Applications of Nodal Analysis Technique for Appalachian Wells' Production Problem

ABSTRACT A software package has been developed in which a gas simulation model and Nodal analysis model are used in conjunction with fracture simulation. The software package is also tied to a microcomputer database system to provide pertinent data for well analyses. The gas simulation model generates inflow performance for various production conditions while Nodal analysis studies the inflow and outflow conditions. Since specific Appalachian production conditions are used for both models, the software package will prove to be a useful tool for improving production in the Appalachian area. Artifical lift "rabbit" production, bailing/swabbing operation, restimulation of the new zone and deeper drilling are the conventional methods to improve the production in the Appalachian area. Nodal analysis technique has been used with specific wells to evaluate the potential results of using each recovery enhancement method. Nodal analysis is an optimization technique to analyze production problems and predict solutions. This technique can predict the "critical" pressure for artificial lift and can predict the inflow performance of a well. The new bailing operation can then be scheduled accordingly. In addition, this technique can also estimate the skin damage within an existing well and be used to justify restimulating the new zone or drilling deeper. In the Appalachian area, tight formations and relatively depleted reservoirs are major problems. The current marginal economic situation does not allow producers to improve production by pressure enhancement and multiple stimulation. A solution can be obtained by analyzing the problem and predicting the outcome of using various production enhancement methods. Then, the operator can select the proper method to use.