Introduction to

Nodal Analysis
 Introduction to Nodal Analysis
Instructional Objectives

1. Explain the concept of Nodal Analysis.

2. List 4 segments in the reservoir/well
system where pressure loss occurs.
3. Define the following terms: inflow
performance curve, outflow
performance curve, system graph,
solution node.
Pressure Losses in Well System
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
Adapted from Mach et al, SPE 8025, 1979.
 Nodal Analysis
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
Adapted from Mach et al, SPE 8025, 1979.
 Inflow Performance Curve
3500
Inflow (Reservoir) Curve
3000
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 Outflow Performance Curve
3500

Outflow (Tubing) Curve

3000
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 System Graph
3500
Inflow (Reservoir) Curve
3000 Outflow (Tubing) Curve
Flowing bottomhole pressure, psi

2500
1957.1 psi

2000

1500

1000

500
2111 STB/D

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Production rate, STB/D
 Solution Node At Wellhead
P4 = (Pwh - Psep)
Gas
Sales line
Pwh Psep Liquid
Stock tank

P1 = Pr - Pwfs = Loss in reservoir

P3 = Pwf - Pwh P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Loss across completion
P3 = Pwf - Pwh = Loss in tubing
P4 = Pwh - Psep = Loss in flowline
PT = Pr - Psep = Total pressure loss

Pwf Pwfs Pr Pe

P1 = (Pr - Pwfs)

P2 = (Pwfs - Pwf)
Adapted from Mach et al, SPE 8025, 1979.
 System Graph - Wellhead Node
1600
Inflow Curve
1400 Outflow Curve
Flowing wellhead pressure, psi

1200

1000

800
500 psi
600

400

200 2050 STB/D

0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Production rate, STB/D