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Bilinear flow may occur in horizontal wells

Journal Article · · Oil and Gas Journal
OSTI ID:136994
 [1];  [2]
  1. Norwegian Inst. of Tech., Trondheim (Norway)
  2. Saga Petroleum a.s., Sandvika (Norway)

The importance of specific flow periods for model identification and well test interpretation has been extensively discussed in literature. A bilinear flow period, which is controlled by reservoir heterogeneity, is well known, but this type of flow may also appear in homogeneous reservoirs. Failure to recognize the possibility of bilinear flow by geometry may lead to the assumption of a false reservoir model. This in turn will lead to erroneous well test interpretation. The heterogeneity required to induced bilinear flow can be caused by fractures of finite conductivity (hydraulic and natural) or by layers of high-permeability contrast. Bilinear flow may occur for a long horizontal well or vertical fracture of high conductivity (uniform flux or infinite conductivity). The controlling factors for the existence of the bilinear flow period are length of the well and the directional permeabilities. The key parameter is the geometrical factor, such as the length of the well. The paper discusses the origin of bilinear flow, bilinear flow models, the pressure signature, and dimensionless equations.

OSTI ID:
136994
Journal Information:
Oil and Gas Journal, Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal Journal Issue: 50 Vol. 93; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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