Simulator predicts production from nonvertical wells

Predicting production performance from nonvertical and vertical wells in any geometric combination within a reservoir required modification of a black oil simulator. This is the first reported mathematical model that has been validated for horizontal and slanted well simulations. Technology improvements for drilling and completing horizontal and slanted wells have reduced drilling and completion costs and, in turn, have increased interest in determining production from such wells. In a research project performed for the Department of Energy and TQR Inc., the National Institute for Petroleum and Energy Research (Niper) has developed a model, incorporated with BOAST, a black oil simulator available to the public, for prediction production from horizontal and slanted wells. The primary subject matter of the article is divided into the following areas: Production prediction; Forty-acre study; Model development; Black oil simulator; Vertical wells; Nonvertical wells; Infinite conductivity option; Slanted wells; Horizontal well; Inputs and outputs.