Nodal Analysis and Natural Flow

Flow in Production System
Compressed
Fluids in the
Reservoir
Porous Media
Perforations
Production String
Downhole Equipment
Restrictions
Surface Flowline
Final
Surface Equipment
Destination
Restrictions
Mauricio G. Prado The University of Tulsa
Driving Force for Production
Pr
Reservoir
Individual
Pressure
Components
Mommentum
Energy
Difference
Mass and
Energy
Energy
Use
balance
Pf
Final
Pressure
Pc
Ps
Pf
Pt
Pc
Pr
Pr
q
Path of produced fluids

Compressed
Fluids in the
Reservoir
Porous Media
Perforations
Production String
Flow in Porous
Media
Downhole
Equipment
Restrictions
Final
Destination
Surface Flowline
Surface Equipment
Restrictions

Compressed
Fluids in the
Reservoir
Porous Media
Perforations
Production String
Pressure changes in
Pipes and Equipment
Downhole Equipment
Restrictions
Surface Flowline
Production
Surface Equipment
Separator
Restrictions
Production Flowrate
For this system to be in equilibrium we must have:
= Pr Ps
For single phase incompressible fluids, the pressure drop

in each of the components is function of the flowrate.
Pc = Pc (q )
So the equilibrium equation becomes.
P (q) = P P
c
Production Flowrate
We can see that the equilibrium equation is an equation

which the independent variable is the flowrate. The flowrate
solution for this equation is the equilibrium flowrate of the
system
P (q) = P P
c
qe
Production Flowrate
We also know that for a certain single phase

incompressible fluid, the pressure drop in each component
is also function of the properties of the component. For
instance the pressure drop in the reservoir is function of
the productivity index and pressure drop in pipes is
function for instance of pipe diameter, inclination angle and
roughness.
P (q) = P P
c
qe = qe (Components Properties)
Components Performance
9Single Phase Incompressible Flow
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-n
P1
P2
P3
Pn
Pc = Pc (q)
Individual Components
Analysis
Production Flowrate
For compressible fluids or for multiphase flow, the fluid

properties are a strong function of the pressure level in the
component.
The pressure drop in each component is then not only
function of the flowrate, but also of the a pressure reference
on the component.
Pc = Pc (q, P )
So the equilibrium equation becomes.
P (q, P) = P P
c
Production Flowrate
For instance when calculating the pressure available

downstream of a pipeline segment, the pressure drop in the
segment is function of the flowrates but also of the
pressure at the entrance of the pipe segment.
When calculating the pressure required upstream of a
pipeline segment, the pressure drop in the segment is
function of the flowrates but also of the pressure at the exit
of the pipe segment
Pupstream
Pc = Pc (q, Pupstream )
Pdownstream
Pc = Pc (q, Pdownstream )
Production Flowrate
It is obvious then, that the pressure downstream of a component can

not be calculate without knowing the behavior of the upstream
components.
Also the pressure upstream of a component can not be calculated
without knowing the behavior of the downstream components.
The major difference between single and two phase flow problems is
that the componenst interact with each other in two phase flow
conditions.
Pupstream
Pc = Pc (q, Pupstream )
Pdownstream
Pc = Pc (q, Pdownstream )
Components Performance
9Multiphase Flow
P1
P3
P2
C-1
C-2
C-3
C-n
P1
P2
P3
Pn
Pc (q, P )
Nodal Analysis
Individual Components
Analysis
Nodal Analysis
Individual components analysis is adequate
when components dont interact with each other.
In two phase flow, the pressure drop function not
only of the flowrates but also of the pressure
level on the component.
This creates an interdependence between each
component.
Individual component analysis is no longer
applicable.
A new tool is necessary Nodal Analysis
Nodal Analysis
System
Composed of
Pr
Interacting
Components
P (q, P )
c
Ps
Nodal Analysis
Node
Outflow
Pr
Inflow
Section
Section
P (q, P )
c
Ps
Nodal Analysis
Pr
Inflow
Section
i
node
(q) = Pr Pc (q, P)
IS
Nodal Analysis
Pr
i
node
Inflow
Section
i
node
(q) = Pr Pc (q, P)
IS
Nodal Analysis
The inflow pressure at the node
represents the pressure that the
inflow section can deliver the
flowrate q at the node
i
node
(q) = Pr Pc (q, P)
IS
Nodal Analysis
Outflow
Section
o
node
Ps
(q) = Ps + Pc (q, P)
OS
Nodal Analysis
o
node
o
node
Outflow
Section
Ps
(q) = Ps + Pc (q, P)
OS
Nodal Analysis
The outflow pressure at the node
represents the pressure that the
outflow section requires to produce
the flowrate q up to the separator
o
node
(q) = Ps + Pc (q, P)
OS
Nodal Analysis
The equilibrium point is the
point at which the inflow
section
is
capable
of
delivering the flowrate at a
pressure enough for the
outflow section to flow the
fluids up to the separator
Nodal Analysis
i
node
(q) = P
o
node
(q)
qe
Components performance are included
only in the part of the System where
the component is located
Nodal Analysis - Example

Production Separator
Flowline
Production String
Reservoir

Flowline
Node =
Perforations
Production String
Reservoir
Nodal Analysis Example - Inflow

5000
Pr
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

5000
4500
Pr
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
Pres (q)
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

5000
4500
Pr
4000
Pre ssure (psi)
3500
Pres (q)
3000
2500
2000
1500
i
wf
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
6000
Nodal Analysis Example - Outflow

5000
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

5000
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
2500
2000
Pline (q )
1500
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

5000
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
Pline (q )
1500
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
F lo wrate (b p d )
5000
6000

5000
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
Ptubing ( q)
2500
2000
1500
Pwho
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

5000
4500
Pwfo
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
Ptubing ( q)
2500
2000
1500
Pwho
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
F lo wrate (b p d )
5000
6000
Nodal Analysis Example

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
F lo wrate (b p d )
5000
6000
Nodal Analysis Example

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
Pwf
3000
2500
2000
qe
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
F lo wrate (b p d )
5000
6000

Flowline
Node = Wellhead
Production String
Reservoir
Nodal Analysis Example - Wellhead

5000
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
Pwhi
2500
2000
1500
Pwh
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

Flowline
Node = Separator
Production String
Reservoir
Nodal Analysis Example - Separator

5000
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
3000
i
Psep
2500
2000
1500
1000
Psep
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000

Flowline
Node = Reservoir Boundary

Production String
Reservoir
Nodal Analysis Example - Reservoir

5000
Pr
4500
4000
P re ssure (psi)
3500
Pro
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flow ra te (bpd)
5000
6000
Nodal Analysis
6000
P reservoir
P perforations
5000
P ressure (psig)
P reservoir
4000
3000
P perforations
2000
P w ellhead
P separator
P w ellhead
1000
P separator
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
6000
Stable and Unstable Conditions
Stability
Generally speaking, mechanical equilibrium is defined as a condition

where the summation of forces acting on a body equal to zero. This
means that a body in equilibrium has no acceleration.
The equilibrium can be stable, unstable or indifferent.
Stable equilibrium is a condition where after a small disturbance, the
system will return to the original equilibrium position
Unstable equilibrium is a condition where after a small disturbance, the
system will move away from the original equilibrium position
Indifferent equilibrium is a condition where after a small disturbance,
the system will not move since the points around the original
equilibrium condition are also equilibrium points.
Stability
For a well, we understand equilibrium as the steady state

condition.
The equilibrium flowrate is a flowrate where the IPR and OPR
meet.
This equilibrium can also be stable, unstable or indifferent.
The nodal analysis is a very powerful tool to determine steady
state equilibrium conditions.
We can clearly see that determination of stability conditions
requires an analysis of the behavior of the system after a
disturbance.
This analysis requires determination of the performance of the
system for points that are not in equilibrium and as a
consequence are NOT in steady state.
This is a transient problem and the steady state nodal analysis
tool is very limited of fully describing the phenomena.
Nonetheless, an unsteady analysis of the problem can lead us
to stability criteria that may be used to check the stability of the
equilibrium flowrate determined by Nodal Analysis.
Stability
Imagine that we have a closed completion

system as shown.
During transient conditions that normally
occur after a disturbance, mass and
momentum balance equations are still valid.
In order to investigate the stability, lets
examine the case of a single phase
incompressible fluid being produced.
If we assume that the fluid is incompressible,
the flowrate coming from the reservoir needs
to be equal to the flowrate going into the
tubing string.
The dynamic Inflow bottonhole flowing
pressure needs to be equal to the dynamic
outflow bottonhole flowing pressure.
The steady state nodal analysis assume that
the fluids are not accelerating and the flow is
steady state.
Pwh
qe
qe
Pwf
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
P >P
i
wf
1500
o
wf
Pwfi < Pwfo
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
F lo w rate (b p d )
5000
6000
Stability
Imagine that during a transient
phenomena (for instance due to
fluctuations on wellhead pressure) the
flowrate in the system becomes
smaller than the equilibrium steady
state value.
If you observe on the steady state
nodal analysis graph you will see that
for this condition, the inflow pressure
is higher than the outflow pressure
How is this possible ? What is the
bottomhole flowing pressure during
the
transient
that
follows
a
disturbance ?
Pwh
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
J
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
P >P
1500
i
wf
1000
o
wf
i
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
The solution is as follows.
During the transient disturbance,
the true bottonhole flowing
pressure is between the steady
state inflow and the outflow
values.
This difference in pressure (true
values compared to the steady
state values is going to cause
the fluids to accelerate !!!
(changes in time transient !!!)
Pwh
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
P >P
1500
i
wf
1000
o
wf
i
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
For the reservoir, since the true
bottomhole pressure is smaller than
the steady state value, the flowrate is
going to increase.
For the tubing, since the bottomhole
pressure is greater than the steady
state value, the system will also
accelerate and the flowrate is going to
increase as well.
This transient coupling between
reservoir and system is going to
promote an increase with time of the
flowrate through the system.
Pwh
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
Time
3000
2500
2000
P >P
1500
i
wf
1000
o
wf
i
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
Pwh
A similar analysis can be made

when the fluctuations cause the
flowrate to be bigger then the
equilibrium value.
q > qe
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
P <P
i
wf
1500
o
wf
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
Pwh
In this case the true bottonhole flowing pressure

is again in between the steady state values for
the IPR and OPR.
For the reservoir, since the true bottomhole
pressure is greater than the steady state value,
the flowrate is going to decrease.
For the tubing, since the bottomhole pressure is
smaller than the steady state value, the system
will also accelerate and the flowrate is going to
decrease.
This transient coupling between reservoir and
system is going to promote an decrease with time
of the flowrate through the system.
q > qe
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
P <P
i
wf
1500
o
wf
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
Time
3000
2500
2000
P <P
i
wf
1500
o
wf
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
As a consequence, for the
illustrated, the transient
between the tubing and the
will generate the driving
promote equilibrium.
Pwh
situation
coupling
reservoir
force to
q > qe
For any small disturbances in the

system, the reservoir and tubing will
interact to accelerate the fluids and
bring the production back to steady
state stable levels.
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

5000
Pwfo
4500
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3000
2500
2000
Stable Production
Equilibrium Point
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
Stability
Pwh
In some cases, due to the nature of two

phase flow phenomena, two equilbrium
points may be possible.
q > qe
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

4000
3500
Pwfo
B
3000
Pre ssu re (p si)
A
2500
2000
1500
1000
Stable
Pw f
500
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Stability
Pwh
What can you say about the equilibrium

conditions for point B ?
q > qe
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

3700
Pwfo
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3300
B
i
3100
Pwf
2900
Pwfi < Pwfo
2700
Pwfi > Pwfo
2500
0
50
100
150
200
F lo wrate (b p d )
250
300
Stability
Again, during the disturbance, the true
bottonhole flowing pressure is between
the steady state IPR and OPR values.
When the flowrate is smaller then the
equilibrium point, the true bottonhole
pressure is greater than the steady
state IPR value.
This will cause the reservoir flowrate to
decrease.
When the flowrate is smaller then the
pressure is smaller then the steady
state OPR value and this will cause the
flowrate in the tubing to decrease.
What will happen ?
Pwh
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
J
Pr

3700
Pwfo
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3300
B
i
3100
Pwf
2900
2700
Pwfi < Pwfo
2500
0
50
100
150
200
F lo wrate (b p d )
250
300
Stability
Pwh
When the flowrate is greater then the

pressure is smaller than the IPR value.
This will cause the reservoir flowrate to
increase.
The bottonhole pressure is greater then
the OPR value and this will cause the
flowrate in the tubing to increase.
What will happen ?
q > qe
q > qe
Pwf
J
Pr

3700
Pwfo
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3300
B
i
3100
Pwf
2900
2700
Pwfi > Pwfo
2500
0
50
100
150
200
F lo wrate (b p d )
250
300
Stability
Pwh
Point B is an unstable operating point.

If the flowrate is suddenly decreased from
the equilibrium point, the well will die.
If the flowrate is suddenly increased from
the equilibrium point, the well is going to
produce the next stable flowrate value.
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
J
Pr

3700
Pwfo
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
3300
B
i
3100
Pwf
2900
Unstable Production
Equilibrium Point
2700
2500
0
50
100
150
200
F lo wrate (b p d )
250
300

4000
3500
Pwfo
B
3000
Pre ssu re (p si)
A
2500
2000
1500
Unstable
1000
Stable
Pw f
500
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Stability
This is a very important phenomena
very common in the field.
This well has only one stable flowrate.
A well with this IPR-OPR behavior can
not produce the stable higher flowrate
without some help.
Point B represents a barrier that the
well needs to overcome in order to
produce under stable conditions. This is
usually accomplished by inducing flow
in the well.
If this well dies it can not be put into
production simply by opening the choke
or valves.
THIS WELL REQUIRES ATTENTION
!!!
Pwh
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
Pr
Stability
Pwh
Several techniques are used in the field to

induce flow. Some are good and some .
If the well has an artificial lift installed it can be
put into production by using the lift system to
help the well overcome the unstable point B.
After that if artificial lift is not required you can
leave the well under natural flow.
If you dont have an artificial lift system installed
you can:
Rock the well

Nitrogen Injection
Swab
Etc..
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
J
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Pwfi
q
Stability
Pwh
What about this equilibrium condition ?

Is it stable ?
This is very common for wells that have
a high reservoir pressure and a very
small productivity index.
q < qe
q < qe
Pwf
J
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Pwfi
q
Stability
This well is in fact unsteady (as
opposed to steady).
Notice that the IPR and OPR
intersect each other in a point that
is stable.
Observe
however
that
the
pressure difference between the
IPR and OPR is very small.
Small fluctuations of variables in
the system can cause this well to
die.
Pwh
Pwf
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Pwfi
q
Stability
Pwh
After the fluctuation is gone, the well is

able to produce again.
Pwf
J
Pr

o
Pwf
Pwf
Pwfi
q
Stability
Again this is a very common
phenomena in the field.
It is called Heading
The well will produce in cycles.
Basically this well is screaming to you
that it can not produce on a steady
basis.
The low productivity index and high
reservoir pressure makes this well an
ideal candidate for INTERMITTENT lift
methods.
Pwh
Pwf
J
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Unstable
Heading
Unsteady
Stable
Steady
Pwf
Pwfo
i
wf
P wfi
q
Stability
Pwh
Wait !!!!
That is not all.
High productivity index wells can also
be PROBLEMATIC
Pwf
J
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Stable
Unsteady - Oscillatory Production
Pwfi
q

Pwf
Pwfo
Smaller Tubing or choke
Pwfo
Pwfo
Stable
Pwfi
Smaller tubing or choke and Artificial Lift
q
Stability
Pwh
A similar unsteady situation can occur with

those wells
This is somewhat common for deep water
production of high productivity wells.
In this case the well flowrate may have huge
fluctuations during the day as a function of
fluctuations on other variables. The well may
not die as in the case of heading, but may have
huge fluctuations of flowrate and pressure
Summary
Nodal analysis a very important tool to design
production systems for steady state conditions.
It can also help detecting stability problems in
wells.
Pwf
J
Pr

Pwf
Pwfo
Unstable Does not exist
Pwf
Pwfo
Stable
Steady
Stable
Unsteady - Heading
Pwfi
Pwfi
Pwf
Pwfo
Pwfi
Stable
q
An Analogy
Lets use a mechanical analogy to get some insight on
how important the dynamic equations are for describing
the stability of a system.
Lets imagine too magnetic rods facing each other. The
force that one rod acts on the other depends on the
polarity of the facing tips of the magnets. If they are of
equal polarity we have repulsion. If they have different
polarities we have attraction.
The force also depends on the distance between the two
facing tips of the magnets. The force between the two
magnets is inversely proportional to the distance
between them. The greater the distance the smaller the
magnitude of the force. The smaller the distance the
bigger the magnitude of the force
An Analogy
Lets imagine we have two fixed magnets facing each other.

The tips of the magnets that are facing each other have different
polarities
A third magnet is located in between the two fixed magnets
Lets analyze the force balance on this third magnet as a function of
its relative position in relation to the mid distance between the fixed
magnets x
F2
F1
- M1 +
magnet
M2 +
An Analogy
-
F1
F2
F1
F2
Force
Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
-0.5
0.5
0.5
Relative Position
Relative Position
F1+ F2
Resultant Force
Resultant Force
F1+ F2
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
An Analogy
It seems that from the Steady State analysis that an equilibrium condition
exists when the third magnet is placed exactly in the mid point between the
two fixed magnets
This steady state equilibrium point exists independent of the orientation of
the third magnet since at that location the resulting force is zero and the
steady state force balance is satisfied
Do you think this is really possible ?
F1+ F2=0
Resultant Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
F1+ F2=0
Resultant Force
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5
An Analogy
For both cases a steady state analysis yields an equilibrium point but only the second case is
stable
In the first case the third magnet never stays in the steady state equilibrium position (mid point
between magnets). It always moves to one of the magnets. The steady state equilibrium point for
this case is UNSTABLE
For the second case, the magnet is capable of staying in the steady state equilibrium position. It is
a STABLE point and small disturbances do not affect the final equilibrium position
This can only be understood by a analysis of the dynamics of the system
+
-
Resultant Force
Resultant Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5
An Analogy
For small deviations from the equilibrium point we need to examine the
resulting force behavior as a function of the position oscillation
In the first case the resulting force will move the magnet in the positive
direction increasing the disturbance
In the second case the resulting force will move the magnet in the negative
direction reducing the disturbance
Resultant Force
Resultant Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5
An Analogy
This shows that the analysis of the stability has to do not
with the steady state force balance, but with the way the net
force is related to the magnet position. This has to do with
the shape of the force balance around the equilibrium point
Resultant Force
Resultant Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5
An Analogy
A steady state force balance tells only what the steady
state equilibrium points are
The shape of the steady state curve may help us in
discerning between stable and unstable points.
a=
V=
Transient
dV
dt
dx
dt
Resultant Force
F ( x) = ma
d 2x
F ( x) = m 2
dt
Steady State
F ( x) = 0
-1
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5
Casing Heading
Unsteady flow conditions occur due to the response of the
system to natural fluctuations in some of the variables.
In the previous heading example, we saw how a well can
produce intermittently if the wellhead or separator
pressure fluctuates. This may occur due to the
interference from the production of other wells on a
manifold or a common production separator pressure.
Another reason for the heading phenomenon is the natural
segregation of gas and liquid at the entrance of the tubing.
This phenomenon is very common as is usually referred
as casing heading.
Casing Heading
Lets imagine we have the well
producing with a certain dynamic
liquid level in the annulus.
The casing is closed and we have
no packer in the well
The well is producing a very small
liquid flowrate from the reservoir
At the intake of the tubing a natural
segregation of the phases will force
part of the gas to bypass the tubing
and flow upwards in the annulus.
Since gas is moving upwards in the
annulus and being pressurized in the
top part of the casing, the liquid level
is slowly being lowered by forcing
casing liquid into the tubing
qltubing
q
qlcasing
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Casing Heading
The GLR in the tubing is smaller
than the production GLR since part
of the gas is bypassing the tubing
intake and the liquid flowrate is
being increased by the liquid being
produced from the annulus.
This process continues, with gas
pushing the liquid level down
A significant amount of gas is being
stored in the upper part of the casing
qltubing
q
qlcasing
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Casing Heading
Eventually the liquid level is going to reach

the tubing intake.
At this point, no more gas can be stored in the
annulus and gas is going to start to enter the
tubing.
The liquid flowrate now in the tubing is only
the liquid flowrate from the reservoir
The GLR inside the tubing is now
considerably greater than the production GLR
since some extra gas is being provided by the
casing
This reduces the bottomhole flowing pressure
allowing the well to increase the flowrate
We will see an increase then in the surface
flowrate
qltubing
q
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Casing Heading
Eventually the gas from the casing is
dissipated and the GLR in the tubing
is reduced. This limits the flowrate
that can be lifted by the tubing
The reservoir is still producing a high
flowrate and part of the liquid
production start to be accumulated
in the annulus
The bottomhole flowing pressure will
increase with time since the dynamic
liquid level is being raised
Gas start to bypass the tubing intake
reducing the GLR in the tubing
further reducing the liquid flowrate in
the tubing and increasing the liquid
storage in the annulus
qltubing
q
qlcasing
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Casing Heading
The flowrate from the reservoir is still
bigger than the flowrate from the
tubing and the liquid level continue
to rise.
The bottom hole flowing pressure
continues to increase reducing the
flowrate coming from the reservoir
Gas continues to bypass the tubing
intake being accumulated in the
annulus and also contributing for the
increase in the bottomhole flowing
pressure
qltubing
q
qlcasing
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Casing Heading
Eventually
the
increase
in
bottomhole flowing pressure creates
a balance between the tubing liquid
outflow capacity and the reservoir
inflow capacity.
The liquid level stabilizes and the
flowrates in the tubing and from the
reservoir are equal.
Gas continues to bypass the tubing
intake and to accumulate in the top
portion of the casing.
The process then restarts when the
gas accumulated at the top starts to
push the liquid level down.
qltubing
q
qg
ql
casing
g
q gtubing
Two Phase Flow Phenomena

Lets now summarize those results and obtain a model
for two phase flow OPR.
This is NOT an accurate model.
Its purpose is just to illustrate some of the phenomena
characteristic of two phase flow.
We will neglect the mass transfer between the phases.
We will assume gas never goes in or out of solution.
We will also assume the gas to be incompressible for
the sake of simplicity.
We will neglect transient effects on the mass balance
equation (no fluid segregation is possible)
We still need a correlation for the slip velocity so that we
can develop a transient momentum balance equation.
Transient Two Phase Flow

We will use a very simplified version of the drift flux
model for two phase flow.
The drift flux model consists of two mass balance
equations (one for each phase), a mixture momentum
balance equation and a closure equation for the slip
velocity or void fraction.
We are interested in very short transients. We will
assume that the void fraction does not change with time
or position and we are interested only in the behavior of
the liquid flowrate and pressure with time.
As a consequence our model only needs the momentum
balance equation and a closure equation for the void
fraciton
Lets start by examining the steady state momentum
balance equation and slip closure relationship.
Total Pressure Gradient
The Steady State OPR is given by:
ft
bbl/d
psi
Pwfo = Pwh + 0.433 m sin( ) L + 1.1471 10 5 f mmoody
m q m qm
d
5
p
L
in
Moody Friction Factor

For the multiphase fricton factor we will use Moody friction
factor given by:
f moody
8 12
= 8 +
3
Re
2
(
)
A
+
B
A = 2.457 ln
0.9
7

+ 0.27
Re
d
1
12
16
16
37530
B=
Re
Summary of Single Phase Flow in Pipes
The Reynolds Number is given by:

bbl/d
Re = 92.2
m qm
m d p
in
cp
The mixture flowrate is given by:
qm = ql + q g
qm = ql + ql VLR
bbl/d
bbl/bbl
qm = ql (1 + VLR )
Frictional Term
The mixture properties are defined as:
m = l l + g g
m = l l + g g
lb/ft3
m =
l l + g g
62.4
Frictional Term
The gas phase fraction is given by the closure
equation:
g =
VLR
V A
1 + VLR + p
ql
VLR
g =
1 + VLR +
2
V d p
ql
bbl/bbl
ft/s
g =
VLR
1 + VLR + 83.93
V d p2
ql
in
bpd
Frictional Term
The gas phase fraction is given by:
V V = 8
24
Cd =
Re
rd ( l g )
g sin( )
3 Cd l
Re =
2 rd V l
2 ( l g )rd
V =
9
l
ft/s
Cd = 12
g sin( )
in
lb/ft3
V = 73.94
( l g )rd
sin( )
cp
rd V l
Frictional Term
For the Steady state OPR we have:
Pwh
P (q ) = Pwh + Pg (q ) + Pf (q )
o
wf
Pwh
Pg + Pf
If the pressure changes from the

steady state equilibrium value, the
system must accelerate
Pg + Pf
F = ma
(P
wf
Pwh Pg (q) Pf (q ) )Ap = ma

Ap
Pwf Pwh Pg (q ) Pf (q) =
ma
Ap
Pwf
o
wf
Frictional Term
If the pressure changes from the steady state equilibrium
value, the system must accelerate
Pwh
Pg + Pf
Ap
Pwf Pwh Pg (q ) Pf (q ) =
m = L Ap m
a=
1 dqm
Ap dt
Pwf Pwh Pg (q ) Pf (q ) =
Pwf
ma
Ap
L m dqm
Ap dt
Frictional Term
For the transient OPR we obtain:
bpd
psi
ft
q q
L dq
Pwf (t ) Pwh (t ) 0.433 m sin( ) L 1.1471 105 f Moody m 5 m L = 1.6046 10 4 m 2 m
dt
d t dt
in
To simulate a Standing Valve we have:

Pwf (t ) = 1.6046 10 4 m
m qm qm
L dqm
5
+
P
(
t
)
+
0
.
433
sin
(
)
L
+
1
.
1471
10
f
L + Psv
wh
m
Moody
d t2 dt
d t5
0 if q > 0
Psv =
BigNumber q if
q<0
Instability Analysis The Phenomena

We need to determine for each time step what is the
value of the flowrate that makes the inflow pressure
equals to the transient outflow pressure.
m q m qm
L dqm
4
5
P
t
P
t
sin
L
f
L + Psv
(
)
1
.
6046
10
(
)
0
.
433
(
)
1
.
1471
10
=
+
+
+
wf
m
wh
m
Moody
d t2 dt
d t5
P (t ) = P ql
r
wf
J
0 if q > 0
Psv =
BigNumber q if
q<0
Example
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable - Opening :

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
L dqm
d t2 dt
6000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Interf. Charact. Length
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
Pressure (psi)
5000
4000
3000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
6000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
2000
1000
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
6000
7000
Example
7000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
6000
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
4000
8000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
6000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
3000
2000
2000
1000
1000
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Example

Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
7000
6000
Pressure (psi)
5000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
6000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
4000
3000
Bottomhole
2000
Surface
1000
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable Well Surface Pressure Fluctuations
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
600
Surface Pressure (psi)
500
400
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
6000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
3900
3850
3800
300
3750
200
3700
100
3650
3600
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Bottomhole Pressure (psi)
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable Well Surface Pressure Fluctuations
7000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
6000
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
4000
8000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
6000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
3000
2000
2000
1000
1000
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable - Opening:

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
6000
L dqm
d t2 dt
Pressure (psi)
5000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Flowrate (bpd)
3500
4000
4500
Example

7000
5000
4500
6000
4000
3500
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
1000
500
0
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
5000
Example
When this well is shut down at the surface, the required pressure
is higher than the reservoir pressure. That means that the liquid
hidrostatic load kills the well.
When we open the choke to put this well into production, the well
is incapable of reaching the natural equilibrium flowrate.
Observe that indeed there are two equilibrium flowrates at 854
bpd and at 100 bpd.
Lets examine what happens with this well when when the surface
pressure is set to 300 psi. Lets examine the cases when the initial
flowrate before the disturbance on the surface pressure is:
99 bpd
101 bpd
400 bpd
2000 bpd
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Inital Flowrate 99 bpd :
120
4020
4000
100
80
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
60
40
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
3960
3940
3920
20
3900
3880
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
3980
Flowrate (bpd)
Example

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
6000
dq
<0
dt
5000
Pressure (psi)
L dqm
d t2 dt
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Flowrate (bpd)
3500
4000
4500
Example
900
4500
800
4000
700
3500
600
3000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
500
400
300
200
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
2500
2000
1500
1000
100
500
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
Example

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
6000
dq
>0
dt
5000
Pressure (psi)
L dqm
d t2 dt
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Flowrate (bpd)
3500
4000
4500
Example
3700
900
800
3600
700
500
400
300
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
3500
3400
3300
200
3200
100
0
3100
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
600
Flowrate (bpd)
Example

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
6000
dq
>0
dt
5000
Pressure (psi)
L dqm
d t2 dt
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Flowrate (bpd)
3500
4000
4500
Example
2500
3500
3000
1500
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
500
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
2000
Flowrate (bpd)
Example

7000
1.6046 10 4 m
6000
dq
<0
dt
5000
Pressure (psi)
L dqm
d t2 dt
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
0
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Flowrate (bpd)
3500
4000
4500
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable Point Surface Pressure Fluctuations

3200
600
3180
500
Surface Pressure (psi)
3140
400
3120
300
3100
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
100
3080
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
3060
3040
3020
3000
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Bottomhole Pressure (psi)
3160
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Stable Point Surface Pressure Fluctuations

4000
1000
900
3500
800
3000
2500
600
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
500
400
300
200
10000 ft
1.995
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4000 psi
1 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
2000
1500
1000
500
100
0
0
0
10
15
Time (s)
20
25
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
700
Example
It is clear that this well has two equilibrium points, but
the first one at 100 bpd is UNSTABLE.
When shut down, this well is not capable of producing
a stable equilibrium flowrate once opened to
production
If by some means we can put this well to produce a
certain flowrate slightly higher than the first equilibrium
point (100 bpd) the well will naturally increase its
production till the second stable equilibrium point of
854 bpd.
This is a well that needs a kick-off
Why is the first equilibrium point unstable ?
Can we obtain a criteria for stability ?
Instability and Cyclic Production

Unstable equilibrium point and cyclic production are
two different phenomena.
The first one, the well has an equilibrium point, but any
disturbances (they always exist) will make this
equilibrium point unstable and the well will seek a
more stable condition (either die or find a new stable
equilibrium point).
The cyclic production (heading) occurs when a well
has a stable equilibrium point, but oscillations in some
varialbe cause this equilibrium point to have dramatic
changes. The well may produce for a period of time,
then dies, then comes back into production. This is not
an unstable condition.
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening High Reservoir Pressure :

7000
6000
Pressure (psi)
5000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
Equilibrium Flowrate
4000
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.000
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
5000 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example

350
300
Pressure (psi)
250
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
150
100
50
10000 ft
1.000
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
5000 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Example

90
6000
80
5000
70
4000
50
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
40
30
20
10
10000 ft
1.000
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
5000 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
3000
2000
1000
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
60

This well showed some cyclic production, but was
reasonably stable.
Notice that the IPR and OPR intercept to the left of the
minimun.
The equilibrium flowrate is stable but will oscillate
according to the variation of the operating conditions.
What will happen when the reservoir pressure decline ?
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Low Reservoir Pressure :

4700
4600
7000
Pressure (psi)
4500
6000
4400
4300
4200
4100
4000
Pressure (psi)
5000
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Flowrate (bpd)
4000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
3000
2000
1000
10000 ft
1.000
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
25 bpd
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example

350
300
Pressure (psi)
250
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
150
100
10000 ft
1.000
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
25 bpd
50
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Example

35
4700
4650
30
4600
4550
25
20
4450
4400
15
4350
10
4300
4250
5
4200
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
4150
250
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
4500
This well is clearly heading.

This is not an unstable problem
It is a cyclic stable production.
Can occur in several situations. Usually due to the
proximity of the OPR and IPR. Any disturbance in the
operational parameters can kill the well.
There are several solutions but clearly the problem of
this well is productivity. So this is usually a natural
candidate for a stimulation job.
The other solutions may be:
If the well is on gas lift, increase the injection GLR
Reduce tubing size (workover or velocity string)
Reduce tubing size and increase GLR
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Gas Lift :

7000
6000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
Pressure (psi)
5000
4000
3000
10000 ft
1.0
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1.0 bbl/bbl
300 psi
102 bpd
2000
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Gas Lift :
350
300
250
Wellhead Pressure (psi)
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
150
100
10000 ft
1.0
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1.0 bbl/bbl
300 psi
102 bpd
50
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Gas Lift :
120
5000
4500
100
4000
3500
3000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
60
40
20
10000 ft
1.0
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1.0 bbl/bbl
300 psi
102 bpd
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
0
250
Pressure (psi)
80
Flowrate (bpd)
The Gas Lift was able to eliminate the heading and increase the flowrate to a
steady value of 102 bpd.
If the productivity index remains the same this solution may work untill the
reservoir pressure reduces to 4200 psi
7000
6000
5000
Pressure (psi)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Velocity String :
7000
6000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
Pressure (psi)
5000
4000
3000
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
45 bpd
2000
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
Flowrate (bpd)
900
1000
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Velocity String :
350
300
250
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
150
100
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
45 bpd
50
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Velocity String :
4700
60
4600
50
Flowrate (bpd)
40
30
20
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
0.4 bbl/bbl
300 psi
45 bpd
4400
4300
4200
4100
10
4000
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
3900
250
Pressure (psi)
4500
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
The velocity string or reduction of tubing size was able to eliminate the heading
and increase the flowrate to a steady value of 45 bpd.
7000
6000
5000
Pressure (psi)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example
Naturally Flowing Well Opening Gas Lift + Velocity String :
7000
6000
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
5000
Pressure (psi)
4000
3000
2000
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000
Example
350
300
250
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
200
150
100
50
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Example
90
5000
80
4500
4000
70
3500
Well Depth
Tubing
Roughness
Liquid Viscosity
Liquid Density
Gas Viscosity
Gas Density
Reservoir Pressure
Productivity Index
VLR
Wellhead Pressure
50
40
30
20
10000 ft
0.6
0.00015 ft
1 cp
62.4 lb/ft3
0.01 cp
6.24 lb/ft3
0.015576 in
4620 psi
0.08 bpd/psi
1 bbl/bbl
300 psi
76 bpd
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
10
500
0
0
50
100
150
Time (s)
200
250
Pressure (psi)
Flowrate (bpd)
60
The velocity string or reduction of tubing size and the gas lift were able to
eliminate the heading and increase the flowrate to a steady value of 76 bpd.
7000
6000
5000
Pressure (psi)
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Flowrate (bpd)
800
900
1000

Lets examine if it is possible to obtain an analytical
criteria for the stability of this problem.
We start first with a small disturbance that moves the
system away from the equilibrium point.
The following equations are then valid for this
transient problem after the disturbance.
This is valid also for two phase flow
qq
L dq
4
Pwf (t ) Pwh 0.433 L 1.1471 10 5 f Moody
L
=
1
.
6046
10
d t5
d t2 dt
rr
rr
q
7 dq
Pwf (t ) Pr +
ln = 1.3929 10
ln
h dt rw
0.00708 k h rw

5000
4500
Pwfo
Pwfo
4000
Pwf (t )
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
Pwfi
3000
qe
2500
q(t )
2000
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000

But for the steady state problem we have:
P = Pwh + 0.433 L + 1.1471 10 f Moody
5
o
wf
qq
d
5
t
rr
q
P = Pr
ln
0.00708 k h rw
i
wf
Then we have a relationship between the steady state and

transient bottomhole pressures and the fluid accelerations:
Pwf (t ) Pwfo = 1.6046 10 4
Pwf (t ) Pwfi = 1.3929 107
L dq
d t2 dt
dq rr
ln
h dt rw

5000
4500
Pwfo
Pwfo
4000
1.6046 10 4
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
L dq
d t2 dt
Pwf (t )
Pwfe
1.3929 107
3000
dq rr
h dt
ln
rw
qe
2500
2000
Pwfi
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000

The steady state outflow and inflow pressure are not linear
funcitons of the flowate
L dq
Pwf (t ) P = 1.6046 10 2
d t dt
4
o
wf
Pwf (t ) P = 1.3929 10
i
wf
dq rr
ln
h dt rw
We have a better chance of solving this system if somehow we

can find a linear approximation for the IPR and OPR pressures.
This can be done by a 1st order Taylor expansion around the
equilibrium point.

The steady state IPR and OPR can be linearized around
the equilibrium point for a small disturbance as:
Pwfo = Pwfe +
Pwfi = Pwfe +
dPwfo
dq
(q qe ) + ....
qe
dPwfi
dq
(q qe ) + .....
qe

5000
4500
Pwfo
Pwfo
dPwfo
4000
Pre ssu re (p si)
3500
dq
Pwfe
dPwfi
3000
dq
(q qe )
(q qe )
qe
2500
2000
Pwfi
1500
1000
Pwf
500
0
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000

Then we have:
Pwf (t ) Pwfe
Pwf (t ) Pwfe
dPwfo
dq
(q qe ) = 1.6046 10 4
qe
dPwfi
dq
(q qe ) = 1.3929 107
qe
L dq
d t2 dt
dq rr
ln
h dt rw

We can then obtain the following ODE:
1.3929 10
dq rr
h dt
dPwfi
ln + P +
dq
rw
e
wf
dPwfo
L dq
e
(q qe ) = 1.6046 10 2
+ Pwf +
d t dt
dq
4
qe
( q qe )
qe
Then we have:
1.3929 10
dPwfi
dq
rr dq dPwfi
ln +
h rw dt
dq
(q qe )
qe
o
L dq dPwf
(q qe ) = 1.6046 10 2
+
d t dt
dq
4
qe
(q qe )
qe
L
r dq
(q qe ) = 1.6046 10 4 2 + 1.3929 10 7 ln r
dq q
dt
h rw dt
dPwfo
dPwfi dPwfo
rr dq
L
4
7

=
+
q
q
ln
(
)
1
.
6046
10
1
.
3929
10
e
2
dq
dt
h rw dt
dq
qe

We can then obtain the following ODE:
dPwfi dPwfo
dq
dq
q
dq
=
dt
( q qe )
rr
L
4
7

+
ln
1
.
6046
10
1
.
3929
10
2
dt
h rw
Since for small disturbances the term multiplying dt is a

constant:
dq
= m dt
(q qe )
ln(q qe ) = m t + c
(q qe ) = Ae m t
m=
dPwfi dPwfo
dq
dq
q
rr
L
4
7

ln
1
.
6046
10
1
.
3929
10
+
2
dt
h rw

The flowrate changes with time is then:
(q qe ) = Ae m t
Then the solution for the flowrate is:

q = qe + Ae m t

For the flowrate to return to equilibrium as time increases we must
have
q = qe + Ae m t
m<0
Then the stability criteria becomes:
m=
dPwfi dPwfo
dq
dq
q
rr
L
4
7
ln
1.6046 10 2 + 1.3929 10
dt
h rw
<0

Finally the stability criteria is:
dPwfi
dq
qe
dPwfo
dq
>
qe
dPwfo
<0
dq
qe
dPwfi
dq
qe
dPwfi dPwfo
dq
<0
qe
An Analogy
The stability criteria is related with the shape of the IPR and OPR. It is related to the
slope of the difference of the IPR and OPR pressures with the flowrate.
The same way as the stability for the magnets was related to the slope of function
describing the behavior of the resultant force with the third magnet position
The analogy of the resultant force is the difference in the IPR and OPR pressures. The
analogy for the magnet position is the flowrate.
Resultant Force
Resultant Force
-1
-0.5
0.5
-1
Relative Position
-0.5
0
Relative Position
0.5

Pwf
Pwfo
Pwf
dPwfo
dq
dPwfi
dq
dPwfo
o
wf
dq
P
>0
dq
<0
Stable
Steady
Stable
Unsteady - Heading
dPwfo
i
wf
Pwfi
dPwfi
dq
dPwfi
Pwf
Pwfo
Pwfi
Stable
dPwfo
dq
dPwfi
dq
>0
dq
>0

How fast does the system reacts to a small disturbance ?
dq
= m dt
(q qe )
m=
dPwfi dPwfo
dq
dq
q
rr
L
4
7

ln
1
.
6046
10
1
.
3929
10
+
2
dt
h rw
dq
= m (q qe )
dt
dPwfi dPwfo
(q qe )
dq
dq
qe
dq
=
dt
rr
L
4
7
ln
1.6046 10 2 + 1.3929 10
dt
h rw

dPwfi dPwfo
(q qe )
dq
dq
qe
dq
=
dt
rr
L
4
7
ln
1.6046 10 2 + 1.3929 10
dt
h rw
Pwfo = Pwfe +
dPwfo
dq
(q qe )
Pwfi = Pwfe +
qe
dPwfi
dq
(q qe )
qe
Pwfi Pwfo
dq
=
dt
rr
L
4
7
ln
1.6046 10 2 + 1.3929 10
dt
h rw

Pwfi Pwfo
dq
=
dt
rr
L
4
7
ln
1.6046 10 2 + 1.3929 10
dt
h rw
dq
is proportional to Pwfi Pwfo
dt

How fast is the reaction ?
Pwf
Pwfo
dq
Pwfi Pwfo
dt
Pwf
Pwfo
Stable
Steady
Stable
Unsteady - Heading
Pwfi
Pwfi
Pwf
q
Pwfo
Pwfi
Stable
q

Pwf
Pwfo
Stable
Criteria II
Unstable
Criteria I
Unstable
Criteria II
Pwf
Pwfo
i
wf
P wfi
q
Nodal can only be done upwind

or downwind must be
interactive
Stability
Surging
and Flow Inducing
Well Control Choke
Choke for Stability

Nodal Analysis and Natural Flow

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