control in simulation
of mixture flow in the well bore. Tubing hole pressure value is measured during well’s work.
This parameter is important for surface networks. In hydrodynamic modeling it is necessary to
correct tubing hole pressures to perforation pressures to calculate flow volume into wellbore.
This is a difficult problem, and there are several ways to calculate correlations, which accounts
different regimes of mixture flow in wellbore.
VFP Designer supports the following correlations:
• Beggs & Brill correlation;
• Beggs & Brill revised correlation;
• Griffith Correlation (based on Hagedorn–Brown correlation);
• Petalas & Aziz correlation;
• Orkiszewski method;
• Gray correlation;
• Aziz, Govier and Fogarasi correlation;
• Mukherjee & Brill correlation;
• Hydrostatic only.
Correlations can also be applied by the simulator during the calculation using the keyword
VFPCORR (see 12.19.71).
A detailed comparison of correlations is given below.
13.1. Single Phase Flow Theory

Liquid in a wellbore suffers pressure loss that can be divided into three components:
• hydrostatic pressure loss;
• pressure loss due to friction;
• kinetic pressure loss.
Kinetic pressure loss is usually very small, so its influence can be ignored. Hence the
equation which expresses total pressure losses can be written as follows:
∆PTotal = α∆PHydro + β ∆PFrictional
where
• α is the correction factor of hydrostatic pressure gradient ∆PHydro ;
• β is the correction factor of pressure gradient caused by friction ∆PFrictional .
13. Correlation Types 95

19.1
13.1.1. Friction pressure loss

This type of correlation is based on the definition of the Fanning friction factor and is given
by the Fanning equation
2 f v2 ρL
∆Pf = ,
gc D
where:
• ∆Pf – pressure loss due to friction effects (METRIC: Bara, FIELD: psia);
• f – Fanning friction factor (a function of Reynolds number);
• ρ – density (METRIC: kg/m3 , FIELD: lb/ f t 3 );
• v – average velocity (METRIC: m/s, FIELD: ft/s);
• L – length of pipe section (METRIC: m, FIELD: ft);
• gc – gravitational constant (METRIC: 9.81 m/s2 , FIELD: 32.2 f t/s2 );
• D – inside diameter of pipe (METRIC: m, FIELD: ft).
This correlation can be used either for single-phase gas (Fanning Gas) or for single-phase
liquid (Fanning Liquid).
13.1.2. Single-Phase Friction Factor (f)

The single-phase friction factor can be obtained from the following equation:
" 1.1098 !#
1 k 5.0452 k 5.8506
√ = −4.0 log 0.2698 − log 0.3539 + 0.8981 ,
f D Re D Re
where:
• f – friction factor;
• k – absolute roughness (in);
• k/D – relative roughness (unitless);
• Re – Reynold’s number.
The single-phase friction factor clearly depends on the Reynold’s number, which is a
function of the fluid density, viscosity, velocity and pipe diameter:
1488ρvD
Re = ,
µ
where:
13.1.1. Friction pressure loss 96

19.1
• ρ – density (lb/ft 3 );
• v – velocity (ft/s);
• D – diameter (ft);
• µ – viscosity (cP).
13.1.3. The Single Phase hydrostatic pressure drop

The hydrostatic pressure drop (∆PH ) is defined as follows:
∆PH = ρgh,
where:
• ρ – density of the fluid;
• g – acceleration of gravity
• h – vertical elevation (can be positive or negative).
For a liquid, the density (ρ ) is constant, and the above equation is easily evaluated.
For a gas, the density varies with pressure. Therefore, to evaluate the hydrostatic pressure
loss/gain, the pipe (or wellbore) is subdivided into a sufficient number of segments, such that
the density in each segment can be assumed to be constant.
13.2. Multiphase Flow Theory

The presence of multiple phases greatly complicates pressure drop calculations. This is due
to the fact that the properties of each fluid present must be taken into account. Also, the
interactions between each phase have to be considered. Mixture properties must be used,
and therefore the gas and liquid in-situ volume fractions throughout the pipe need to be
determined. In general, all multiphase correlations are essentially two phase and not three
phase. Accordingly, the oil and water phases are combined, and treated as a pseudo single
liquid phase, while gas is considered a separate phase.
The friction pressure loss is modified in several ways, by adjusting the friction factor ( f ),
the density (ρ) and velocity (v) to account for multiphase mixture properties.
The hydrostatic pressure difference calculation is modified by defining a mixture density.
This is determined by a calculation of in-situ liquid holdup. Some correlations determine
holdup based on defined flow patterns.
13.1.3. The Single Phase hydrostatic pressure drop 97

19.1
13.2.1. Nomenclature
Superficial velocities
The superficial velocity of each phase is defined as the volumetric flow rate of the phase
divided by the cross-sectional area of the pipe (as though that phase alone was flowing through
the pipe):
QL
vsL = ;
πR2
Q0G BG
vsG = .
πR2
Since the liquid phase accounts for both oil and water (QL = QO BO + (QW − xwG QG )BW ),
and the gas phase accounts for the solution gas going in and out of the oil as a function of
pressure (Q0G = QG − QO RS ), the superficial velocities can be rewritten as:
QO BO + (QW − xwG QG )BW

vsL = ;
πR2
(QG − QO RS )BG
vsG = ,
πR2
where:
• QP – phase P flow rate (at stock tank conditions);
• BP – phase P volume factor;
• RS – solution gas/oil ratio;
• xwG – water of condensation (water content of natural gas, METRIC: sm 3 /sm 3 , FIELD:
stb/Mscf);
• R – pipe radius.
Mixture Velocity
Mixture Velocity is another parameter often used in multiphase flow correlations. The
mixture velocity is given by:
vm = vsL + vsG ,
where:
• vm – mixture velocity;
• vsL – superficial liquid velocity;
• vsG – superficial gas velocity.
13.2.1. Nomenclature 98
19.1
Mixture Viscosity
The mixture viscosity is a measure of the in-situ viscosity of the mixture and can be
defined in several different ways. In general, unless otherwise specified, is defined as follows:
µm = µL EL + µG (1 − EL ),
where:
• EL – in-situ liquid volume fraction (liquid holdup);
• µm – mixture viscosity;
• µL – liquid viscosity;
• µG – gas viscosity.
Mixture Density
The mixture density is a measure of the in-situ density of the mixture, and is defined as
follows:
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ),
where:
• EL – in-situ liquid volume fraction (liquid holdup);
• ρm – mixture density;
• ρL – liquid density;
• ρG – gas density.
Liquid density and viscosity

To calculate liquid density (ρL ) and viscosity (µL ) we will apply the following formulae:
ρO RO + ρW RW
ρL = ;
RO + RW
1 1
1 µO RO + µW RW
= ,
µL RO + RW
where:
• ρP – phase P density (P = W, O, G);
• µP – phase P viscosity;
• RP – phase P molar fractions.
19.1
Input Volume Fraction

The input volume fractions are defined as:
QL
CL = ;
QL + QG BG
QG BG
CG = .
QL + QG BG
We can also write this as:
vsL
CL = ;
vm
vsG
CG = ,
vm
where:
• CP – phase P input gas volume fraction;
• QP – phase P flow rate (at stock tank conditions);
• BP – phase P volume factor;
• vsG – superficial gas velocity;
• vsL – superficial liquid velocity;
• vm – mixture velocity (vsL + vsG ).
No-Slip Density
The ”no-slip” density is the density that is calculated with the assumption that both phases
are moving at the same in-situ velocity. The no-slip density is therefore defined as follows:
ρNS = ρLCL + ρG (1 −CL ),
where:
• CP – phase P input volume fraction;
• ρNS – no-slip density;
• ρL – liquid density;
• ρG – gas density.

19.1
No-Slip Viscosity
The ”no-slip” viscosity is the viscosity that is calculated with the assumption that both
phases are moving at the same in-situ velocity. There are several definitions of ”no-slip”
viscosity. In general, unless otherwise specified, (µNS ) is defined as follows:
µNS = µLCL + µG (1 −CL ),
where:
• CP – phase P input volume fraction;
• µNS – no-slip viscosity;
• µL – liquid viscosity;
• µG – gas viscosity.
Surface Tension
The surface tension between the gas and liquid phases has very little effect on two-phase
pressure drop calculations. However, a value is required for use in calculating certain dimen-
sionless numbers used in some of the pressure drop correlations. Empirical relationships for
estimating the gas/oil surface tension and the gas/water surface tension are represented there.
Gas/Oil Interfacial Tension
The dead oil interfacial tension at temperatures of 68 ◦ F and 100 ◦ F is given by:
σ68 = 39 − 0.2571(API)
σ100 = 37.5 − 0.2571(API)

where:
• σ68 – interfacial tension at 68 ◦ F;
• σ100 – interfacial tension at 100 ◦ F;
• API – gravity of stock tank oil.

If the temperature is greater than 100 ◦ F, the value at 100 ◦ F is used. If the temperature is
less than 68 ◦ F, the value at 68 ◦ F is used. For intermediate temperatures, linear interpolation
is used.
(T − 68)(σ68 − σ100 )
σT = 68 −
32
As pressure is increased and gas goes into solution, the gas/oil interfacial tension is re-
duced. The dead oil interfacial tension is corrected for this by multiplying by a correction
factor.
C = 1.0 − 0.024 p0.45
where:

19.1
• p – pressure;
Interfacial tension at any pressure can be get from expression
σ = CσT
Gas/Water Interfacial Tension

The gas/water interfacial tension at temperatures of 74 ◦ F and 280 ◦ F is given by:
σw(74) = 75 − 1.108 p0.349
σw(280) = 53 − 1.1048 p0.637

where:
• σw(74) – interfacial tension at 74 ◦ F;
• σw(280) – interfacial tension at 280 ◦ F;
• p – pressure.
If the temperature is greater than 280 ◦ F, the value at 280 ◦ F is used. If the temperature is
less than 74 ◦ F, the value at 74 ◦ F is used. For intermediate temperatures, linear interpolation
is used.
(T − 74)(σw(74) − σw(280) )
σw(T ) = σw(74) −
206
13.2.2. Griffith Correlation

This type of correlation is a modification to the Hagedorn and Brown Correlation [8]. We
have:
• PT H – tubing hole pressure;

j
• QP – phase P volume rate at surface conditions (P = 1, . . . , nP );
j
• BP – phase P volume fraction;
• µP – phase P viscosity;
• ρP – phase P density;
• ∆z – elevation change;
• L – length of calculation segment;
• D – inside pipe diameter;
• g – gravitational acceleration;
13.2.2. Griffith Correlation 102

19.1
• k – relative pipe roughness;
• RS – dissolved gas/oil factor;
• xwG – vaporized water fraction.

Gas (VsG ) and liquid (VsL ) velocities are given by:
QO BO + (QW − xwG QG )BW
VsL = ;
π/4D2
(QG − QO RS )BG
VsG = .
π/4D2
Mixture velocity (vm ) is given by:
vm = vsL + vsG .
Liquid density (ρL ) and viscosity (µL ) are given by:

ρO RO + ρW RW
ρL = ;
RO + RW
1 1
1 µO RO + µW RW
= .
µL RO + RW
In the Griffith correlation the liquid holdup is given by:
 s 
2
1 vm vm vsG 
EL = 1 − 1 + − 1+ −4 .
2 vs vs vs
Griffith suggested a constant value of vs = 0.8 f t/s as a good average value, which is the one
considered in our calculations.
The hydrostatic head is calculated by the standard equation:
ρm g sin Θ
∆PH = ,
144gc
where:
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ).
The in-situ liquid velocity is given by:
vsL
vL = .
EL
Define Reynolds number ReL , which is given by:
1488ρL vL D
ReL = .
µL
13.2.2. Griffith Correlation 103

19.1
It is suggested, if Re < Re1 = 2000 then there is a Poiseuille’s laminar flow in pipe, if
Re > Re2 = 4000, then there is turbulent flow in pipe, if 2000 = Re1 < Re < Re2 = 4000 then
there is a transitional flow. In laminar flow
16
flow (Re) = .
Re
In turbulent flow Fanning’s friction factor is given by:
" 1.1098 !#!−2
1 k 5.0452 k 5.8506
fup (Re) = log10 0.2698 − log10 0.3539 + 0.8981 .
16 D Re D Re
Then 
f (Re) Re < 2000;

 low



flow (4000 − Re) + fup (Re − 2000)
f= 2000 6 Re 6 4000;


 2000

fup (Re) Re > 4000.

Pressure loss due to friction is calculated by Hagedorn-Brown correlation:
2 f ρL v2L
∆Pf = .
144gc D
13.2.3. Petalas & Aziz correlation

The Petalas and Aziz correlation [11] is capable of handling flow in all directions: horizontal,
inclined and vertical flow. The Petalas and Aziz multiphase correlation accounts for both
frictional pressure loss and hydrostatic pressure differences. Each particular combination of
gas and liquid rates are characterized by the following flow regimes:
• Dispersed Bubble Flow;
• Stratified Flow;
• Annular-mist Flow;
• Bubble Flow;
• Intermittent Flow.
Flow Pattern Determination

The Petalas and Aziz model for multiphase flow requires that a flow pattern be determined.
Five flow patterns are defined in this model and the transition zones for this correlation are
given below:
13.2.3. Petalas & Aziz correlation 104

19.1
Dispersed Bubble Flow Dispersed bubble flow exists if:

1
ELs = < 0.48,
vm 1.39

1+ 8.66
where vm – mixture velocity:

vm = vsG + vsL .
A transition from dispersed bubble flow to froth flow can also occur when the maximum
volumetric packing density of the dispersed gas bubbles is exceeded:
vsG
CG = ≥ 0.52.
vm
Stratified Flow Determining the stability of the stratified flow regime requires the cal-
culation of the liquid height, hL , which can be obtained by writing the momentum balance
equations for the gas and the liquid phases as was done by Taitel and Dukler:

dp g
−AL − τwL SL + τi Si − ρL AL sin Θ = 0,
dL gc

dp g
−AG − τwG SG − τi Si − ρG AG sin Θ = 0.
dL gc
Transverse section area of liquid (AL ) and gas (AG ) can be calculated from geometrical
considerations. Let’s suggest that gas in the upper section of pipe, and liquid is in the lower
one.
AG
A D
R O
AL
hL
R is a pipe radius. Point O is a circle (pipe) center. Chord AD is a boundary between

gas and liquid. Let’s denote α an angle which subtends arc AD. Then unknown areas will be
expressed as follows:
πR2 α
S= α = R2 ,
2π 2
1
S4ADO = R2 sin α.
2
Then we can calculate unknown areas and liquid height (hL ):
R2
AG = (α − sin α);
2

19.1

2 2 sin α α
AL = πR − AG = R π + − ;
2 2
α α α
hL = R + R cos = R (1 + cos ) = 2R cos2 .
2 2 4
It is left to express perimeters of boundaries between gas and liquid (Si ), gas and pipe (SG ),
and liquid and pipe (SL ).
SG = R · α;
SL = (2π − α)R;
α
Si = 2R sin .
2
The shear stresses are given by the following relationships:
fG ρG v2G
τwG = ;
2gc
fL ρL v2L
τwL = ;
2gc
fi ρG vi |vi |
τi = .
2gc
Friction factor on boundary between gas and pipe can be found the way which is analogous
to the one. which is used for one-phase flow with account pipe roughness and the following
Reynolds number:
DG ρG vG
ReG = ,
µG
where DG is a hydraulic diameter of gas phase:
4AG
DG = .
SG + Si
The way which is analogous to one in one-phase case is inconvenient for boundary between
liquid and pipe. It is used the following empirical expression for liquid/pipe friction factor
instead of it:
0.731
fL = 0.452 fSL .
The friction factor, fSL , is obtained from standard methods using pipe roughness and Reynolds
number, Rem :
D ρL vSL
ReSL = .
µL
When flow downhills, more solid phase can flow faster than more light. Then phase-to-phase
shift calculation is based on value vi = vG − vL , which can be negative due to some conditions.
Phase-to-phase friction factor is given by empirical dependence:

−6 1.335 ρL Dg
fi = (0.004 + 0.5 × 10 ReSL )FrL .
ρG v2G

19.1
Froude number is given by:

vL
FrL = √ .
ghL
Dimensionless liquid height:
hL α
h̃L = = cos2 .
D 4
The following is necessary to multi-phase flow to exist:
s
(ρL − ρG )gAG cos Θ
vG ≤ (1 − h̃L ) ;
ρG dA L
dhL
(if cos Θ ≤ 0.02, cos Θ = 0.02 here)

s
gD(1 − h̃L ) cos Θ
vL ≤ .
fL
To distinguish between stratified smooth and stratified wavy flow regimes: stratified smooth
flow exists if: s
4µL (ρL − ρG )g cos Θ
vG ≤ ;
sρL ρG vL
vL
Fr = √ ≤ 1.4.
ghL
Otherwise multi-phase flow is implemented.
Annular-mist Flow Use momentum balance on the liquid film and gas core with liquid
droplets:
dp g
−A f − τwL SL + τi Si − ρL A f sin Θ = 0;
dL gc

dp g
−Ac − τi Si − ρc Ac sin Θ = 0.
dL gc
The geometric parameters can be expressed in terms of the dimensionless liquid film thickness:
δ̃L = δL /D.
Let’s denote pipe radius as R. Point O is a circle (pipe) center. Liquid film thickness – δL .
δL O

19.1
Expression of areas to be determined:

π 2
Ac = π(R − δL )2 = D (1 − 2δ̃L )2 ;
4
π
A f = 2π R2 − (R − δL )2 = D2 1 − (1 − 2δ̃L )2 .
4
It is left to express perimeters of boundaries between gas and liquid (Si ), and liquid and pipe
(SL ):
SL = 2πR = πD;
Si = 2π(R − δL ) = πD(1 − 2δ̃L ).
Parameter k :
Af
= k.
Ac
Expression for k of δL :
2RδL − δL2
k= ;
(R − δL )2
δL2 (k + 1) − 2RδL (k + 1) + kR2 = 0;
4δ̃L2 (k + 1) − 4δ̃L (k + 1) + k = 0;
D = 16k + 16;
1 1
δ̃L = ± √ ;
2 2 k+1
1
k= − 1.
(2δ̃L − 1)2
The liquid fraction in the film is given by:
Af Af 1 k
Ef = = = 1
= =
A A f + Ac 1 + k k+1

2 1
= (2δ̃L − 1) − 1 = 1 − (2δ̃L − 1)2 ;
(2δ̃L − 1)2
Af
Ef = = 4δ̃L (1 − δ̃L ).
A
The shear stresses are given by:
f f ρL v2f
τwL = ;
2gc
fi ρc (vc − v f )|vc − v f |
τi = .
2gc
Gas cores and the liquid film velocities is given by:
A vsL (1 − FE)
v f = vsL (1 − FE) = ;
Af 4δ̃L (1 − δ̃L )

19.1
A (vsG + vsL FE)

vc = (vsG + vsL FE) = .
Ac (1 − 2δ̃L )2
The friction factor for the liquid film is computed using any of the standard correlations with
the pipe roughness and the film Reynolds number as expressed by:
D f ρL v f
Re f = ;
µL
D f = 4δ̃L (1 − δ̃L )D.

Friction factor fc is calculated using standard formulae of pipe roughness and the following
Reynolds number definition:
Dc ρc vc
Rec = ;
µc
Dc = D(1 − 2δ̃L );
µc = Ec µL + (1 − Ec )µG ;
ρc = Ec ρL + (1 − Ec )ρG ;
vsL FE
Ec = .
vsG + vsL FE
In order to solve these equations, two additional quantities need to be determined: the interfa-
cial friction factor, fi , and the liquid fraction entrained, FE . These are determined empirically
and are given by:
0.2
FE 0.074 vsG
= 0.735NB ;
1 − FE vsL
0.085
fi σ
= 0.24 Re0.305
f ,
fc ρc v2c Dc
where the dimensionless number, NB , is defined as:
µL2 v2sG ρG
NB = .
σ 2 ρL
δ̃L can be found using an iterative procedure to obtain the liquid film height at which the
minimum shear stress occurs. Annular flow instability occurs when the supply of liquid in the
film is sufficient to cause blockage of the gas core by bridging the pipe.
Hence, the transition from annular flow occurs when
vsG
EL = 1 − (1 − 2δ̃L )2
vsG + FE vsL
and
EL ≤ 0.24.

19.1
Bubble Flow When the liquid fraction in the slug is greater than 0.48:
1
ELs = > 0.48
vm 1.39

1+ 8.66
and the stratified, annular and dispersed bubble flow regimes have been eliminated, the flow
will either be intermittent, froth or bubble flow. Bubble flow is encountered in steeply inclined
pipes and is characterized by a continuous liquid phase containing a dispersed phase of mostly
spherical gas bubbles. It can exist if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. Large diameter pipes when
(ρL − ρG ) 1/2

D > 19 ;
gρL2
2. The angle of inclination is large enough to prevent migration of bubbles to the top wall
of the pipe:
3 2 Ct γ 2

cos Θ ≤ √ vb ,
4 2 g db
The lift coefficient, Ct , ranges from 0.4 to 1.2, the bubble distortion (from spherical) coeffi-
cient, γ , ranges from 1.1 to 1.5 and a bubble size, db , between 4 and 10 mm. We take for this
model:
Ct = 0.8, γ = 1.3, db = 7 mm.
The bubble swarm rise velocity in a stagnant liquid, vb , is given by:
g(ρL − ρG )σ 1/4

vb = 1.41 sin Θ.
ρL2
When both of the above conditions are satisfied, bubble flow is observed even at low liquid
rates where turbulence does not cause bubble breakup.
The transition to bubble flow from intermittent flow occurs when the gas void fraction
(during slug flow) drops below the critical value of 0.25:
EL > 0.25,
where
ELs vt + vGdb (1 − ELs ) − vsG
EL = .
vt
Intermittent Flow The intermittent flow model used here includes Slug and Elongated
Bubble flow regimes. Intermittent flow exists if:
EL ≤ 0.24,
where
EL =
vt

19.1
(Note: if EL > 1, then EL = vsL /vm .);

1
ELs = ;
vm 1.39

1+ 8.66
vm = vsG + vsL .
where vGdb represents the velocity of the dispersed bubbles„ vt is the translational velocity
of the slug, and ELs is the volume fraction liquid in the slug body. The translational velocity
of the elongated bubbles is given by
vt = C0 vm + vd .
The parameter C0 is a distribution coefficient, which determined from the following empiri-
cally derived correlation:
−0.031
C0 = (1.64 + 0.12 sin Θ)RemL .
The modified Reynolds number in the given equation is based on the mixture velocity and
liquid properties:
ρL vm D
RemL = .
µL
The elongated bubble drift velocity, vd can be calculated by:
vd = fm vd∞ ,
√
where fm = 0.316 Re∞ for fm < 1, otherwise fm = 1, and
ρL vd∞ D
Re∞ = .
2µL
The elongated bubble drift velocity at high Reynolds numbers as:
vd∞ = vdh∞ cosΘ + vdv∞ sin Θ.
The drift velocity of elongated bubbles in a horizontal system at high Reynolds numbers
is given by:
s
1.76 gD(ρL − ρG )
vdh∞ = 0.54 − 0.56 .
Bo ρL
The Bond number, Bo = (ρL −ρσ

G)
gD2 .
The drift velocity of elongated bubbles in a vertical system at high Reynolds numbers is
given by: s
gD(ρL − ρG )
vdv∞ = 0.345(1 − e−β ) .
ρL
The coefficient, β , is given by:
β = Bo e(3.278−1.424 ln(Bo)) .

19.1
Finally, the liquid volume fraction can be calculated once the velocity of the dispersed bubbles
in the liquid slug is obtained from:
vGdb = C0 vm + vb .
(Note: if vGdb < 0, then vGdb = 0). The rise velocity of the dispersed bubbles is calculated
from:
g(ρL − ρG )σ 1/4

vb = 1.53 sin Θ.
ρL2
Froth Flow If none of the transition criteria for intermittent flow are met, the flow
pattern is then designated as «Froth». Froth flow implies a transitional state between the other
flow regimes.
Hydrostatic Pressure Difference
Once the flow type has been determined then the liquid holdup can be calculated. There
is a separate calculation of liquid holdup EL for each flow type.
Dispersed Bubble Flow Let’s determine superficial gas (vsG ) and liquid (vsL ) velocities.
Mixture velocity (vm ) is given by:
vm = vsL + vsG .
Then gas velocity (with dispersed bubbles) determined from:
vGdb = C0 vm + vb ,
where C0 is determined from the empirical correlation:

−0.031
C0 = (1.64 + 0.12 sin Θ)RemL ,
ρL vm D
RemL = .
µL
And vb (the rise velocity of the dispersed bubbles) determined from:
1/4
g(ρL − ρg )σ
vb = 1.53 sin Θ.
ρL2
Now, (EL ) is given by:

vsG
EL = 1 − .
vGdb
If vGdb ≤ 0, then EL is given by:
vsG
EL = 1 − .
c0 vm

19.1
Once the liquid holdup (EL ) has been calculated, it is then used to calculate the mixture
density (ρm ):
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ).
The mixture density can now be used to calculate the pressure change due to the hydrostatic
head for the segment of pipe being investigated.
g
∆PH = ρm ∆h sin Θ.
gc
Stratified Flow Liquid volume fraction (EL – liquid holdup) is given by:
AL
EL = ,
A
where:
• AL – area of transverse section of liquid phase;
• A – area of transverse section.
The ∆PH is then calculated from the hydrostatic portion of the gas and liquid phase momentum
balance equations:
g
∆PH = ρL ∆h sin Θ;
gc
g
∆PH = ρG ∆h sin Θ.
gc
Annular-mist Flow Liquid volume fraction (EL – liquid holdup) is determined using
geometric considerations and a known liquid thickness, by the following equation:
vcG
EL = 1 − (1 − 2σ˜L )2 .
vsG + FEvsL
The ∆PH is then calculated from the hydrostatic portion of the gas and liquid phase momentum
balance equations.
g
∆PH = ρL ∆h sin Θ;
gc
g
∆PH = ρG ∆h sin Θ.
gc
Bubble Flow The bubble flow volumetric gas fraction is given by:
vsG
EG = ,
vt
where (vt ) – is the translational bubble velocity:
vt = c0 vm + vb .

19.1
With C0 assumed to be 1.2 and vb given by the equation below:
g(ρL − ρg )σ 1/4

vb = 1.41 sin Θ.
ρL2
The value of EG is characterized by the range where:
vsG
0 ≤ EG ≤ CG = .
vm
Once the volumetric gas fraction (EG ) has been calculated, it is then used to calculate the
mixture density (ρm ):
ρm = ρL (1 − EG ) + ρG EG .
head for the segment of pipe being investigated:
g
gc
Intermittent Flow Liquid volume fraction (EL ) is given by:

EL = .
vt
density (ρm ):
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ).
head for the segment of pipe being investigated:
g
gc
Friction Pressure Loss The frictional portion of the overall pressure gradient is deter-
mined based on pipe geometry and flow distribution. Each flow type has a separate calculation
used to determine the pressure losses due to friction. The details of these calculations are sum-
marized here.
Dispersed Bubble Flow The first step to determine the frictional pressure loss is to
obtain a friction factor, fm . The friction factor is obtained from standard methods using pipe
roughness and Reynolds number, Rem :
Dρm vm
Rem = ,
µm
where mixture density (ρm ) and mixture viscosity (µm ) are calculated from:
ρm = EL ρL + EG ρG ;

19.1
µm = µL EL + µG EG .
The expression for the pressure loss due to friction is:
2 fm v2m ρm
∆PF = .
D
Stratified Flow The expression for the pressure loss due to friction is determined from
a portion of the momentum balance equations:
−τwL SL + τi Si
∆PF = ;
AL
−τwG SG − τi Si
∆PF = .
AG
All these variables were defined earlier during flow type definition.
Annular-mist Flow The expression for the pressure loss due to friction is determined
from a portion of the momentum balance equations:
−τwL SL + τi Si
∆PF = ;
AL
−τi Si
∆PF = .
AC
Bubble Flow The friction factor for bubble flow, fmL is obtained from standard methods
using pipe roughness and the following definition of Reynolds number:
DρL vm
RemL = .
µL
Now, the expression for the pressure loss due to friction is:
2 fmL v2m ρm
∆PF = .
gc D
Intermittent Flow The frictional pressure loss for intermittent flow is taken from the
momentum balance written for a slug-bubble unit:

1 τLs πD τL f SL f + τGdb SGdb
∆PF = Ls +Lf .
Lu A A
There is no reliable method to determine the slug length, Ls , the length of the bubble re-
gion, L f , of the frictional pressure loss in the gas bubble. Therefore, the following simplified
approach is adopted given the stated uncertainties.

dp dp dp
− =η + (1 − η) .
dL dL f rSL dL f rAM

19.1
Where η is a weighting factor determined empirically relation the slug length to the total slug
unit length Ls /Lu :
(0.75−EL )
η = CL
Where η ≤ 1.0.
Now the frictional pressure gradient for the slug portion is obtained from:
fmL v2m ρm

dp
=2 .
dL f rSL gD

The frictional pressure gradient for the annular-mist flow portion, ddLp , is calculated as
f rAM
in case of annular-mist flow. To calculate film height the following formula is used:
 s 
1 (EFvsL + vsG ) 
δ̃L = 1 − (1 − EL ) .
2 vsG
The annular-mist frictional pressure gradient is calculated from:

dp 4τwL
= .
dL f rAM D
When the calculated film height δ̃L is less than 1 × 10−4 , the frictional pressure gradient for
the annular-mist flow portion, is obtained from:
2 fm v2m ρm

dp
= .
dL f rAM gc D
13.2.4. Beggs & Brill correlation

The Beggs and Brill multiphase correlation [9] deals with both the friction pressure loss
and the hydrostatic pressure difference. First the appropriate flow regime for the particular
combination of gas and liquid rates (segregated, intermittent or distributed) is determined.
The liquid holdup, and hence, the in-situ density of the gas-liquid mixture is then calculated
according to the appropriate flow regime, to obtain the hydrostatic pressure difference. A
two-phase friction factor is calculated based on the ”input” gas-liquid ratio and the Fanning
friction factor.
Flow Pattern Map To generate flow pattern map the Beggs and Brill correlation requires
that a flow pattern be grouped the following way: segregated (stratified, wavy and annular
flows), intermittent (plug and slug flow), distributed (bubble and mist flows) and transition.
The transition lines for the modified correlation are defined as follows:
L1∗ = 316 CL0.302
L2∗ = 0.0009252 CL−2.4684
13.2.4. Beggs & Brill correlation 116

19.1
L3∗ = 0.1 CL−1.4516

L4∗ = 0.5 CL−6.738
The Froude number is a dimensionless number which relates the inertia with respect to the
gravitational forces. For a mixture, it can be obtained by:
v2m
Frm =
gD
Once the input liquid content CL and Froude number of the mixture (Frm ) are determined,
the corresponding flow pattern is identified when the following inequalities are satisfied:
Segregated flow If
CL < 0.01 and Frm < L1∗
or
CL ≥ 0.01 and Frm < L2∗
Intermittent flow If
0.01 ≤ CL < 0.4 and L3∗ < Frm ≤ L1∗
or
CL ≥ 0.4 and L3∗ < Frm < L4∗

19.1
Distributed flow If
CL < 0.4 and Frm ≥ L1∗
or
CL ≥ 0.4 and Frm > L4∗
Transition flow If
CL ≥ 0.01 and L2∗ < Frm < L3∗
Once the flow type has been determined then the liquid holdup can be calculated. Beggs
and Brill divided the liquid holdup calculation into two parts. First the liquid holdup for
horizontal flow, EL (0), is determined, and then this holdup is modified for inclined flow.
Afterwards, this horizontal holdup is corrected for inclined flow to obtain the actual holdup,
EL (Θ). The horizontal holdup must be EL (0) ≥ CL . Therefore, in the event that EL (0) < CL ,
the horizontal holdup is set to EL (0) = CL . The expression used to calculate the horizontal
holdup changes per flow pattern group as follows:
Segregated
0.98 CL0.4846
EL (0) = 0.0868
Frm
Intermittent
0.845 CL0.5351
EL (0) = 0.0173
Frm
Distributed
1.065 CL0.5824
EL (0) = 0.0609
Frm
Transition
EL (0)transition = A EL (0)segregated + B EL (0)intermittent
where:
L3∗ − Frm
A= and B = 1 − A
L3∗ − L2∗

19.1
Once the horizontal in situ liquid volume fraction is determined, the actual liquid volume
fraction is obtained by multiplying EL (0) by an inclination factor B(Θ):
EL (Θ) = B(Θ)EL (0)
where:
1 3
B(Θ) = 1 + β sin(1.8 Θ) − sin (1.8 Θ)
3
β is a function of flow type, the direction of inclination of the pipe (uphill flow or downhill
flow), the liquid velocity number (NvL ) and the mixture Froude Number (Frm ). And
1/4
ρL
NvL = 1.938vsL
gσ
For UPHILL flow:
Segregated
0.011 N 3.539

β = (1 −CL ) ln 3.768 vL1.614
CL Frm
Intermittent
2.96 CL0.305 Frm0.0978

β = (1 −CL ) ln 0.4473
NvL
Distributed
β =0
For DOWNHILL flow:
ALL flow types

0.011 N 0.1244

β = (1 −CL ) ln 0.3692 vL0.5056
CL Frm
! β must always be ≥ 0. Therefore, if a negative value is calculated for β , it is

set to 0 instead.
Once the liquid holdup (EL (Θ)) is calculated, it is used to calculate the mixture den-
sity (ρm ). The mixture density is, in turn, used to calculate the pressure change due to the
hydrostatic head of the vertical component of the pipe or well.
ρm g∆z
∆PH =
144gc

19.1
Friction Pressure Loss

The first step to calculating the pressure drop due to friction is to calculate the empirical
parameter S :
if 1 < y < 1.2, then
S = ln(2.2y − 1.2)
otherwise,
y
S=
−0.0523 + 3.18y − 0.872y2 + 0.01853y4
where:
CL
y = ln
EL2
A ratio of friction factors is then defined as follows:
ft p
= es
fNS
fNS is the no-slip friction factor. We use the Fanning friction factor, calculated using the Chen
equation. The no-slip Reynolds Number is also used, and it is defined as follows:
ρNS vm D
ReNS =
µNS
Finally, the expression for the pressure loss due to friction is:
2 ft p v2m ρNS L
∆Pf =
144gc D
13.2.5. Beggs & Brill revised correlation

The revised version of the Beggs & Brill correlation is taken into account pipe roughness and
improves liquid–holdup values by introducing correction factors proposed by Payne [17].
In [17] it was shown that the Beggs & Brill method underpredict friction factors since the
method is based on data obtained in a smooth pipe. For turbulent fluid flow in rough pipes
the friction factor is calculated using the Colebrook–White (CW) equation, which is implicit
in the friction factor f :
1 ε/D 2.51
√ = −2 log10 + √
f 3.7 Re f
where ε is roughness of the pipe, D is the pipe diameter, Re is the Reynolds number. In [18]
an alternate form of the CW equation was proposed, which is valid over the wide range of
ε/D and Re values and allows accurately estimate f since no iterative solution techniques
are necessary. Above mentioned equation can be rewritten as:
u
u = − ln b +
d
where
13.2.5. Beggs & Brill revised correlation 120

19.1
• u= 1
√
a f
• a= 2
ln(10)
• b= ε/D
3.7
• c= 2.51
Re
• d= 1
ac = Re ln(10)
5.02
An alternate mathematically exact representation of the CW equation can be written as

[18]:
d
u = ln +δ
q
or
1 d
√ = a ln +δ
f q
where
• s = bd + ln(d)
• q = ss/(s+1)
δ satisfies the implicit equation:

δ
δ + ln 1 + =z
g
where

q
• z = ln g

• g = bd + ln d
q
The solution for δ can be obtained using linear approximation of the logarithmic term:

g
δLA = z
g+1
which results in error on the order of (δ /g)2 . A much more accurate solution can be obtained
using continued–fractions approximations (CFA) of the logarithmic term resulting in error on
the oder of (δ /g)4 :
z/2
δCFA = δLA 1 +
(g + 1)2 + (z/3)(2g − 1)
13.2.5. Beggs & Brill revised correlation 121

19.1
Moreover, in [17] it was shown that the Beggs & Brill method overpredict liquid holdup
in both uphill and downhill flow. To improve a prediction the following correction factors
should be used:
EL(θ ) = 0.924EL(θ ) f or θ > 0
and
EL(θ ) = 0.685EL(θ ) f or θ <0
where θ is an inclination angle. However, the resulting liquid holdup for θ > 0 should not
be less than CL .
13.2.6. Orkiszewski method

Orkiszewski [7] distinguished four types of flow patterns:
• Bubble Flow;
• Slug Flow;
• Transition Flow;
• Mist Flow.
For each one he developed some relations to establish the hydrostatic and the friction losses
Flow pattern determination
It is necessary to determine flow regime for Orkiszewski method for multi-phase flow. To
determine flow regime one of the following conditions should be satisfied:
• Bubble Flow:
vsG
< Lb ;
vm
• Slug Flow:
vsG
> Lb , NvG < Ls ;
vm
• Transition Flow:
Lm > NvG > Ls ;
• Mist Flow.
NvG > Lm .
Where:
v2m
Lb = 1.071 − (0.2218 ) but ≥ 0.13;
d
NvG vsL
Ls = 50 + 36 ;
vsG
13.2.6. Orkiszewski method 122

19.1
0.75
NvG vsL
Lm = 75 + 84 ,
vsG
and: 0.25
ρL
NvG = vsG .
gσ
Dependence of pressure loss calculation of flow pattern
Bubble Flow Liquid holdup (EL – liquid holdup) is determined by:
 s 
2
1 vm vm vsG 
EL = 1 − 1 + − 1+ −4 ,
2 vs vs vs
where (vs ) is the slip velocity and is considered constant with a value 0.8 ft/s. Mixture density
is calculated as:
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ).
Having obtained the mixture density, the hydrostatic head component of the total pressure
gradient is:
g
∆PH = ρm sin Θ.
gc
The friction factor f for bubble flow is obtained from standard methods using pipe roughness
and Reynolds number, Rem :
1488ρL DvsL
Re = .
µL EL
Pressure loss due to friction is calculated as:
2
f ρL vEsLL
∆PF = .
2gc D
Slug Flow Mixture density is expressed as:

ρL (vsL + vs ) + ρG vsG
ρm = + ρL δ ,
vm + vs
where vs is bubble rise velocity, and given by:
p
vs = C1C2 gD
where C1 is a function of the Reynolds number ReS and C2 is a function of Reynolds number
ReL . These variables can be expressed as:
1488ρL vs D
ReS = ;
µL
1488ρL vm D
ReL = .
µL
Because of relation between vs and ReS it is necessary iterational procedure to calculate vs .
The following are the steps to calculate vs :

19.1
√
1. Assume that vs = 0.5 gD;
2. Determine ReS using current vs ;
3. Calculate vs from equations (13.1 – 13.3);
4. Compare vs assumed and vs calculated. If they are not close enough, repeat steps 2 –
4.
If ReS ≤ 3000:
vs = (0.546 + 8.74 ∗ 10−6 ReL ) gD
p
(13.1)
If ReS ≥ 8000:
vs = (0.35 + 8.74 ∗ 10−6 ReL ) gD
p
(13.2)
If 3000 < ReS < 8000:
s !
13.59µL
vs = 0.5 ψ + ψ2 + √ (13.3)
ρL D
ψ = (0.251 + 8.74 ∗ 10−6 ReL ) gD.

p
δ can be determined from the following equations according to some conditions. Contin-
uous phase-oil:
If vm < 10:
ln(µL + 1)
δ = 0.0127 − 0.284 + 0.167 ln vm + 0.113 ln D.
D1.415
If vm ≥ 10:
ln(µL + 1)
δ = 0.0274 + 0.161 + 0.5699 ln D + X;
D1.371
where
ln(µL + 1)
X = − ln vm 0.01 + 0.397 + 0.63 ln D .
D1.571
Continuous liquid phase-oil:
If vm < 10:
ln µL
δ = 0.013 − 0.681 + 0.232 ln vm − 0.428 ln D.
D1.38
If vm ≥ 10:
ln µL
δ = 0.045 − 0.709 − 0.162 ln vm − 0.888 ln D.
D0.799
The value of δ is restricted by the following limits:
If vm < 10:
δ ≥ −0.065vm .
If vm > 10:
vs ρm
δ ≥− 1− .
vm + vs ρL

19.1
Pressure change due to the hydrostatic head:

g
∆PH = ρm sin Θ.
gc
Pressure loss due to friction is given by:
f ρL v2m

vsL + vs
∆PF = +δ .
2gc D vm + vs
Transition Flow In transition flow regime pressure gradient is given by linear interpola-
tion between limits of bubble flow and mist flow regimes. Pressure gradient in transition flow
is given by:
∆P = M∆slug + (1 − M)∆mist ,
where
Lm − NvG
M= .
Lm − Ls
Mist Flow Gas phase is continuous in this flow regime. It is assumed that slip velocity
is 0, that is, we have homogenous flow. Mixture density is given by:
vsL vsG
ρm = ρL + ρG .
vm vm
Mixture density can be used now to calculate pressure change due to the hydrostatic head:
g
∆PH = ρm sin Θ.
gc
Pressure loss due to friction is given by:
f ρG v2sG
∆PF = .
2gc D
Friction factor f is determined using Reynolds number:
1488ρG vsG D
Re = .
µG
13.2.7. Gray correlation

Although Gray correlation was developed for vertical flow [12], we have implemented it in
both vertical and inclined pipe pressure drop calculations. To correct the pressure drop for
situations with a horizontal component, the hydrostatic head has only been applied to the
vertical component of the pipe while friction is applied to the entire length of pipe.
13.2.7. Gray correlation 125

19.1

The Gray correlation uses three dimensionless numbers:
2 v4
ρNS m
N1 = ;
gσ (ρL − ρG )
gD2 (ρL − ρG )
N2 = ;
σ

730Rv
N3 = 0.0814 1 − 0.0554 ln 1 + ,
Rv + 1
where:
vsL
Rv = .
vsG
And σ – surface tension – is given by:
QO σO + 0.617QW σW
σ= ,
QO + 0.617QW
where σO and σW – surface tension between gas/oil phases and gas/water correspondingly.
The liquid holdup is calculated as follows:
EL = 1 − (1 −CL ) · (1 − exp( f1 )),
where:
205 N3

f1 = −2.314 N1 1 + .
N2
Once the liquid holdup (EL ) is calculated it is used to calculate the mixture density (ρm ):
ρm = EL ρL + (1 − EL )ρG .
The mixture density is, in turn, used to calculate the pressure change due to the hydrostatic
head of the vertical component of the pipe or well:
ρm g sin Θ
∆PH = .
144gc
Friction Pressure Loss
The Gray Correlation assumes that the effective roughness of the pipe (ke ) is dependent
on the value of (Rv ) and k is absolute pipe roughness. The conditions are as follows:
if Rv ≥ 0.007, then
ke = k0 ;
if Rv < 0.007, then
k0 − k

ke = k + Rv ,
0.007
13.2.7. Gray correlation 126

19.1
where:
28.5σ
k0 = ;
ρNS v2m
vsL
Rv = .
vsG
The effective roughness, ke , must be larger than or equal to 2.77 × 10−5 .
The relative roughness of the pipe is then calculated by dividing the effective roughness by
the diameter of the pipe. The Fanning friction factor is obtained using the Chen equation and
assuming a Reynolds Number (Re) of 107 . Finally, the expression for the friction pressure
loss is:
2 f v2m ρNS L
∆PF = .
144gc D
13.2.8. Aziz, Govier and Fogarasi correlation

Aziz, Govier and Fogarasi [6] (1972) proposed a multiphase flow correlation that was de-
pendent on the flow regime. This correlation type has some theoretical justification and is
considered to be one of the least empirical correlations available.
The flow regime identifying
Four flow regimes are considered: Bubble, slug, transition, and annular-mist (see figure
below).
The flow regimes are identified with the following variables:

ρ 1/3 72 ρ 1/4
G L
NX = vsG ;
0.0764 62.4 σL
1/4
72 ρL
NY = vsL .
62.4 σL
13.2.8. Aziz, Govier and Fogarasi correlation 127

19.1
NX and NY give the location within the flow map while the boundaries of the flow regimes
are given by:
B12 = 0.51(100NY )0.172 ;
B23 = 8.6 + 3.8NY ;
B34 = 70(100NY )−0.152 .
The flow regimes may be identified as follows:
Bubble Flow
NX < B12 .
Slug Flow
B12 < NX < B23 and NY < 4;
B12 < NX < 26.5 and NY > 4.
Transition Flow
B23 < NX < B34 and NY < 4.
Annular Mist
NX > B34 and NY < 4;
NX > 26.5 and NY > 4.
Flow-Pattern map proposed by Aziz, Govier, and Fogarasi is presented in the figure:

19.1
Pressure calculation due to flow regime

Bubble Flow The liquid holdup (EL ) defined as:
vsG
EL = 1 − ,
vBF
where:
vBF = 1.2vm + vBS ;
σL g(ρL − ρG ) 1/4

vBS = 1.41 .
ρL2
density (ρm ):
ρm = ρL EL + ρG (1 − EL ).
head:
g
∆PH = ρm sin Θ.
gc
The friction factor is obtained from standard methods using pipe roughness and Reynolds
number, Rem :
ρL Dvm
Re = .
µL
f ρm v2m
∆PF = .
2gc D
Slug Flow The density component in the slug flow regime uses the same definition for
liquid holdup and vBF employed in the bubble flow regime. However, vBS is defined as:
1/2
gD(ρL − ρG )
vBS = C
ρL
where:
3.37 − NE
C = 0.345 1 − exp(−0.029NV ) 1 − exp
m
gD(ρL − ρG )
NE =
σL
1/2
gD3 (ρL − ρG )
NV =
µL
where m in expression for C is evaluated as follows:
• if NV ≤ 18, then m = 15;

19.1
• if 18 < NV < 250, then m = 69NV−0.35 ;

• if NV ≥ 250, then m = 10.
Having obtained the liquid holdup, the hydrostatic head component of the total pressure
gradient is:
g
∆PH = ρm sin Θ.
gc
The friction factor f is obtained from standard methods using pipe roughness and Reynolds
number, Rem :
ρL Dvm
Re = .
µL
f ρL EL v2m
∆PF = .
2gc D
Transition Flow The transition flow region is, as the name indicates, a region of tran-
sition between the slug flow region and the annular-mist flow region. The transition flow
region is, as the name indicates, a region of transition between the slug flow region and the
annular-mist flow region. The interpolation is performed as follows:

B34 − NX NX − B23
∆Ptrans = ∆Pslug + ∆Pmist .
B34 − B23 B34 − B23
Annular Mist For modeling the annular-mist flow regime it is assumed that the high
gas velocity of the annular-mist region would allow no slippage to occur between the phases.
The mixture density used to calculate the density component is, therefore, the no-slip density,
ρNS . The expression for the density component is:
g
∆PH = ρNS sin Θ.
gc
The friction component for the annular-mist region is based solely on the gas phase and is
given by:
ρG f v2sG
∆PF = .
2gc D
where the Moody friction factor f is based on the Reynold’s number of the gas:
1488ρG DvsG
Re = .
µG
Duns and Ros method is based on suggestion that the pipe roughness was altered by the thin
layer of liquid on the wall of the pipe. Two variables are used to characterize this effect. The
first is a form of the Weber number:
ρG v2sG ε
NW E = ;
σL

19.1
and the second is dimensionless number based on liquid viscosity:

µL
Nµ =
ρL σL ε
Duns and Ros proposed the following relationship to model the relative roughness:
if NW E Nµ ≤ 0.005
ε 0.0749σL
=
D ρG v2sG D
if NW E Nµ > 0.005
ε 0.3713σL
= (NW E Nµ )0.302
D ρG v2sG D
The value of the relative roughness Dε is constrained to be no less than the actual relative
roughness of the pipe and no more than 0.5.
13.2.9. Mukherjee & Brill correlation

To calculate pressure change via Mukherjee & Brill correlation [10] it is necessary to deter-
mine flow pattern at first, and then to calculate pressure change by formulae for according
regime.
Flow-Pattern prediction
The following procedure to determine flow regime is used:
The bubble-slug transition equation for upflow (NLvBS ). Let’s define several values:
0.25
ρL
NLv = vsL 2 ;
g 0.00010197σ
0.25
ρL
NGv = vsG 2 ;
g 0.00010197σ
0.25
1
NL = 0.001 µL 2 .
g ρL (0.00010197σ )3
Calculate dimensionless value NLv
2 Θ+3.695N }
NLvBS = 10{log NGv +0.94+0.074 sin Θ−0.855 sin L
.
The slug-annular mist transition equation: NGvSM .
0.329 }
NGvSM = 10{1.401−2.694NL +0.521NLv .
Equation of transition ”bubble-slug” for downhill or horizontal flow is given by:
2 sin Θ}
NGvBS = 10{0.431+1.132 sin Θ−3.003NL −1.138 log NLv sin Θ−0.429(log NLv ) .
Equation of transition of stratified regime for downflow horizontal flow is given by:
2 −3.925 sin2 Θ}
NLvST = 10{0.321−0.017NGv −4.267 sin Θ−2.972NL −0.033(log NGv ) .
The following scheme is used to determine flow pattern:
13.2.9. Mukherjee & Brill correlation 131

19.1
Estimation for liquid volume fraction

The liquid holdup (EL – liquid holdup) data were correlated with an equation of the form:
c5
2 2 NGv
EL = exp (c1 + c2 sin Θ + c3 sin Θ + c4 NL ) c6
NLv
Coefficient c1 , ...c6 are taken from the table below:
Uphill Downhill Stratified Downhill Other

c1 -0.380113 -1.330282 -0.516644
c2 0.129875 4.808139 0.789805
c3 -0.119788 4.171584 0.551627
c4 2.343227 56.262268 15.519214
c5 0.475686 0.079951 0.371771
c6 0.288657 0.504887 0.393952
Pressure loss calculation
Bubble and Slug Flow Pressure gradient for bubble flow and slug flow is determined
from:
f ρm v2m g
2D + ρm gc sin Θ
∆P =
1 − Ek

19.1
where
ρm vm vsG
Ek =
p
The friction factor, f , is obtained from standard methods using pipe roughness and Reynolds
number, Re:
1488ρNS Dvm
Re =
µNS
Annular Flow A ratio of liquid fraction to liquid holdup is calculated as:

CL
ER =
EL
Using the value of (ER ), the value of factor of liquid fraction ( fR ) can be estimated by the
following:
• if ER ≤ 0.01, then fR = 1.0;
• if 0.01 < ER ≤ 0.2, then fR = −0.1053ER + 1.0011;
• if 0.2 < ER ≤ 1, then fR = 2.1863ER3 − 5.7901ER2 + 4.2488ER + 0.3561;
• if ER > 1, then fR = 1.0.
Friction factor is given by:
f = fR ∗ fNS ,
And pressure gradient for annular flow is calculated as:
f ρm v2m
2D + ρm ggc sin Θ
∆P = .
1 − Ek
Stratified Flow Pressure loss values for this flow can be calculated from a steady-state
momentum balance on the gas and liquid phases:
dP g
AG = −(τwG PG + τiWi ) − ρG AG sin Θ;
dL gc
dP g
AL = −(τwL PL + τiWi ) − ρL AL sin Θ;
dL gc
Let’s define some geometrical parameters:
2hL
δ = 2 cos−1 (1 − );
D
s 2
hL hL
Wi = 2D − ;
D D
1
EL = (δ − sin δ ).
2π

19.1
Hydraulic diameters for the gas and liquid phases can be defined by
(δ − sin δ )
DEL = D ;
δ + 2 sin(δ /2)
2π − (δ − sin δ )
DEG = D .
2π − δ + 2 sin(δ /2)
Perimeter of gas phase is given by:

δ
PG = 1 − · P,
2π
and total perimeter:

P = PG + PL .
The wall shear stresses can be evaluated by assuming a single-phase flow to occur in the cross
section occupied by a given phase:
4 fL ρL v2L
τwL = ;
2g
4 fG ρG v2G
τwG = ,
2g
where fL and fG based on Reynold’s numbers of liquid and gas phases.
Pressure loss can be calculated as
1
∆P = ((τwL (πD − PG ) + τwG PG ) + (ρL AL + ρG AG ) sin Θ).
A

19.1
14. Matching
Due to the integration of VFP Designer with assisted matching module we can match calcu-
lated VFP tables with available measurements of pressure drop in a wellbore.
To run matching it is required to:
• select data measurements;
• define variables;
• set parameters of matching.
14.1. Selection of Data Measurements

In order to select measurements (samples) used for a matching of calculated VFP table press
the button Sample Selection on the right panel of VFP tab. The sample marked by tick
!
will be used for matching (see figure 28).
If there is no selected sample the matching is not possible.
Figure 28. Selection of samples
To call a dialog of matching parameters go to the VFP tab containing the VFP table
required to match and press the button on the right panel of this tab. The dialog of
matching parameters is shown in figure 29.
14. Matching 135

19.1
14.2. Defining Variables

For matching different parameters can be used as variables:
• well construction parameters;
• correlation parameters;
• correlation types.
The number variables defined by user in a project is not limited. However, increase in the
number of variables leads to increase in matching challenges.
14.2.1. Selection of Well Construction Parameters for Matching

Parameters of any construction objects (Casing pipe, Tubing pipe etc.) can be used as variables
for matching. For example, an inside diameter of pipe may vary due to heavy oil deposits
and/or asphaltene sediments in a wellbore. An outside diameter may vary due to a squeeze
caused by pressure drop. Wall roughness strongly depends on deposits in wellbore, therefore
it may change in a wide range.
In order to use an object parameter as variable go to the Well Construction tab and
right-click on the selected parameter. In the drop-down menu select Matching → Use For
Matching.
The selected variable will be highlighted with red color and the varible will be seen in the
matching parameter window (see figure 29).
14.2.2. Selection of Correlation Parameters for Matching

Pressure gradient correction factors (Friction and Hydrostatic) are selected by default (see
figure 29). These factors are used for calculation of pressure loss in the section 13.1.
14.2.3. Selection of Correlation Types for Matching

A correlation type can be used as variable for matching. For each well part (vertical, horizontal
and deviated) it is possible to check several correlation types to find the best one.
14.2. Defining Variables 136

19.1
14.3. Parameters of Matching

To run matching go to the tab of VFP table required to match and press the button
Matching on the right panel of the tab. The window of matching parameters is shown in the
figure 29.
Figure 29. Parameters of matching
!
If there is no sample selected for the matching the warning message will
appear that matching without samples impossible and you will be proposed
to select samples.
The following matching parameters can be set:
14.3. Parameters of Matching 137

19.1
Main Options
• Algorithm. Allows to select an algorithm for matching. The following algorithms are
available:
– Particle Swarm Optimization;
– Differential Evolution;
– Nelder–Mead;
– Response Surface.
The detailed description is given in the Assisted History Matching User Guide.
• Max Iterations. A number of algorithm iterations. The number can be decreased if
Stop on Slow Improvement option is checked (see below).
Stop on Slow Improvement
If the convergency of algorithm slows down than the specified value (Improvement value)
the algorithm will be terminated. The improvment value (a relative variation of objective
function) is evaluated over the number of iterations (Iteration Count). If a current improvment
value is lower than the specified threshold value (Improvement value) the algorithm will be
terminated.
• Iteration Count. Over this number of iterations a convergency improvment is evaluated.
• Improvement value (%). Threshold value to estimate a convergency improvment.
Correlation Variables Options
The list of correlation variables used for matching. If a variable is unchecked it will not
be used for matching. For each varible you need to specify:
• Min. Minimum value of variable (by default it is equal to 80% of base value). The
percentage of base value can be specified by right-clicking on the value;
• Base Value. Base value of variable;
• Max. Maximum value of variable (by default it is 80% higher than the base value).
Min., Max. and Base Value can be manually changed.
Well Objects Variables Options
The list of well objects variables used for matching. If a variable is unchecked it will not
be used for matching. For each varible you need to specify:
• Min. Minimum value of variable (by default it is equal to 80% of base value). The
percentage of base value can be specified by right-clicking on the value;
• Base Value. Base value of variable;
• Max. Maximum value of variable (by default it is 80% higher than the base value).
Min., Max. and Base Value can be manually changed.

19.1
Possible Types of Correlation

Correlation type can be used as variable for matching. If a variable is unchecked it will
not be used for matching.
• Correlation For Vertical Part Of Well. It is possible to choose the following types of
correlation:
– Beggs & Brill;

– Beggs & Brill revised;
– Hagedorn-Brown;
– Petalaz–Aziz;
– Orkiszewski;
– Gray;
– Aziz–Govier–Fogarasi;
– Mukherjee–Brill.
• Correlation For Deviated Part Of Well. Possible types of correlation are indictated
above.
• Correlation For Horizontal Part Of Well. Possible types of correlation are indictated
above.

19.1
14.4. Results of Matching

After completion of the matching the new tab containing matched VFP table will be automat-
ically created. Switching to this tab you can estimated quality of matching.
In case of parameter of well object is used as variable for the matching it is possible to
check its values before and after the matching by pressing the button (see figure 30).
Figure 30. Matched outside diameter of tubing pipe
In order to implement the matched parameter of well object press the button Apply All in
this window. The parameter value previously specified on the tab Well Construction will be
replaced by the matched value.
14.4. Results of Matching 140

19.1
15. IPR Table

IPR (Inflow Performance Relationship) is the well performance characteristic showing the
dependence between the well production rate and the flowing bottom hole pressure (BHP).
Such relationship is expressed in terms of the well static (or reservoir) pressure pr , the well
flowing (or bottom hole) pressure p f , and flow rate Q. Generally, a volume flow rate is
proportional to the pressure drawdown:
QV ∝ (pr − p f )
For liquid IPRs the stock tank liquid rate is direct proportional to the volume flow rate at well
conditions:
QL ∝ (pr − p f )
For gas IPRs the stock tank flow rate is direct proportional to the volume flow rate at reservoir
conditions multiplied by the average reservoir pressure:
pr + p f
QG ∝ QV ∝ (p2r − p2f )
2
The following IPR models are available:
• Vogel’s Equation;
• Fetkovich’s Equation;
• Well Productivity Index (PI);
• Well Test Data;
• Jones’ Equation.
Created IPR is automatically saved in the project (see figure 31). IPR is used to evaluate
interaction between reservoir and well at steady state. Using known tubing head pressure and
created VFP table the bottom hole pressure can be defined:
pBH = f (pT H ,V FP)
Then, using IPR the volume flow rate corresponding to obtained pBH can be defined:
Q = g(pBH , IPR)
15.1. IPR models

15.1.1. Vogel’s Equation
The Vogel’s Equation is one of methods to specify Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) for
a completion. This equation has been developed to model saturated oil wells. This equation
takes into account only the effect of rock and fluid properties on saturated systems, but ignores
15. IPR Table 141

19.1
high velocity flow effects that may occur in high–rate wells (see Fetkovich’s Equation). The
Vogel’s Equation can be written as:
2 !
pf pf
Q = Qmax 1 − (1 −C) −C
pr pr
where
• Q is the liquid flow rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• Qmax is the absolute open hole flow potential (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day),
i.e. the liquid flow rate when the bottom hole pressure is equal to zero;
• p f is the well flowing (or bottom hole) pressure (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi);
• pr is the well static (or reservoir) pressure (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi);
• C is the Vogel coefficient.
If p f = 0 then Q = Qmax . If p f = pr then the flow rate Q = 0.

Productivity index is calculated as:
∂Q Qmax (1 +C)
=−
∂ pf pr
15.1.2. Fetkovich’s Equation

The Fetkovich’s equation is one of methods to specify Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR)
for a completion. This equation is an extension of Vogel’s Equation and takes into account
high velocity flow effects. The Fetkovich’s equation can be written as follows:
2 !n
pf
Q = Qmax 1 −
pr
where
• Q is the liquid flow rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• Qmax is the absolute open hole flow potential (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day),
i.e. the liquid flow rate when the bottom hole pressure is equal to zero;
• n is the Fetkovich exponent.
15.1.2. Fetkovich’s Equation 142

19.1
15.1.3. Well Productivity Index (PI)

The method is wildly used method to specify Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR) for a
completion and is based on the well Productivity Index (PI).
Well Productivity Index: liquid
This approach proposes that the rate is directly proportional to pressure drawdown between
the bottom hole and the reservoir. The relationship between the liquid rate and a pressure
drawdown can be written as:
QL = JL pr − p f
where
• QL is the stock-tank oil rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• JL is the liquid productivity index.
Well Productivity Index: gas

For gas the relationship between the rate and a pressure drawdown is non-linear and written
as:
QG = JG p2r − p2f

where
• QG is the stock-tank gas rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• JG is the gas productivity index.
15.1.4. Well Test Data

The relationship between volume flow rate and pressure is specified in tabular form:
• BHP (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi). Bottom Hole Pressure;
• Volume Rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day).
15.1.3. Well Productivity Index (PI) 143

19.1
15.1.5. Jones’ Equation

The Fetkovich’s equation is one of methods to specify Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR)
for a completion. This equation is similar to the equation based on the well productivity index,
but with additional term describing turbulence.
Jones’ Equation: gas
The Jones’ equation for gas can be written as:
p2r − p2f = AQ2G + BQG
where
• QG is the stock-tank gas rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• A ≥ 0 is the turbulence coefficient;
• B ≥ 0 is the laminar coefficient.
If A = 0, the Jones’ equation reduces to the equation for Well Productivity Index with
index equal to JG = 1/B. B > 0.05 corresponds to low permeability or the presence of skin
damage.
Jones’ Equation: liquid
The Jones’ equation for liquid can be written as:
p2r − p2f = AQ2L + BQL
where
• QL is the stock-tank oil rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day);
• A ≥ 0 is the turbulence coefficient;
• B ≥ 0 is the laminar coefficient.
If A = 0, the Jones’ equation reduces to the equation for Well Productivity Index with
index equal to JL = 1/B.
15.1.5. Jones’ Equation 144

19.1
Figure 31. IPR (Inflow Performance Relationship) curve
15.2. Creating IPR

In order to create a IPR press on the tab and in drop-down menu select IPR table.
IPR Base. Specify fluid flowing through a well:
• Liquid;
• Gas.
IPR Model. The following models are available:
• IPR Model. Vogel. Description is available in the section Vogel’s Equation.

The following data should be set for IPR model:
• Vogel Coefficient;
• Reservoir Pressure (METRIC: bars, FIELD: psi);
• Max Rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day).
Test Data can also be specified.

Allows to set available values of BHP and flow rate as a "point" that will be passed by
the IRP curve specified by Vogel’s equation. If the check box is not checked the location
of Vogel’s curve is specified by abovementioned parameters only (Vogel Coefficient
etc.).
15.2. Creating IPR 145

19.1

• IPR Model. Fetkovich. Description is available in the sectionFetkovich’s Equation.

• Exponent;
• Max Rate (METRIC: sm3 /day, FIELD: stb/day).
Test Data can also be specified.

Allows to set available values of BHP and flow rate as a "point" that will be passed by
the IRP curve specified by Fetkovich’s equation. If the check box is not checked the
location of Fetkovich’s curve is specified by abovementioned parameters only (Exponent
etc.).

• IPR Model. Well-PI. Description is available in the section Well Productivity Index (PI).

• Productivity Index (METRIC: sm3 /day/Bars, FIELD: stb/day/Psi).
• IPR Model. Well Test data. Data for IPR model can be set in a table form:

• IPR Model. Jones. Description is available in the section Jones’ Equation.


• A coefficient;
• B coefficient.
15.2. Creating IPR 146

19.1
16. Workflows
All of the Designer modules in tNavigator support Python based workflows. This feature
enables users to record and replay sequences of functional steps for: input data interpretation,
building static models, dynamic simulations, postprocessing of results, uncertainty analysis or
history matching. Workflows can also be used for connecting various modules of tNavigator,
calling external user scripts and third-party software like Excel™.
For example, one could set up an arbitrary user defined workflow, which would include
step-by-step building of a structural model in Geology Designer followed by snapping seis-
mic surfaces to match markers, grid generation, upscaling, SGS property interpolation and
dynamic model initialization with static and dynamic uncertainty variables. This static-to-
simulation workflow can be run from the Assisted History Matching module and provide
comprehensive sensitivity analysis of simulation results with respect to variations of static
and dynamic parameters.
Examples of workflows usage are shown in training tutorials:
• GDAHM1.1. How To Use Integrated Workflow AHM.
• GDAHM1.2. How To Use Integrated Uncertainty.
16.1. Editing workflow

The project may contain multiple workflows. They are stored as *.py scripts at Workflows
in the project directory and can be loaded into another project (see Import workflow below).
It is not recommended to edit them manually. If you still intend to do it at your own risk,
respect the #region...#endregion comment lines. Though ignored by Python, they are
important for the preprocessing routine.
To edit a workflow, open the Calculations and Workflows window, which may be ac-
cessed either from the top menu (Workflows) or via the keyboard shortcut Alt+W.
The top panel of the window contains interface for handling workflows, including the
following elements:
• Dropdown list lets you select a workflow among those present in the project.
• Add creates a new empty workflow.
• Delete removes a workflow (disabled if there is currently only one workflow).
• Duplicate creates a copy of the current workflow.
• Rename renames the current workflow.
• Import workflow (on the right) reads a workflow from a file.
16. Workflows 147

19.1
The left column of the window contains all available calculations. In particular, these
include setting up the parameters of all well construction objects.
The list of available actions is split into the following groups:
• Utilities are the common utilities, including:
◦ Print Log sends a message to the log file.

◦ Add custom code lets you run arbitrary code, including another workflow (select
Workflows on the lower right panel).
• Tubing, Casing, Perforation, etc. include the functions for changing specific properties of
the well construction object, grouped by object type.
The middle column of the window contains the calculations already added to the current
workflow. They can be executed all together or in a selective manner, see Running workflow.
Besides those, it contains the list of model variables, see Creating variables.
Between these columns is the interface for handling individual calculations, including the
following elements:
• Insert adds the selected available calculation to the current workflow.
• Delete removes the selected calculation from workflow.
• Up, Down move the selected calculation up and down the sequence within the
current workflow.
• Duplicate creates a copy of the selected calculation.
• Show code displays a read-only Python source code of the selected calculation.
The right column of the window contains the parameters of the currently selected calcula-
tion.
16.2. Creating variables

Variables serve for producing multiple different variants of model in the course of assisted
history matching (AHM). See the AHM User Guide for more details. Nearly any numeric
parameter in the workflows can be turned into a variable.
In the window Calculations and Workflows press the button Add Variable (see fig-
ure 32) or right-click on free space below the list of variables. The following parameters
should be specified:
• Name. Variable name;
• Value. Initial variable value;
• Min. Minimal variable value;
16.2. Creating variables 148

19.1
Figure 32. Creating a variable
• Max. Maximal variable value;
• Type. Variable type. The following variable types are available:
– INTEGER – integer number (variable minimum and maximum should be integer as

well);
– REAL – real number;
– STRING – string. In this case, instead of maximum and minimum, you have to
enter the list of possible values.
To use a variable in some calculation, type its name instead of any parameter value.
16.3. Running workflow

To reproduce a workflow, open it in the Calculations and Workflows window. The middle
column will display the list of calculations contained in the workflow. Each of them can be
toggled on/of separately.
To run all checked calculations at once, press the Run Workflow button below. The
calculations will start executing in the same order as they follow in the list. Once a line is
successfully executed, it is highlighted green. The visualization area displays the ongoing
changes immediately as they occur.
If a line can’t be executed because of an error (say, if it relies on an object which does not
exist in the current model), it is highlighted red and the execution stops. In this case you may
16.3. Running workflow 149

19.1
want to uncheck this and all previous lines, run the faulty action manually via the interface (if
you still need it), and resume running the workflow.
A workflow can be tested without actually running it. To do so, click the Test button in the
lower left part of the window. All checked calculations will be tested for consistency. Those
which lack the necessary data to run will be highlighted red.
16.3. Running workflow 150

19.1
17. Integration with Simulator

The created VFP project can be imported into Simulator using the keyword IM-
PORT_PROJECT (see 12.1.13). Importing a VFP project it is possible to create a standard,
multisegment and multilateral wells in a model. Thus, it is not required to specify correspond-
ing keywords such as WELSPECS (see 12.19.3), WELLTRACK (see 12.19.9), COMPDATMD
(see 12.19.10), WELSEGS (see 12.19.11) and COMPSEGS (see 12.19.27).
17. Integration with Simulator 151

19.1
18. Integration with Model Designer

VFP Designer is integrated with the Model Designer, this allows to import full VFP projects
and only VFP tables as well. In the Model Designer each well corresponds to a VFP project.
When importing a VFP project into the Model Designer in addition to the VFP table, all other
well parameters are replaced with ones specified in the project: (see Basic data, Defining a
Well Geometry, Defining a Well Construction).
In Model Designer to import a VFP project select on the tab Wells Data VFP Designer.
The tree of imported VFP projects is located on the left and the tree of imported VFP tables
is located below.
On the right panel the following buttons are placed:
• Open VFP Designer. Call the VFP Designer to edit the selected VFP project;
• Export well data to VFP Designer;
• Import VFP Designer project;
• Import VFP Table From File;
• Export VFP Table. This button is active if a VFP table is selected (on the left).
Figure 33. Integrating VFP Designer with Model Designer.
18. Integration with Model Designer 152

19.1
19. References
[1] B.K. Coats, G.C. Fleming, J.W. Watts, M. Rame, G.S. Shiralkar., A generalized wellbore and
surface facility model, fully coupled to a reservoir simulator. SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engi-
neering, 2004.
[2] Aziz K., Settari A., Petroleum reservoir simulation. London: Applied Science Publishers, 1979.
[3] James P. Brill, Hemanta Mukherjee, Multiphase Flow in Wells. Richardson, Texas, 1999.
[4] Cross H., Analysis of flow in networks of conduits or conductors. Engineering Experiment Sta-
tion. Bulletin No. 286, 1936.
[5] Martin D.W., Peters G., The application of Newton’s method to network analysis by digital
computers. Journal of the Institute of Water Engineers, Vol. 17, pp 115-129, 1963.
[6] Khalid Aziz, George W. Govier, Pressure Drop In Wells Producing Oil And Gas. Journal of
Canadian Petroleum Technology, volume 11, July 1972.
[7] J. Orkiszewski, Predicting Two-Phase Pressure Drops in Vertical Pipe. Journal of Petroleum Tech-
nology, volume 19, June 1967.
[8] Alton R. Hagedorn, Kermit E. Brown, Experimental Study of Pressure Gradients Occurring Dur-
ing Continuous Two-Phase Flow in Small Diameter vertical Conduits. Journal of Petroleum Tech-
nology, volume 17, April 1965.
[9] D.H. Beggs, J.P. Brill, A Study of Two-Phase Flow in Inclined Pipes. Journal of Petroleum
Technology, volume 25, May 1973.
[10] Hemanta Mukherjee, James P. Brill, Empirical Equations to Predict Flow Patterns in Two-Phase
Inclined Flow. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, volume 11, issue 3, May-June 1985.
[11] Nicholas Petalas, A Mechanistic Model for Stabilized Multiphase Flow in Pipes. Stanford Uni-
versity, 1997.
[12] http://www.fekete.ca/SAN/WebHelp/Piper/WebHelp/c-te-pressure.htm, Gray correlation section.
[13] M.J. King, Mark Mansfield, Flow Simulation of Geologic Models. SPE Reservoir Eval. & Eng.,
Vol. 2, No. 4, August 1999
[14] Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, pp. 2-306.
[15] Ashford, F.E. and Pierce, P.E., Determining Multiphase Pressure Drops and Flow capacities in
Down Hole Safety Valves. Journal of Petroleum Technology, SPE-5161, (September, 1975).
[16] Hassan S. Naji, Characterizing Pure and Undefined Petroleum Components, IJET-IJENS, Vol:10
No:02, 2010, pp 28–48.
[17] Payne, G.A., Experimental Evaluation of Two- Phase Pressure Loss Correlations for Inclined
Pipe, M.S. Thesis, The University of Tulsa, 1975.
[18] Sonnad, J. R., Goudar, C. T., Explicit Reformulation of the Colebrook-White Equation for Tur-
bulent Flow Friction Factor Calculation, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2007, 46, 2593-2600.
19. References 153

Rock Flow Dynamics
Phone: +1 713-337-4450
Fax: +1 713-337-4454
Address: 2200 Post Oak Boulevard, STE 1260, Houston, TX 77056
E-mail: tnavigator@rfdyn.com
Web: http://rfdyn.com
To locate the office nearest to you, please visit https://rfdyn.com/contact/
© Rock Flow Dynamics. All rights reserved. 15.03.2019

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19.

Rock Flow Dynamics

2. Project of VFP Designer 7

5. Defining a Well Geometry 17

7. Defining a Well Construction 44

8. Defining a Pressure Drop Measurements 65

11. Defining Fluid Properties 71

12. Working with VFP Tables 85

13. Correlation Types 95

14. Matching 135

15. IPR Table 141

16. Workflows 147

17. Integration with Simulator 151

18. Integration with Model Designer 152

19. References 153

• Geology Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);

• Model Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);

• Network Designer (includes PVT Designer and VFP Designer);

• Black Oil simulator;

• Assisted History Matching (AHM, optimization and uncertainty analysis);

• Graphical User Interface.

The list of tNavigator documentation is available in tNavigator Library.

• Create and edit well geometry and construction;

• Define fluid properties;

• Calculate VFP tables based on correlations;

• Match VFP tables with loaded pressure drop measurements.

2. Project of VFP Designer

• Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables;

• Top panel buttons;

Figure 1. VFP Designer project window

2. Project of VFP Designer 7

2.2. Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables

3. Menu Project Management.

4. Menu VFP Tables.

2.3. Top Panel Buttons

• Time Step Editor.

2.2. Top menu: Document. Settings. Project Management. VFP Tables 8

2.3. Top Panel Buttons 9

2.4. Tabs: Basic Data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction etc.

• Geometry. Allows to load and visualize a well trajectory;

• 3D. Allows to visualize a well;

• Well Construction. Allows to create and visualize a well construction;

• Schedule. Allows to specify a well schedule;

• Temperature. Allows to specify temperature distribution along a well bore;

• IPR. Allows to specify IPR table (see section 15.2);

• VFP Tables. Calculation of VFP Tables.

2.4. Tabs: Basic Data, Geometry, 3D, Well Construction etc. 10

2.5. Right Panel Buttons

• VFPPROD (VFPINJ) Points.

• Replace Unphysical Values.

2.5. Right Panel Buttons 11

• Table Description. Allows to make a description of VFP table:

– Name. Specify a name of VFP table;

2.5. Right Panel Buttons 12

2.6. Report panel – Log

2.6. Report panel – Log 13

Figure 2. Current variant of well model.

– QUAD – gas inflow/outflow from a well is calculated using a quadratic inflow

• Instructions for Automatic Shut-in:

– SHUT – isolate well from the formation;

– SEG – segmented model of density calculations. This model is supported in tNav-

• Drainage Radius. A drainage radius is used for productivity/injectivity index calcula-

• Well Head. Specify well head coordinates:

5. Defining a Well Geometry