In the ever-evolving landscape of the energy sector, predicting the productivity of gas and gas condensate wells has long been a challenge. However, a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов’ (News of the Tomsk Polytechnic University: Engineering of Georesources) is set to revolutionize how we approach this critical issue. Led by Vladimir A. Tolpaev, this research introduces a novel method for optimizing well operation modes, with far-reaching implications for the industry.
The study addresses a fundamental need in the gas production sector: improving the accuracy and reliability of long-term productivity forecasts. Traditional methods often fall short because they fail to account for dynamic changes in the filtration and capacitance properties of the formation in bottom-hole zones. These properties are influenced by fluctuating reservoir pressure and depression over time, factors that are crucial for precise forecasting.
Tolpaev and his team have developed a generalized Rowlins–Shellhardt equation, a mathematical model that takes into account these dynamic changes. “The key innovation here is our ability to approximate real indicator curves of fluid inflow to a gas well, considering the dependence of reservoir properties on changing pressure and depression,” Tolpaev explains. This approach leverages extensive geological and field data accumulated during well operations, providing a more accurate and reliable prediction of well productivity.
One of the most significant findings of this research is the discovery of a new effect: real indicator curves can exhibit non-monotonic dependencies of flow rate on depression. This contrasts sharply with classical theoretical situations and has profound theoretical and practical implications. “This new effect challenges traditional understanding and opens up new avenues for optimizing gas production,” Tolpaev notes.
The practical benefits of this research are immense. By improving the accuracy of flow rate forecasts, energy companies can enhance the efficiency of gas production, contributing to the sustainable development of the energy sector. This model simplifies the planning of geological and technical measures, optimizing the development of gas fields and potentially leading to significant cost savings and increased productivity.
The methods used in this study are robust and multifaceted, including interpolation and approximation of field data, numerical integration, mathematical modeling, correlation and regression analyses, and the least squares method. These techniques ensure that the generalized Rowlins–Shellhardt equation provides a reliable and accurate approximation of real indicator curves, even in complex and dynamic reservoir conditions.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for precise and reliable forecasting tools becomes ever more critical. This research by Vladimir A. Tolpaev and his team represents a significant step forward in meeting this need. By providing a more accurate and reliable method for predicting well productivity, this study has the potential to shape future developments in the field, driving innovation and efficiency in the energy sector. The publication of this research in ‘News of the Tomsk Polytechnic University: Engineering of Georesources’ underscores its importance and relevance to the broader scientific and industrial communities.
