The use of Prosper in studying the Production Optimization of an Oil Well

Table of Contents

1.0 General Introduction

1.1 Scope of Study

1.2 Objective of Study

1.3 Modalities of Study

1.4 Restriction(s) of Studies

2.0 Nodal Analysis

2.1 Nodal Analysis Theory and Concept

2.2 Inflow Performance of a Well

2.2.1 Darcy’s Equation

2.2.2 Productivity Index (PI)

2.2.3 IPR Curve

2.2.4 IPR in Single Phase Flow

2.2.5 IPR in Two Phase Flow

2.2.6 Vogel’s Equation

2.2.7 Fetkovich and Multirate Fetkovich

2.2.8 Jones and Multi-rate Jones

2.2.9 Transient

2.3 Tubing Performance of a Well

2.4 Choke Performance

2.5 Gradient Curves

2.5.1 Liquid Flow Rate

2.5.2 Gas to Liquid Ratio (GLR)

2.6 Operating Point

2.6.1 Favourable GLR

2.6.2 Water Cut

2.7 Multiphase Flow

2.8 Overview of the Gas Lift System

2.8.1 Forms of Gas Lift Systems

2.9 Injection Gas Pressure Requirement

2.9.1 Gas Lift Volume Requirement

3.0 History of Well J-12T

3.1 Methodology

3.1.1 PROSPER’S Setup for Sensitivity Analysis

3.1.2 Working Procedure for Well Model Set-up

3.1.3 Options Summery

3.2 PVT Data

3.2.1 PVT Matching Procedures

3.2.2 Regression

3.2.3 Parameters

3.3 Equipment Data

3.3.1 Deviation Survey

3.3.2 Surface Equipment

3.3.3 Downhole Equipment

3.3.4 Geothermal Gradient

3.3.5 Average Heat Capacities

3.4 Gas Lift Data

3.5 IPR Data

3.6 Matching of the IPR Model

3.6.1 VLP Matching

3.6.2 IPR Matching

4.0 Interpretation and Discussion of Sensitivity Analysis

4.1 Simulate Base Case Forecast

4.2 Evaluation of Various Optimization Plans

4.3 Short Term Optimization of Well J-12T

4.3.1 Sensitivity on Tubing Head Pressure

4.3.2 Sensitivity on Tubing Size

4.4 Long Term Optimization of Well J-12T

4.4.1 Gas Lift Design

4.4.2 Modelling Well J-12T with Gas Lift

4.5 Optimum Gas Injection Rate

4.5.1 Positioning of Valves

4.5.2 Results from Gas Lift Design for Well J-12T

4.6 Sensitivites on Gaslift Injection Rates

4.7 Oil Production Forecast for Well J-12T Gaslift

4.8 Economic Evaluation

4.9 Optimization Results for Well J-12T Gaslift

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations

Objectives and Topics

The primary objective of this project is to optimize the production performance of well J-12T by utilizing the PROSPER nodal analysis software to evaluate and implement both short-term and long-term optimization strategies.

• Nodal analysis of production systems.
• Short-term optimization via sensitivity analysis of wellhead pressure, choke sizes, and tubing sizes.
• Long-term optimization through the design and application of gas lift techniques.
• Determination of optimal gas injection rates for maximizing oil recovery.
• Economic evaluation of production based on water-cut constraints.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an introduction to production systems and the importance of system analysis (nodal analysis) in optimizing well performance.

2.0 NODAL ANALYSIS: This chapter covers the fundamental theories of nodal analysis, inflow performance relationships (IPR), tubing performance, and the gas lift system.

3.0 HISTORY OF WELL J-12T: This chapter details the history of the case study well, the methodology for data entry in PROSPER, and the procedure for PVT and IPR model matching.

4.0 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS: This chapter presents the results of sensitivity runs for various optimization scenarios, including short-term pressure/tubing adjustments and long-term gas lift designs.

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter summarizes the findings of the study and provides actionable recommendations for the future management of well J-12T.

Keywords

Nodal Analysis, Production Optimization, Well J-12T, PROSPER, Gas Lift, Inflow Performance Relationship (IPR), Vertical Lift Performance (VLP), Reservoir Pressure, Water-cut, Sensitivity Analysis, Tubing Size, Multiphase Flow, Oil Production, Completion Design, Well Performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this study?

The study focuses on the production optimization of well J-12T using the PROSPER software, specifically utilizing a nodal analysis approach to evaluate performance under current and future conditions.

Which key parameters are analyzed for production improvement?

The study evaluates parameters such as tubing head pressure (THP), tubing sizes, and the application of gas lift techniques to improve oil production rates.

What is the core objective regarding the nodal analysis?

The goal is to maximize the well's production rate by analyzing the entire system from the reservoir boundary to the surface, identifying constraints, and adjusting variables to optimize flow.

Which software is used for the simulation?

The study exclusively uses PROSPER, a production and system performance analysis software developed by Petroleum Experts.

What methodology is applied in the main body of the work?

The methodology involves constructing a robust PVT model, matching this model to field data, performing sensitivity analysis on operational variables, and evaluating various long-term optimization strategies.

How is the performance of the well currently measured?

Performance is characterized by key metrics including IPR and VLP, evaluated against actual well test data from the Niger Delta region.

What specific result was found regarding the Christmas tree pressure?

The study recommends lowering the Christmas tree pressure from 180 psi to 120 psi, which can extend the productive life of the well to a 70% water-cut.

What is the conclusion about the gas lift method?

Gas lift is identified as the most economical optimization method, capable of sustaining production up to a 90% water-cut with an optimum injection rate of 3.3 MMscf/d.