Modeling performance of horizontal, undulating, and multilateral wells
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Date
2009-05-15
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Abstract
Horizontal, undulating, and multilateral wells are relatively new alternatives in field
development because they can increase the productivity per well and reduce the cost of
field development. Because the feasibility of these wells may not be valid in some
reservoirs, well performance should be verified before making decisions. Undulation is
usually associated to horizontal wells with some degrees. Existing inflow performance
models do not account for the undulation of the well, which can cause significant error
and economic loss. Moreover, some of the inflow models ignore pressure drop along the
lateral, which is definitely not true in high production and long lateral wells.
The inflow performance models of horizontal, undulating, and multilateral wells
are developed in this study. The models can be divided into two main categories: the
closed form model and the line source model. The closed form model applies for
relatively low vertical permeability formations for the single-phase system and twophase
system. The model is flexible and easy to apply with reasonable accuracy. The
line source model does not have any restrictions with permeability. The model applies
for single-phase system. The model is very accurate and easy to use. Both models can be
applied to various well trajectories with realizable accuracy. As a result of this study, the
well performance of unconventional well trajectories can be predicted and optimized.
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Keywords
Undulating, Multilateral