‘THE PETROLEUM SOCIETY PAPER 97-51 Derivative Analysis Without Type Curves L. Mattar Fekete Associates Inc. “This paper isto be presented at the 48 Annual Technical Meeting of The Petroleum Society in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Jun Discussion ofthis paper i inited and may be presented atthe meeting i fd in wing withthe technical program chairman prior tot 11, 1997, ‘conchision of the meeting ‘This paper and any dscussion fed wil be considered for publication in CIM journals. Publication rights are resarved. This is a pre-print and is subject o corecton. ABSTRACT Modern type curve analysis involves matching the pressures and their semilog derivative on a set of dimensionless type curves, and selecting a match point. Using this point and a specified matching curve, reservoir ‘parameters such as permeability, skin, fracture half length, fracture conductivity, etc, can be calculated. This paper shows that the same parameters can be obtained without having to use the type curves. In fact, only the similog derivative ofthe data is needed on log-log co-ordinates. The various flow regimes such as wellbore storage, radial, linear, bilinear or spherical flow can be identified by their characteristic slopes (1, 0, 05, 0.25, ~ 0.5). By simply placing a straight line with the appropriate slope on the (semilog) derivative points, all the required reservoir parameters can be calculated. This technique is, in actual fact, a combination in one single plot, of all the specialized analyses (which are traditionally done on their ‘own individual scales, semilog, square-root, quad-root, cartesian). In addition to the semilog derivative data, itis advisable to superimpose a plot of PPD (Primary Pressure Derivative) This enables the analyst to differentiate between reservoir ‘and wellbore effects, and thereby avoid some of the ‘common piffalls when using real (as opposed to synthetic) deat. INTRODUCTION “Type Curve” analysis was used in the field of hydrology since the mid 30’s. In the 70's, Ramey and his studentsintroduced type curves to the petroleum industry, and in the carly 80's Bourdet et al “” added the “derivative”, which helped in making type curve matching more unique. ‘This article will explain how analysis of well test data ccan be achieved by using log-log plots and derivative, but, without the need for “Type Curves”. In order to understand, this new procedure, a review of how Type Curve Analysis, works, will first be presented, and then extended to illustrate the new methods. ‘TYPE CURVE MATCHING: (The old way) The theory underlying Type Curve Matching is fully explained in the ERCB (now AEUB) Gas Well Testing ‘manual ® and Earlougher . Basically the process consists, of matching field data onto pre-selected dimensionless “Type Curves’, and from the match point, calculating, permeability, skin, wellbore storage constant, tc... Once a satisfactory match of the field data and the type curves has been obtained, a “Match Poi reservoir size "is chosen (any arbitrary point will do), and its coordinates read simultaneously from both the “Type Curve” scale and the “data” scale. From the coordinates of this arbitrary point, reservoir or wellbore characteristics can be calculated, For example to obtain permeability, read the vertical values App and Ap of the dimensionless Type Curve and of the data plot, at the selected common match point. From the definition of dimensionless pressure, the calculation of permeability is easily obtained as follows: k= 141.2481 Apo bo Ap | match Ina similar manner, other variables can be calculated, ‘once a match has been obtained. ‘Traditional Type Curve analysis has 2 major drawbacks: 1) Non = Uniqueness: Many reservoir models have similar looking type curves, and different values can be obtained by choosing the different type curves. The introduction of derivatives greatly diminished the non- uniqueness, but did not eliminate it, 2) Drawdown, NOT Buildup: The numerous type curves that have been published are for “drawdown” data ‘They can be used for “buildup” data in an APPROXIMATE manner, only under certain circumstances. Where boundaries or reservoir heterogeneities are evident, Drawdown type curves CANNOT be used for analysis of buildup data, (Yet the majority of tests that are analyzed are buildup tests!) Recognizing the above limitations of Type Curve analysis, it is recommended that, in complex reservoirs (and buildup tests), it be used more for “diagnosis” of flow regimes and confirmation of alternative models, rather than for quantitative analysis. DERIVATIVE ANALYSIS: (The new way) “This new method of analysis has it basis in the published literature, and is rooted in the recognition and behaviour of various flow regimes. First, let us start by defining the “Derivative” as the slope of a semilog plot of “pressure” versus “time” (“pressure and “time” are really functions of pressure and functions of time e.g, Homer). ‘When the Derivative of well test data is plotted on a log - Jog scale (similar to that used for type curves) it manifests charateristic slopes, elated to various flow regimes as can bbe seen in Figures 1, and 2, and discussed below. Wellbore Storage: This derivative has a slope of 1 at carly time, As this “unit slope” line moves to the right it reflects a larger wellbore storage constant, the value ofwhich can be calculated from the coordinates of any point con the straight line, C= qB(AUDer}/24 Linear Flow - Fracture: For a well that has been hydraulically frac'd a regime of linear flow exist. This, appears as a straight line of slope 1/2 - the further to the right, the longer the frac length - from which the fracture hhalf-length, x; can be calculated (if an estimate of permeability is available). Radial flow: The derivative has a slope of 0. Its magnitude on the vertical scale reflects permeability ~ the higher the value, the smaller the permeability. Permeability, k, can be calculated from k = 70.6 qBw(h Der) Linear flow - channel: In a long narrow channel a period of linear flow will occur after the end of radial flow. ‘This appears as a 1/2 slope straight line, and along the time-axis can be used to calculate the channel ‘width - the further tothe right, the wider the channel. distance Pseudo-Steady State: Once all the reservoir boundaries Ihave been felt, the reservoir now acts like a tank, and the derivative takes on a slope of 1 (same as in wellbore storage, which after all is a small tank). The further to the right this line occurs the bigger the reservoir size. The coordinates of any point on that line can be used to calculate the pore volume (PV) from: PV=0.234qB/{ AUDer}/c., ‘Skin: ‘This cannot be obtained from the derivative alone bbut is determined from the vertical separation of the derivative from the data plot. In actual fact, one does not need to plot the data itself (even though this is traditionally, done) but only the derivative (see figure 4). ‘The skin is then calculated from the permeability (obtained from the derivative plot) and a knowledge of the pressure preceeding, the flow period (oF Pas) Buildup: Compare Figure 1 and Figure 3. These are drawdown and buildup data for the same well. It is very ‘obvious that the early time and radial flow behaviours and analyses are the same for both drawdown and buildup, provided the appropriate time functions are used. However, it must be noted that the late time behaviour is totally different because of boundary effects (the use of equivalent time does NOT correct this problem), PRIMARY PRESSURE DERIVATIVE (PPD) When analyzing data, it is imperative that the data represent reservoir transient and NOT wellbore transients. ‘A tool (PPD) for identifying wellbore effects was developed by Mattar and Zaoral . ‘The PDD Curve is usually ploted along with the derivative, Figure 5, to identify portions of the data that are Wellbore Dynamics but are often mistaken to be reservoir effects CONCLUSION 1) Type Curves are NOT needed in order to do an analysis. The flow regime idemtification and the calculation of reservoir characteristics can be done WITHOUT recourse to Type Curves. 2) Derivative Analysis can be used for drawdown or buildup data in the same manner, provided the appropriate time functions are used, 3) Like Type Curve analysis, Derivative Analysis does not work for buildup data that are affected by boundaries or reservoir heterogeneities - compare the late time behaviour of Figures 1 and 3. 4) Always inspect the PPD Curve to identify Wellbore Dynamics, in order to avoid the common mistake of treating that part of the data as a reservoir effect.NOMENCLATURE: AP = pressure difference (P.- Ped for drawdown or (®ve Pw) for Buildup APp = dimensionless pressure ‘Apkiv(141.2qBu) At = time since start of test B= formation volume factor c ‘wellbore storage constant Cn Von Gm = compressibility of wellbore fluids Der = value of derivative at At ho = net pay k = permeability P= initial pressure Pwr = flowing pressure Peis = flowing pressure immediately before shut-in Pe = shutin pressure 4 = flow rate B= viscosity Vix = volume of wellbore REFERENCES 1, Bourdet, D., Whittle, T.M., A.A., and Pirard, Y-M, “A New Set of Type Curves Simplifies Well Test Analysis” World Oil, May 1983. 2. “Gas Well Testing - Theory and Practice” 4th Edition, ERCB. (now AEUB) Guide G-3, 1979 3. Earlougher, RC, J: “Advances in Welltest Analysis” SPE Monograph 5, Dallas Texas (1977) 4. MATTAR, L,, ZAORAL, K. "The Primary Pressure Derivative (PPD) - A New Diagnostic Too! in Well Test Interpretation," The Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol 31, No 4, April, 1992 APPENDIX ‘This Appendix lists the equations used in the Derivative ‘Analysis (The equations are for oil flow and in oilfield units) STORAGE Afterflow: C= Bat 24Der Cp= _5.615C Daipeaty? Preudosteady State: Pore Volume= 0.23396 qB At Der RADIAL FLOW = 70.6 quB ‘nDer £71151 (Ba Bae~ty ht, } +323) a ci where m= 162.6 quB kh LINEAR- FRACTURE xrVk= 2,032 quB At h(ucy* Der In (2r.) LINEAR: CHANNEL. Wk = 4.064quB Vat ‘(ney Der ‘SPHERICAL FLOW Spherical Permeability + (egegiae)Apparent Skin =k [Pe-Potm | - 1 70.6 quB where m= 2452.87 (4ue)* quB perforated interval n= 206. qu L.Der S'=LISL Bee=Pen=10g Kyedt,_ +323 m buete? m= 162.6 quB Kyle Horizontal Lincar Cie) as rizontal Radial ey “Vk, = 206 qu ‘hDerBY 2 own, sx80 20h zh 101 ‘ Lo pata SOCOOS ScOSCOaIaIT EONS aod _| oo — VIVO NMOGMVHG | jo. salepunog - sisfjeuy aajeaiag Sed Mize gob av pr YP sed M/g6ep g0b* einssaidopnasa Vsy ae 20h 0b Calan Ob z0b eo Ob | cot | ars coeish yam ous = zi seaut7 zo * > fe * & 5 i Me Be ee e Sy | PF 6 BE ie ge * ge s 3f * 3 “ss . oF * oe Loeanacoandoo : | pqs 00BOOOPOCOOEOOOOS} L jos Jeuueyd - sisfjeuy eayeauegpY oun wojenn : cob 20 0 alte Ao zo ob rot ‘ pt Tet | * * G | *, i | A * ay | . ee eed . ow useer = ee cuos== woos |— _ O1eIPeS ¥z0b = dp, resrss=9 Tatas CBDKENDDEAHASBIIOOOGAPOSADOOSO | le awnoud - | i salsepunog - sishjeuy aanealiog yor Sea Mlizech go} * inssexdopnasy V Sea jgeaH gob Av.21vpvp4sQ cob 24 owt uatennba 1. . o. 20: eh pw —_ _ ] 0b 20 _ ] ue > oy se # Heh * 23 = =. ye seven = ¥ fe + wore 4 wo = isa 35 Tepe 33 seam seat vaunoig| | ‘s008= 09, r09t0'9 = 9) 70521016 ANO1V SAILVAIMSG| ¢ ANNI | | ‘SOINYNAG AYOsTIAM eMoHs Oda ws 5 : mc ee by | ait yy ALISOUOd T Mie eo . wo va seer ep, Epon | %y i. | a "Wy | %, wy "YY, "enc we S ee | {oc coonemmmsrezenseceeceeneornernsny “orpacneeneoe ea Yr YYyty + ly ; ———— sy | | Wy. 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