Application of Constrained Multiwell Deconvolution to Interfering Wells in Gas Reservoirs With Significant Pressure Depletion

Abstract

Objectives/Scope This paper uses pseudo-time to extend the application of constrained multiwell deconvolution algorithm to gas reservoirs with significant pressure depletion. Multiwell deconvolution is the extension of single well deconvolution to multiple interfering wells. Constraints are added to account for a-priori knowledge on the expected deconvolved derivative behaviors and to eliminate non-physical solutions. Methods, Procedures, Process Multiwell deconvolution converts pressure and rate histories from interfering wells into constant-rate pressure responses for each well as if it were producing alone in the reservoir. It also extracts the interference responses observed at each of the other wells due to this single well production. The deconvolved responses have the same duration as the pressure history. This allows to identify reservoir features not visible during individual build ups. Deconvolution techniques can only be applied to pressure and rate data when flow can be represented by linear equations. In strongly depleted gas reservoirs, fluid properties, and gas compressibility in particular, are pressure dependent, which makes the flow problem non-linear. The paper uses pseudo-pressure and pseudo-time transforms to linearize the problem in such conditions. Results, Observations, Conclusions The pseudo-time method developed by Levitan and Wilson (2010) is extended to constrained multiwell deconvolution in highly depleted gas reservoirs. It is an iterative process, which yields the correct initial gas in place, whereas the use of real time does not. The algorithm is validated with a two gas well synthetic example, and successfully applied to a field case with four gas producers. Novel/Additive Information The paper extends the application of constrained multiwell deconvolution to strongly depleted gas reservoirs. Constrained multiwell deconvolution is an efficient way to exploit data recorded by permanent downhole pressure gauges and provides information not otherwise available. It can help to identify field heterogeneities and compartmentalization early in field life, making it possible to modify the field development plan and to improve locations of future wells. It can accelerate history-matching with the reservoir model by doing it on the constant rate pressure responses rather than on the actual, usually complex, production history. An added advantage is that comparison between the pressure derivatives of the model and the actual deconvolved derivatives allows identification of mismatch causes.