Analysis of Linear Flow in Gas Well Production

Abstract

Abstract Linear flow may be a very important flow regime in fractured gas wells. It is also important in some unfractured wells. This paper presents practical approach to analyze both pressure (well testing) and production rate (decline curve analysis) data which is influenced by linear flow. The paper explains two approaches to analyze the date (hand calculations and curve fitting). It uses analytical solutions that are adapted to different reservoir models. These models include fractured wells and wells producing reservoirs with high permeability streaks. Permeability, flow area, and pore volume may be obtained from either pressure or production rate data. The constant rate solutions are different form the constant pressure solutions. The use of the wrong equations in the analysis may result in errors as high as 60%. The paper also shows the application of these techniques in analyzing field data. P. 145