Productivity-Index Behavior for a Horizontal Well Intercepted by Multiple Finite-Conductivity Fractures Considering Nonlinear Flow Mechanisms under Steady-State Condition

Maojun Cao, Hong Xiao and Caizhi Wang
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Maojun Cao: School of Computer & Information Technology, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China
Hong Xiao: School of Computer & Information Technology, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China
Caizhi Wang: Department of Well Logging & Remote Sensing Technology, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Beijing 100083, China

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-22

Abstract: In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to investigate the effect of nonlinear flow mechanisms on productivity-index (PI) behavior in hydraulically fractured reservoirs during steady-state condition. This approach focuses on the fact that PI approaches a constant value at a certain time, indicating the beginning of steady state. In this model, the reservoirs are considered as an elliptical-shaped drainage with constant-pressure boundary, which is depleted by a multiple-fractured horizontal well (MFHW), and various nonlinear flow mechanisms, such as the non-Darcy flow effect and pressure-dependency effect, control flow patterns in the hydraulic fractures. Then, an exact algorithm of solving the resulting nonlinear equations is developed to obtain the PI of MFHW using a semi-analytical approach. Next, type curves are generated to investigate the influences of flow mechanisms and fracture properties on PI. The most interesting points in this study are the following: (1) PI is determined by the properties of MHFW (i.e., dimensions and configuration), the reservoir geometry, and flow mechanism; (2) PI is deteriorated by non-Darcy flow caused by inertial forces; and (3) PI is reduced under the influence of pressure sensitivity caused by the degradation of dynamic conductivity. Generally, this study provides a significant insight into understanding the factors affecting the productivity of a MFHW with nonlinear flow mechanisms.

Keywords: horizontal well with multiple finite-conductivity fractures; elliptical-shaped drainage; productivity index; non-Darcy flow; pressure-dependent conductivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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