Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K.

Jassim

Lecture number (4)

INFLOW PERFORMANCE -
TWO PHASE FLOW IN THE
RESERVOIR.
Lectures for Petroleum Engineering Department

Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

20/10/2014

27
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

TWO PHASE FLOW IN THE RESERVOIR

Assuming we know Pr, S=0, Dq=0, and Pr < Pb, the general equation of oil flow rate become as below:

𝑃𝑟
7.08 𝑋 10−3 (𝐾ℎ) 𝐾𝑟𝑜
𝑞= 𝑟 ∫ 𝑑𝑃
(𝑙𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒 ) − 0.75 𝑃 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝑤 𝑤𝑓𝑠

𝐾 𝐾
Where 𝜇 𝑟𝑜 is the function of pressure, and 𝐾𝑟𝑜 is a function of oil saturation. The typical plot of 𝜇 𝑟𝑜
𝐵
𝑜 𝑜 𝐵
𝑜 𝑜
is shown in figure (2.11).

𝐾
Figure 2.11: 𝜇 𝑟𝑜 vs Pressure
𝐵
𝑜 𝑜

1. VOGELS EQUATION
Vogel offered a simplified solution to the two-phase flow problem, which gave the following general
equation for two-phase flow in the reservoir (saturation effects). It is used for solution gas drive
reservoirs.

𝑞𝑜 𝑃𝑤𝑓 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2
= 1 − 0.2 ( ) − 0.8 ( )
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟
It is widely used in the prediction of IPR curves where two-phase flow exists (liquid and gas). It
appears to work reasonably well for water percentages up to 50%.
COMBINATION SINGLE LIQUID AND TWO PHASE FLOW
General equation is
𝑃𝑟
7.08 𝑋 10−3 (𝐾ℎ)
𝑞= 𝑟 ∫ 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃
(𝑙𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑒 ) − 0.75 𝑃
𝑤 𝑤𝑓𝑠

28
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

Figure 2.12 shows the combination constant PI and Vogel behavior case.

Figure 2.12: Combination Constant PI and Vogel Behavior Case

𝑃𝑟
∫𝑃 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃 is divided into two parts as follows:
𝑤𝑓𝑠

𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑏
1 𝐾𝑟𝑜
∫ 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃 = ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + ∫ 𝑑𝑃
𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠

𝑞max(𝐽)
𝑞max(𝑉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑙) =
1.8
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝑃𝐼) = 𝐽(𝑃𝑏 − 0) = 𝐽𝑃𝑏
𝐽𝑃𝑏
𝑞max(𝑉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑙) =
1.8
1.8 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐽=
𝑃𝑏
We start with Vogel's equation and take the differential then the slope or J at Pwf = Pb we get the
following:

𝑃𝑤𝑓 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 [1 − 0.2 − 0.8 ( ) ]
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟

𝑑𝑞 0.2 𝑃𝑤𝑓
− = 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 [ + 1.6 2 ]
𝑑𝑃𝑤𝑓 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟

1.8 𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝐽=
𝑃𝑏

29
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

𝐽𝑃𝑏
𝑞max(𝑉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝑙) =
1.8
The following equations are applicable in constructing the complete IPR curve.
𝑞𝑏 = 𝐽(𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑏 )
𝐽𝑃𝑏
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝑞𝑏 +
1.8
𝑃𝑤𝑓 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2
𝑞 = 𝑞𝑏 + [𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑞𝑏 ] [1 − 0.2 ( ) − 0.8 ( ) ]
𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑏

If we know J, we can determine 𝑞𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑥 and by assuming other pressures, the flow rates can be
calculated. J can be determined from a test on the well or from Darcy's Law.
If the test is taken below the bubble point pressure, it must be first solved for J from the following
equation:
𝑞
𝐽=
𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑤𝑓 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2
[𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑏 + 1.8 (1 − 0.2 ( 𝑃 ) − 0.8 ( 𝑃 ) ]
𝑏 𝑏

If a test is given along with Pr, J is calculated by the following equation:

𝑞𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡
𝐽= , where Pwf > Pb
𝑃𝑟 −𝑃𝑤𝑓

On the other hand, J may be calculated from Darcy's Law:

7.08 𝑋10−3 𝐾ℎ
𝐽= 𝑟
𝜇 𝐵 [(𝑙𝑛 𝑟𝑒 ) − 0.75 + 𝑆]
𝑤

Where K = md, h=ft, 𝜇 = 𝑐𝑝

In the previous discussion, the pressure dependent function was divided into two parts
as shown:

𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑏
1 𝐾𝑟𝑜
∫ 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃 = ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + ∫ 𝑑𝑃
𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠

This equation assumes that the critical gas saturation as well as pressure at the critical
gas saturation is reduced rapidly as soon as the bubble point is reached.
Under constant production rate for reservoirs that have initial reservoir pressure above
the bubble point, the gas saturation builds rapidly to the critical gas saturation and
remains constant.

30
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

The high-pressure drop near the wellbore causes the gas saturation to increase as shown
in figure (2.13). Based on this fact, Hasan divided the pressure dependent function into
three parts as below:

Figure 2.13: Pressure-Saturation Relationship (after Hasan)

𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑠𝑔𝑐
𝐾𝑟𝑜 𝐾𝑟𝑜 𝐾𝑟𝑜
∫ 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃 = ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + ∫ 𝑑𝑃
𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑠𝑔𝑐 𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠

Assuming the relation permeability is a function of oil saturation only. The above
equation simplified to be:
𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑠𝑔𝑐
1 1 𝐾𝑟𝑜
∫ 𝑓(𝑃)𝑑𝑃 = ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + 𝐾𝑟𝑜 ∫ 𝑑𝑃 + ∫ 𝑑𝑃
𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠 𝑃𝑏 𝑃𝑠𝑔𝑐 𝑃𝑤𝑓𝑠

The above equation used for critical gas saturation between 10 % and 13 %.

2. STANDINGS PROCEDURE
FOR FLOW EFFICIENCY, NOT EQUAL TO ONE:
Standing extended the work of Vogel to take care of those cases where FE not equal to
one. FE (Flow Efficiency) can be defined from figure 2.14.
𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃′𝑤𝑓
𝐹𝐸 =
𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓
Where 𝑃′𝑤𝑓 is the equivalent undamaged flowing pressure, 𝑃𝑤𝑓 is the actual flowing
pressure, and 𝑃𝑟 is the static reservoir pressure.

31
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

Figure 2.14: Pressure Profile of Damaged Wells Productivity by Solution Gas Drive
(after Standing)

Figure 2.15: Standings correlation for wells with FE values not equal to one
Figure 2.15 use with FE between 0.5 and 1.5, the first step is to determine 𝑞𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑥 for
FE=1, then the flow rate can be determined for any flow efficiency and any flowing
pressure. The solution can be obtained from the following equation:
𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃′𝑤𝑓
𝐹𝐸 =
𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓

𝑃′𝑤𝑓 = 𝑃𝑟 − (𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 )𝐹𝐸

Vogel equation can be used directly.
2
𝑞𝑜 𝑃′𝑤𝑓 𝑃′𝑤𝑓
𝑓𝑜𝑟(𝐹𝐸 = 1) = [1 − 0.2 ( ) − 0.8 ( )]
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑃𝑟 𝑃𝑟

32
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

The Vogel's equation develops for certain conditions of low flowing pressures and high
FE values. For example:
𝑃𝑟 = 2000 psi, FE=2.0, 𝑃𝑤𝑓 =500 psi,
Then
𝑃′ 𝑤𝑓 = 𝑃𝑟 − (𝑃𝑟 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 )𝐹𝐸
𝑃′ 𝑤𝑓 = 2000-(2000-500)2 = -1000 psi
The negative value of 𝑃 ′ 𝑤𝑓 gives trouble in Vogel's original equation and will show a
reduced flow rate as compared to positive values of 𝑃′ 𝑤𝑓 . The typical result shown in
figure 2.16.

Figure 2.16: Errors from Extrapolating Standings Work Outside of its Range
A more accurate solution can be obtained by changing the form of the equation. Two
possibilities are suggested:
1. Suggested by Harrison which can be used for positive and negative values of 𝑃′ 𝑤𝑓
𝑃′𝑤𝑓
𝑞𝑜 (0.792 )
= 1.2 − 0.2𝑒 𝑃𝑟
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥
It is used in place of Vogel's equation which work for positive or negative values of
𝑃 ′ 𝑤𝑓 .
2. The following equation used for a straight line on log-log paper.
𝑛
𝑞 = 𝐽𝑜 ′ (𝑃𝑟 2 − 𝑃𝑤 2 )
In order to use the above equation, use Vogel's equation until negative values of 𝑃′ 𝑤𝑓
start. Figure 2.17 shows the plot of 𝑃𝑤𝑓 vs q. then re-plotted on log-log paper as shown
in figure 2.18.

33
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

Figure 2.17: Plot of flow rate vs pressure for positive values of Pwf2

Figure 2.18: Re-plot of figure 2.17

Where 𝐽𝑜 ′ is the intercept on the q axis where 𝑃𝑟 2 − 𝑃𝑤 2 =1 and n=1/slope.
Once the values of n and 𝐽𝑜 ′ have been determined, this equation may be used to
complete the IPR plot of pressure vs rate as noted in figure 2.19.

34
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

Figure 2.19: Extension of figure 2.17

Figure 2.20 is used when the FE value is out of the range of standing original plot and
give more account results then equation.
𝑃′𝑤𝑓
𝑞𝑜 (1.792 )
= 1.2 − 0.2𝑒 𝑃𝑏
𝑞𝑚𝑎𝑥

Figure 2.20: Harrisons Extension of Standings work to include other FE values

35
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

3. COUTOS PROCEDURE
FOR FE NOT EQUAL TO ONE:
Couto manipulated standings equation for damaged wells and applied it to the definition
of productivity index proposed by standing. The equation uses to predict IPR curves and
future IPR curves.
- For circular drainage areas:
𝐾ℎ 𝐾𝑟𝑜
𝑞𝑜 = 3.49(𝑎) 𝑟 𝑃𝑟 ( ) 𝐹𝐸(1 − 𝑅)[1.8 − 0.8(𝐹𝐸(1 − 𝑅))]
ln (0.472 𝑟𝑒 ) 𝜇𝑜 𝐵 𝑜
𝑤
- For noncircular drainage area:
𝐾ℎ 𝐾𝑟𝑜
𝑞𝑜 = 3.49(𝑎) 𝑃𝑟 ( ) 𝐹𝐸(1 − 𝑅)[1.8 − 0.8(𝐹𝐸(1 − 𝑅))]
ln 𝑋 𝜇𝑜 𝐵 𝑜

Where (a) is unit conversion factor equal to 0.001127 for ft, psi, cp, md, and stb/d, (X)
𝑃𝑤𝑓
is shape factor and (R) is .
𝑃𝑟

The equation is used to predict IPR curves at the present time or in the future at any
flow efficiency and any stage of reservoir depletion. For FE values greater than 1, a
similar result in Standings method in predicting IPR curves will be obtained.

4. FETKOVICH PROCEDURE:
Muskat noted that the productivity index on a well at time 1, could be related to the
productivity of a well at time 2 by the following relationship.
𝐾
𝑟𝑜
(𝜇 𝐵 )
𝐽1 𝑜 𝑜 1
= ⁄𝐾
𝐽2 𝑟𝑜
(𝜇 𝐵 )
𝑜 𝑜 2

Where 𝐾𝑟𝑜 is approximately linear with pressure. The change in oil permeability with
pressure depletion is written in the following equation:
𝐾(𝑃′ 𝑟 ) (𝑃′ 𝑟 )
= ′
𝐾𝑖 (𝑃 𝑟𝑖 )
(𝑃′ 𝑟 )
𝐾𝑟𝑜 ((𝑃′ 𝑟 )) =
(𝑃′ 𝑟𝑖 )
Where 𝐾𝑟𝑜 is taken with respect to 𝐾𝑖 which is defined at ∆𝑃 equal to zero.

36
Petroleum Production Engineering II University of Basra Dr. Eng. Ahmad K. Jassim

The final equation proposed by Fetkovich is obtained as follows by correct the depletion
equation:
𝑃′𝑟2 𝑛
𝑞𝑜 = 𝐽′𝑜1 ( ) (𝑃′2𝑟2 − 𝑃′2𝑤𝑓 )
𝑃′𝑟1
It is used to predict IPR curves at other static reservoir pressures, if three or four point
flow test is being conducted at the pressure time.
COMBINATION FETKOVICH AND VOGEL PROCEDURE FOR THE
PREPARATION OF FUTURE IPR CURVE
Eckmier noted that if take the equation of Fetkovich for static pressure at time 1 and
divided by the inflow equation for static pressure at time 2. We get an equation for
determine qo max at time 2 after using Vogel's equation on directly for preparation of IPR
curve.
𝑛
𝑞𝑜1 = 𝐽′𝑜1 (𝑃𝑟1 2 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2 )
𝑃𝑟2 𝑛
𝑞𝑜2 = 𝐽′𝑜1 ( ) (𝑃𝑟2 2 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 2 )
𝑃𝑟1

By solving for qo max (setting n=1 and Pwf =0) and dividing the above equations, will get:
3
𝑞𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑥1 𝑃′𝑟1
=( )
𝑞𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑥2 𝑃′𝑟2
Therefore, need only one test at the pressure time from which can be obtained q o max1.
By knowing qo max1 and P'r1 we can solve for qo max2 at any other desired static pressure
(Pr2), and turn by using Vogel's equation a complete IPR curve at time 2 (P r2) can be
constructed.

37