UNSOLICITED

MAR 5 1979
ABSTRACT

SPE 8025
A NODAL APPROACH FOR APPLYING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS TO THE
FLOWING AND ARTIFICIAL LIFT OIL OR GAS WELL

by

Joe Hach
Eduardo Proano
Kermit E. Erown

A nodal and new approach is presented for applying systems

analysis to the complete well system from the outer boundary of
the reservoir to the sand face, across the perforations and com-
pletion section to the tubing intake, up the tubing string in-
cluding any restrictions and down hole safety valves, the surface
choke, the flow line and separator.
Fig. I shows a schematic of a simple producing system. This
system consists of three phases:
(1) Flow through porous medium.
(2) Flow through vertical or directional conduit.
(3) Flow through horizontal pipe.
Fig. 2 shows the various pressure losses that can occur in the sys-
tem from the reservoir to the separator. Beginning from the reser-
voir, these are noted as:
= P
r
Pwfs = Pressure Loss in Porous Medium

wfs - Pwf
tlP = P = Pressure Loss .Across Completion
2
L1P
3
= PUR - P
DR
= Pressure Loss Across Regulator, Choke
or Tubing Nipple
L1P 4 = P - P = Pressure Loss Across Safety Valve
USV DSV
L1P
S
= P
wh - P
DSC
= Pressure Loss Across Surface Choke

L1P 6 = P P = Pressure Loss in Surface Flow Line

DSC - SEP
t,vf - Pwh = Total Pressure Loss in Tubing String
L1P .= P
7
~-;hich Includes 6P and L1P
3 4
L1P S = P
wh
- P SEP = Total Loss in Surface Flow Line Includ-
ing Surface Choke
 2

The various well configurations may vary from the very simple
system of Fig. 1 to the more complex system of Fig. 2, or any com-
bination thereof, and present day completions more realistically
include the various configurations of Fig. 2.
This paper will discuss the manner in which to interrelate
the various pressure losses. In particular, the ability of the
well to produce fluids will be interfaced with the ability of the
piping system to take these fluids. The manner in which to treat
the effect of the various components will be shown by a new nodal
concept.
In order to solve the total producing system problem, nodes
are placed to segment the portion defined by different equations
or correlations.
Figure 3 has be~n prepared showing locations of the various
nodes. This figure is the same as Figure 2 except only the node
positions are shown. The node is classified as a functional node
when a pressure differential exists across it and the pressure or
flow rate response can be represented by some mathematical or phys-
ical function.
Node 1 represents the separator pressure which is usually reg-
ulated at a constant value. There are two pressures that are not
a function of flow rate. They are P at Node 8 and P at Node 1.
r SEP
For this reason, any trial and error solution to the total system
problem must be started at Node 1 (P
SEP
)' Node 8 (P r ), or both

Node 1 and 8 if an intermediate node such as 3 or 6 is selected as

the solution node. Once the solution node is selected, the pres-
sure drops or gains from the starting point are added until the
solution node is reached. Example problems are worked to show
the nodal system approach. For exa~ple, the flow rate possible
can be determined by utilizing Node 8 (P r ), Node 6 (P wf)' Node 3

(P h)' or Node 1 (P ). The node selected depends upon which com-

w sep
ponent we want to evaluate. The effect of tapered strings, surface
chokes and safety valves can also be evaluated in this manner.
In summary, a new (nodal) system has been presented in order
 3

to effectively evaluate a complete producing system. All of the

components in the well, starting from the static pressure (P r )
and ending at the separator, are considered. This includes flow
through the porous medium, flow across the perforations and comple-
tion, flow up the tubing string with passage through a possible
down-hole restriction and safety valve, flow in the horizontal
flow line with passage through a surface choke and on to the sep-
arator.
Various positions and/or components are selected as nodes and
the pressure losses are converged on that point from both direc-
tions. Nodes can be effectively selected to better show the effect
of inflow ability, perforations, restrictions, safety valves,
surface chokes, tubing strings, flow lines and separator pressures.
The appropriate multiphase flow correlations and equations
for restrictions, chokes, e"tc. must be incorporated in the sOlution.
An effective means of analyzing an existing well, making rec-
ommended changes or planning properly for a new well can be accom-
plished by the nodal systems analysis. This procedure offers a
means to more economically optimize producing wells.
 A NODAL APPROACH FOR APPLYING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS TO THE

FLOWING AND ARTIFICIAL LIFT OIL OR GAS WELL

by Joe Mach ,Eduardo Proano,
Kermit E. Brown

1 .1 INTRODUCTI ON

A nodal and new approach is presented for applying systems analysis to the complete well

system from the outer boundary of the reservoir to the sand face, across the perforations and completion

section to the tubing intake, up the tubing string including any restrictions and down hole safety

valves, the surface choke, the flow line and separator.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a simple producing system. This system consists of three phases:

(1) Flow through porous medium.

(2) Flow through vertical or directional conduit.

(3) Flow through horizontal pipe.

Fig. 2 shows the various pressure losses that can occur in the system from the reservoir to the separator.

Beginning from the reservoir these are noted os:

AP = P - P f = Pressure Loss in Porous Medium

1 r ws
4P2 = Pwfs - Pwf = Pressure Loss Across Completion

AP = PUR - P = Press'Jre Loss Across Regulator, Choke or Tubing Nipple

3 DR
AP4 = P - PDSV= Pressure Loss Across Safety Valve
USV
Ap5 = Pwh - PDSC= Pressure Loss Across Surface Choke

4P = P - P = Pressure Loss in Surface Flow line

6 DSC SEP
AP = Pwf - Pwh = Total Pressure Loss in Tubing String whi ch includes,4p3 and AP4
7
AP8 = Pwh - PSEP= Total Loss in Surface Flow line including Surface Choke

The various well configurations may vary from the very simple system of Fig. 1 to the more

complex system of Fig. 2, or any combination thereof, and present day completions more realistically

include the various configurations of Fig. 2.

 -2-

This paper wi II discuss the manner in whi ch to interrelate the various pressure losses. In

particular the ability of the well to produce fluids will be interfaced with the ability of the piping

system to take these fluids. The manner in which to treat the effect of the various components will

be shown by a new noda I concept as expla ined in the next section.

1 .2 NODAL CONCEPT

1.21 Introduction

In order to solve the total producing system problem, nodes are placed to segment

the portion defined by different equations or correlations.

Figure 3 has been prepared showing locations of the various nodes. This figure is

the same as Fig. 2 except only the node positions are shown. The node is classified as a functional

node when a pressure differential exists across it and the pressure or flow rate response can be

represented by some mathematical or physical function.

Node 1 represents the separator pressure whi ch is usua lIy regu lated at a constant

value. The pressure anode lA is usually constant at either gas sales lines pressure or gas compressor

suction pressure. The pressure at node 1B is usually constant at a psig. Therefore, the separator

pressure will be held constant at the higher of the two pressures needed to flow single phase gas

from node 1 to node 1A or to flow single phase liquid from node 1 to node 1B. For the remainder

of our discussion it,will be assumed that the separator pressure is constant for any flow rate, and it

wi II be designated as node 1 .

Notice now that in the system there are two pressures that are not a function of flow

rate. They are*P at node 8 and P at node 1. For this reason any trial and error solution to the
r SEP
total system problem must be started at node 1 (P
SEP
)' node 8 (p) or both node 1 and 8 if an inter-

mediate node such as 3 or 6 is selected as the solution node. Once the solution node is selected the

pressure drops or gains from the starting point are added unti I the solution node is reached. The

following four examples show this procedure for the four possible nodes shown in Figure 4. Although

all nodes ore not shown the same node numbers will be maintained as shown in Figure 3.

* P can be a function of flow rate or drainage distribution in the reservoir, however for the flow
r6tes investiaated in this oacer. P :s assumed to be constant.
 -3-
1.22 Example Problem '1

Using Node #8 to Find the Flow Rate Possible

Given Data: Flowing oi I well

Separator pressure: 100 psi

Flow line: 2", 3000 ft long

WaR: 0

Depth: 5000 ft mid perf.

GaR: 400 scf/B

P: 2200 psi
r

I PR: PI = 1.0 B/D/psi (assume constant)

Tubing size: 2-3/8"

Find the oi I flow rate using node #8as the solution point.

Procedure:

1. Select flow rates for a trial and error procedure: Assume flow rates of 200, 400,

600, 800, 1000, and 1500 B/D.

2. For each rate start at P == 100 and add all the pressure losses until reaching P
SEP r
at nodeS. From Fig. 4 we note that these losses would be AP3-1 + AP6-3 + A

or loss in surface flow line + loss in tubing string + loss in porous medium. These
a- 6

various losses for the assumed rates are noted in Table 1 .22 •

. TABLE 1.22
PRESSURE LOSSES FOR EXAMPLE #1
Horiz. Multiphase Flow Vertical Multiohase Flow IPR Total Loss
q EP P
3 MP3- 1 P
6 MP6 - 3 P APa-6 ""P 8 - 1
8
--
200 100 115 15 750 635 950 850
.i1-00 10O. 140 40 880 740 1280 400 1180
600 100 180 80 1030 850 1630 600 1530
800 100 230 130 1220 990 2020 800 ·1920
1000 100 275 175 1370 1095 2370 1000 2270
1500 100 420 1320 1840 1420 3340 1500 3240
 -4-
3. PLot the created pressure vs. flow rate (Fig. 5). This represents the system

performance from the separator to P .

r
4. Plot P at the given 2200 psi (Fig. 5).
r

5. The intersection of the reservoir pressure line and the system performance line

gives the predicted flow rate (900 BOPD).

1 .23 Example Problem #2

Using solution node #6 to find the flow rate (flow.·()~ PotJo~ hole f(&,5~U4'~
Given data: Same "as Example Problem #1

For this solution pressure drops must be added from node 1 to node 6 and subtracted

from node 8 to node 6.

Procedure:

(1) Since the predicted flow rate is already known from Example 1, the same flow

rates will be assumed: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 B/D.

(2) Determine the pressure loss from node 1 (separator) to node 6 (Pwf). For each

assumed flow rate start at node 1 (PSEP) and add.Ap3-1 + AP6-3.

The following Table 1.23 shows these results.

TABLE 1 .23(A) "

PRESSURE LOSSES IN FLOWLINE AND TUBING
FOR EXAMPLE PROBlE IA 2
Horiz. Multiohase Flow Vertical Multiohase Flow
- - - - Assumed"
P P AP a- 1 P6 AP6 - 3
Rate SEP wh
200 100 115 15 750 635
400 100 140 40 880 740
600 100 180 80 1030 850
800 100 230 130 1220 990
1000 100 275 175 1370 1095
1500 100 420 320 1840 1420

3. Determine the pressure loss (APa-6) from node 8 (f)r) to node 6 (P ). For
wf
a constant PI assumption this can be calculated from the equation AP -
8 6
=
Assumed Rate
;...;..;..~"""'-'---'-.;...;;...... These values are noted in Table 1 .23{B) •
. PI
 4. Plot P6 vs. q from both step 2 and step 3 (Fig. 6). Node 6 is called the intake

node since this point is the intake from the reservoir into the production tubing.

5. The intersection of the PI line and the so-called intake curve is the predicted

flow rate for this system (900 BOPD) (Fig. 6). The presentation based on the

selection of node 6 as the solution node is good if it is desired to evaluate

changing Pr ·s or different IPR curves. Notice the answer is the some as Example

1 and this is true regardless of the node selection.

1.24 Example Problem #3

Using solution node 3 to find the flow rate (PIt>w,"nJ weUhea,d. p.. essurre.)
Given Data:

Same as Example Problem #1 •

For this solution we have selected the wellhead as the location of the solution node.

Therefore this is a common point at which we odd the pressure losses from node 1 to 3 and subtract

pressure losses from node 8 to 3.

Procedure:

1. Assume the same flow rates as for the previous examples: 200, 400, 600, 800,

1000, 1500 BID.

2. Determine the pressure loss from node 1 (separator) to node 3 (wellhead). For

each assumed rate and for P

SEP
= 100 psi we find AP - and P (Pwh)' These
3 1 3
values are tabulated in Table 1.24(A).
 -6-

TABLE 1.24(A)
PRESSURE LOSSES IN FLOWLINE FOR EXAMPLE PROBLEM #3

AP3-1 for
q
P
SEP Horiz. Multiphase Flow P
3
= P
wh
---- .- - _._ ...

200
400
lOr)
10!)
15
40
115
14fl
I
600 100 80 180
800 100 130 230
1000 100 175 275
1500 100 320 320
1__ .__--I

. 3. Determine the pressure loss from node 8 (P) to node 3 (P h). For each assumed
r w
rate start at Pr and odd AP8-6 + Ap6-3. These values are tabu lated in Table

1 .24(B).

TABLE 1.24(B)
PRESSURE LOSSES FROM NODE 8 (P ).TO NODE 3 (P h)
r w
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 3

q
-P P P AP6 - 3
r 6 APa-6 3
200 2200 2000 200 610 1390
400 2200 1800 400 440 1250
600 2200 1600 600 450 1150
800 2200 1400 800 330 1070
1000 2200 1200 1000 180 1020
1500 2200 700 1500

4. Plot P vs. q from both step 2 and step 3 (Fig. 7). Node 3 is called the flowing
3
wellhead pressure (Pwh).

5. The intersection of the flow line pressure drop line and the downhole performance

curve is the predicted flow rate for the system (900 BOPD) (Fig. 7). The

presentation based on the selection of node 3 as the solution node is good if it

is desired to evaluate different flowlines or wellhead back pressure. Notice the

predicted rate of 900 BOPD remains the same.

 -]-

1.25 Example Problem #4

Using solution rode #1 to find the flow rate. (Se pa.;t"o..i:a..-r)

Given Data:

Same as Example Problem 1•

In this example the separator pressure is held constant at 100 psi and is designated as

node 1. Therefore all pressure losses from node 8 (P) to node 1 (separator) are determined and then
r
subtracted from node 8.

Procedure:

1. Assume flow rates of: 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500 B/D.

2. For each rate, start at Pr = 2200 psi and subtract ~P8-6 + AP6-3 + AP3-1. This

information is noted in Table 1.25.

TABLE 1.25
PRESSURE LOSSES FROM NODE 8 (Pr) TO NODE 1 (P )
SEP
From Horizontal
Multiphase Flow

Pr~
m IPR I=rl'"\rn V", ..H,., ,I ~A ,I •
I J: I ~.. ,J
-
AP8- 6 P AP6 - 3 PI AP3 - 1 : APa- 1
q

200 "j 2200 200 0 200

-
3

610 1390
I 595
---
15 1605
400
600
80n
2200
2200
2200
180 0 400
160 a 600
.() 800
140
550
450
330
1250
1150
1070
I 524
412
255
26
38
75
1676
- 1788
1945
1000 2200 120,0 1000 180 1020 PI <0 ~P3"~ 180 6P8~~ 22 o
1500 2200 700 1500 13<0 I
Pl~O I1Pa·t >- 22 I)
-- -

3. Plot PI from Table 1.25vs. q (Fig. 8).

4. Plot P at the given 100 psi (Fig. 8).

SEP
5. The intersection of the separator pressure line and the system performance line is

the predicted flow rate (900 BOPD) (Fig. 8). The presentation based on the

selection of node 1 as the solution node is good if it is desired to evaluate different

separator or header pressures. Noti ce that th e predi cted rate of 900 BOPD remai ns

the same.
 -8-
1.26 Discussion of Example Problems 1.22 Through 1.25

It is important to notice that when starting at the reservoir (node 8), the slope of the

resulting system curve on the pressure-flow rate diagram at the solution node is zero or negative. This

can be observed clearly in Fi gures5 through 8. Th i sis expected since any system curve cleve loped !:ly

starting at Pr (regardless of the solution node) includes reservoir performance in the form of PI or IPRo
.

A pressure-flow rate curve generated by starting at Pr actually displays the IIrequiredll pressure at the

solution node for the reservoir to produce the stated flow rate. For example, the vertical and IPR

curve shown on Fig. 7 shows that if a flowing wellhead pressure of 100 psi could somehow be created,

the reservoir and well would produce 1100 BID.

In contrast, notice that when starting at the separator pressure (node 1), the slope of

the resulting systems curve on the pressure-flow rate diagram at the solution node is zero or negative.

This is again shown clearly in Figures 5 through 8. The pressure-flow rate curve generated by starting

at the separator pressure displays the IIcreatedll pressure at the solution node for each flow rate. For

example, the flowline curve shown on Figure 7 shows that for a production rate of 1100 BOPD the

IIcreatedll wellhead pressure is 300 psi.

The total producing system wi II produce only where the "createdll pressure at any node

is. equal to the "required" pressure at that node for the stated producing rate. This occurs where the

two curves intersect as shown in Figures 5 through 8. Notice on Fig. 7 for 1100 BOPD the IIrequiredll

pressure is 100 psi at node 3 (wellhead pressure) and the II created II pressure is 300 psi. Therefore,

this system wi II not produce 11 00 BOPD. Obviously, the rate possible must be the same irrespective

of the node selected to solve the problem. Different nodes are selected for convenience based on

which system parameter is to be studied. For example, suppose in our example problem it is desired to

know what this well will produce with a 3 11 ID flow line. A new flow line system curve could be

generated and overlayed on Fig. 7 as shown on Fig. 9. Node 3 was selected for the solution node

because of clarity of presentation showing the flow line pressure loss. Notice that the some vertical

and IPR curve applies regardless of the flow line system.

 -9-

1.3 CHANGES IN FLOW CONDUIT SIZE

1.31 Introduction

Thus far the discussion has pertained to the rather simple system shown in Fig. 4.

Notice on this system there is only one flow line size and one tubing size. Of course it is possihle

and sometimes advantageous to change one of these pipE" sizes in the middle of the string. To

evaluate a system of this nature, the solution node could be placed at the point where the pipe size

changes.

1.32 Example Problem #5 - Tapered Tubing Strings

Suppose in the previous example that for some reason it was necessary to set a liner

from near 3500' through the producing zone at 5000 1 and this liner was of such ID that 2-3/8" tubing

was the largest size tubing that could be installed. Let us investigate the possible production rate

increases by installing larger than 2-3/8" tubing above the liner from 3500' to the surface. Refer

to Figure 10.

Given Data: Same as Example 1.

The solution node (node 5) selected to solve this problem is located at the tubing

taper (Fig. 10). In this example the pressure drops must be added from node 1 to node 5 and

subtracted from node 8 to node 5. In keeping with the same nomenclature as Fig. 3, we have

designated the tapered connection as node 5.

Procedure:

1. Assume flow rates of 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1500 B/D.

2. Determine the pressure loss from node 1 (separator) to node 5 (taper connection).

For each assumed rate and starting with P

SEP
= 100 psi we add ~P3-1 +AP - •
5 3
Table 1.26 summarizes these results, and both 2-7/8" and 3 11 tubing are evaluated

above the taper connection.

 -10-

TABLE 1.26(A)
PRESSURE LOSSES FROM NODE 1 TO NODE S
(EXAMPLE PROBLEM IS)

(2-7/8" tubing)
Horiz. Multiphase Flow Vertical Multiohase Flow
P P AP ... P Ap 3
q SEP 3 3 1 s S-
! 20f)
4f)f)
Ion
100
T1,) 1:)
140 If-O
- -475 ,3Q1)
500 36()
i
I
600 100 180 80 6t)0 420
I l3f) 718 488

j
800 100 230
I, 1000 100 275 175 R2f) 545
I
1500 lOt) 420 3'2f) 970 550
I!
I
.-
.~-

(3" ID tubing)
Horiz. M Itiphase Flow Vertical Multiphase Flow
P P AP3- 1 P APS- 3
q SEP 3 s
- -q.2-0-
2f)O 100 . -115 15 3"5
4()t) 100 I 140 40 475 335
6()0 It)f) 180 80 560 38()
80f) 1()0 230 130 660 43()
1()0f) 100 275 175 780 505
150') lOt) 42() 320 ·9f)O 48()

3. Determine the pressure losses from node 8 to node S. For each rate start at

P = 2200 psi and subtract 4Pa-6 +AP - ' These results are noted in Table 1.26(B).
r 6 S

TABLE 1.26(B)
PRESSURE LOSSES FROM NODE 8 TO NODE S
(EXAMPLE PROBLEM IS)

.. From PI From Vertical Multiphase Flow

. q
-P ~ . P
,
AP8 - 6 Ps £.lp6-S
r 6
200 2200 2 f)i)i")" 2()l) -I4D1T - --orJf)
4')') 2200 1800 4()0 13')') 500
11,)() 2200 l60f) hOO 1170 4311
800 2200 140') 80 () 1()()f) 4f) () .
lO()0 2200 l2()f) lO()() 820 38f)
I 7f)() lS')() 360 340
1500 2200
L .
 -11-

4. Plot P vs. q from both step 2 and step 3 (Fig. 11).

5
5. The intersection the two performance curves at the taper connecti on predi ct a

flow rate of about 1020 BOPD for 2.5 11 ID tubing and 1045 BOPD for 3 11 ID tubing. Remember for a

2.0 11 ID tubing string the predicted rate was 900 BOPD. .2.0 11 ID

tubing string the predicted rate was 900 BOPD. Notice the increase in rate from 2.0" ID to 2.5 11 ID

is much more significant than the increase in rate from 2.5 11 ID to 3 11 ID. As pointed out previously

this problem could have been solved by placing the solution node at any point in the system. However,

this approach can simplify the procedure depending on the manner in which the curves or computer

programs available are formated. This same procedure could be used if a change in flow line con-

figuration occurs at some point along the path of the horizontal system.

·1.4 THE FUNCTIONAL NODE

1 .41 Introduction

In the previous discussion it has been assumed that no pressure discontinuity exists

across the so~ution node. However, in a total producing system there is usually at least one point or

node where this assumption is not true. When a pressure differential exists across a node, that node

is termed a IIfunctional node ll since the pressure flow rate response can be represented by some physical

or mathematical function. Figure 3 shows examples of some common system parameters which are

functi ona I nodes.

Of course there are many other surface or downhole tools or completion methods which

could create pressure drops with flow rate as those shown in Figure 3. However, the ensuing discussion

will be limited to the surface wellhead choke. Other system restrictions such as safety valves,

perforations, etc., are discussed in separate publications by the authors of this paper.

It is important to notice that for each restriction placed in the system shown on Figure

3 the calculation of pressure drop across that node as a function of flow rate is represented by the same

general form.
I. ,... n
uP - q -.,- 1.0
 -12-

That is, the pressure drop, AP, is proportional to the flow rate. In fact, there
are many equations available in the literature to describe these pressure drops for common system

restrictions. It is not the purpose of the paper to discuss the merit of the different equations but

rather to show how to use them once the selection has been made, considering the entire producing

system.

1 .42 Surface Wellhead Choke

Refer to Figure 12 for a physi cal description of the well with a surface choke installed.

The same nodes as set out in Figure 3 are maintained.

Since the wellhead choke is usually placed at node 2, this will be the solution node

selected to solve the problem. It is necessary to solve this problem in two parts. The first part of

the solution is exactly the same as previously shovyn in Example 3. For the given data used in the

previous examples the results of this analysis are shown in Fig. 7. Inspection of Figures 12 and 7 show

that the "vertical and IPR performance curve" actually represents the upstream pressure from node 2

(P ' Fig. 7) and the "horizontal system performance curve ll actually represents the downstream
wh
pressure from node 2 ({PDSC' Fig. 7). Thus for, we have considered no pressure drop across the node

and therefore the predicted rate is where upstream pressure equals the downstream pressure (Pwh =
PDSC). However, we know the wellhead choke will IIcreatell a pressure drop across functional node

2 for each flow rate. This created AP can be calculated with one of many pressure drop equations

for choke beans. Therefore, the solution procedure is to find and plot the required AP vs. q from

Figure 7 and overlay the created AP vs. q from the choke bean performance calculations.

EXAMPLE PROBLEM #6 - Determine Effect of Surface Choke Sizes Using Node 2 as the Solution Node

Given Data: Same as Example 1.

Procedure:

1. Generate the total system analysis curve using node 2 as the solution node exactly

as done in Example 3 (Fig. 7).

2. Select arbitrary required pressure drops across node 2 (AP = Pwh -PDSC) and

determine the flow rate for each AP as shown in Figure 13. (Notice Figure 13
 ":18-

is the same as Figure 7 with AP's displayed.)

These results are noted in Table 1.27(A).

TABLE 1.27(A)
RESULTS OF EXAMPLE PROBLEM #6

r q, B/D

100 800
2nO 690
3()() 560
400 41n

3. From step 2 plot the required AP vs. q as shown on Figure 14.

4. Calculate the created pressure drop vs. flow, rate for choke beans of interest.

The equation used for these calculations is:

(from Gi Ibert)2 ------ _., - - - - - ~

P
wh = Flowing wellhead pressure, psi

R = GLR, MCF/STB

q = Gross liquid rate, STB/D

S = Choke bean size, 64th's of an inch

C = Constant, assume 500 for this problem.

Gilbert noted that his formu la was good when the downstream pressure (P DSC)

was. less than 70% of the upstream pressure (P ) or PDSc!P S:0.7.

wh wh
Suppose we are interested in investigating well performance for the following

choke bean sizes: 16/64, 20/64, 24/64, 28/64. Table 1.27(B) is prepared

showing these resu Its.

 -14-

TABLE 1.27(B)
Ap vs RATE FOR DIFFERENT CHOKE SIZES (PROBLEM 6)

A L

• 0
FPD~r .~ I POSC/Pwh I 6P - ~I..- Yr\c::r

BOPD
n~~ 13
From
Eo.2
i 3()() 128 370 .35 242
. Il-
...:--- l 400
5()1)
140
160
494
617
.28
.26
354
457
"t 61)0 180 741 . 24 561
<

q
~se
rom From
t"wh' pSI ~Dsd~wh 6P =~wh - rOse

Fig. 1.3 Ea. 2

2-
0
/'9- 300
son
70()
128
160
200
237
395
553
.54
.41
.30
11)9
235
353
900 250 711 .35 461

, .
,
q T
DSe "r wh' pSI rose 'wh 6P = f>DSC~ t'wh
From From
Fig. 13 Eo. 2 ,i
24/t,f 501)
700
160
200
274
384
.58
.52
114
184
:
!
I
I

9fJO 250 4q4 .51 244 Ii

1100 300 603 .50 3f13

I,
! : I
q -P - psi POSC!Pwh 6P =P ose - Pwh
From
rOSe
Fig. 13
wh'
From
Eo. 2
I .
2.'%,1- r- 80fJ
L
227 322 . 7f) 95 ,I
I 1000 275 403 .68 128 I

I
I
1200
.
330
-- --- _--
..
484 .68
I
154 1I
 - 15 -

The dp's calculated are unique to the example system since the downstream

pressures were calculated for the example system. Notice that in each case a

check was made to ensure PDsdPwh ~ 0".7 so that Gi Ibert's equation would

apply. If this is not the case a subcritical flow equation must be used to

calculate Ap across the choke.

5. From the tables generated, plot the choke bean performance as shown on

Fig. 15.

6. Overlay the results shown on Figure 14 and Figure 15 (Fig. 16).

Figure 16 displays the total system performance for different wellhead choke sizes.

The system performance curve shows the "requiredll AP for various flow rates considering the entire

system from reservoir to separator. The choke performance curves show the IIcreatedll .6.p for

various flow rates considering choke performance for different choke sizes. The intersection points

of the created and required AP's represent the possible solutions. For example the rate will drop

from 900 BOPD to 715 BOPD with the installation of a 24/64 wellhead choke.

Figure 17 shows another presentation that is often used to evaluatewellhead chokes.

The· presentation shows the entire system performance which sometimes is advantageous. The same

techniques discussed in this paper are used to generate this type of analysis. Notice that this

solution gives the same answer.

1.5 Summary and Conclusions

A new (nodal) system has been presented in order to effectively

evaluate a complete producing system. All of the components in the

well, starting ~rom the static pressure (P r ) and ending at the sepa-

rator, are considered. This includes flow through the porous medium,

flow across the perforations and completion, flow up the tUbing

string with passage through a possible down-hole restriction and

safety valve, flow in the horizontal flow line with passage through

a surface choke and on to the separator.

Var~ous positions and/or components are selected as nodes and

the pressure losses are converged on that point from both directions.

Nodes can be effectively selected to better show the effect of in-

flow ability, perforations, restrictions, safety valves, surface

chokes, tubing strings, flowlines and separator pressures.

The appropriate multiphase flow correlations and equations for

restrictions, chokes, etc. must be incorporated in the solution.

In conclusion, an effective means of analyzing an existing well,

making recommended changes or planning properly for a new well can

be accomplished by the nodal systems analysis. This procedure

. offers a means

to more economically optimize producing wells.

 I. ... GAS SALES

HORIZONTAL FLOWLINE
FLOWING WELLHEAD j, >"" "
PRESSURE ~. SEPARATOR
STOCK TANK

..... I VERTICAL OR
INCLINED TUBING

----_.. _-_..._--_._---_ .. ~- ._- ~_. "-_._-_.

FIG.I SIMPLE PRODUCING SYSTEM
 . .-SALES
GAS LINE

SEPARATOR·

LlQUID
b
....
~

8PI = Pr - Pwfs = LOSS IN POROUS MEDIUM

~
I
AP7 = AP2 = Pwfs-Pwf = LOSS ACROSS COMPLETION
Pwf-Pwh AP3 = PUR - POR -- . II II

II
RESTRICTION
dP4 = PUSy-POSY = SAFETY' VALVE
APS = Pwh- Pose =
.. II
SURFACE CHOKE
II
l\Ps = Pose-Psep = IN FLOWLINE
l\P7 = Pwf -Pwh = TOTAL LOSS IN TUBING
II II
l\Pa = Pwh - Psep = " FLOWLINE

++++-+J+
+++++~+++++
j
l\P2 = (PWfs-P:;)+~ +++++~-L\PI =(Pr -Pwfs)

FIG.2 POSSIBLE PRESSURE LOSSES IN COMPLETE SYSTEM

 -ll:: ~-- ~---@---.~ ·

CD'
@

NODE LOCATION REMARKS

CD SEPARATOR
® SURFACE CHOKE FUNCTIONAL
® WELLHEAD,
@ SAFETY VALVE FUNCTIONAL
®. RESTRICTION FUNCTIONAL
® Pwf
o Pwfs
® fir
@. GAS SALES
@ STOCK TANK

- .. _---_ .._. "-._~_ ...

 CD

NODE LOCATION
CD SEPARATOR
® Pwh
® Pwf
8PS-3= ® Pr
(Pwf- Pwh)

- Pwf

FIG.4 NODES FOR SIMPLE PRODUCING SYSTEM

 0
0
to
-
i
I
~
I lJJ
!
i ....J
m
0 0
a..
0
m
a::
Q.
0
0
m 0 W
0 ..J
0
0 Q.
a.. ~
0:
OJ; «
... 1 X
d W
CT'
....0
0
Z
0
....-
0
to
:::>
--I
0
en
to
•
00

-
C)
IJ..
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 to 0 to
C\J
ISd C Jd
 0
0
LO (\J
~
IJJ
0 --J
a.. al
0 '0
m
0::
0 ,0..
0
en
0 W
0
0 Q :--J
a. ,0..
~ I~
... 1<:(
O!X
0- W
0
t-
o Z
0 0
to
-
I-
:::>
--J
0
en
<0
•
(!)
-I.L.
0
o o o 0 0
o o o 0
o
(\J
LO o It)
 0
0
to
V
en :E
a.
IJJ
0 -J
0
0
a.
,m
II
0 :0
c- oo :0::
a.
Q,)
(/)
0 e..
0
0 lLJ
0
0 -J
0 !e..
a.. I
0 !:E
CD i«
,.
~ ~( ... x
~~O 0 lLJ
C"
~~«" !
C'0 ;0
~CJ~ I-
~~
Q~ Z
¢.. 0
<?~ 0
<v~
0
to -
l-
t?" ::l
~ i-J
0
en
en
•
-
(.!)
LL
0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
<0 10 ~ rc> C\I
ISd cda~d
 HORIZONTAL FLOWLINE
5' )'5>'"

CD

AP5 - 3 NODE LOCATION

/1... 1.2-7/811 OR 311

CD SEPARATOR, Psep

TUBING
@ Pwh
® TAPER CONNECTION
® Pwf
++
~2-3/8"
@ Pr
TUBING
LINER I~

l\Ps - 5

FIG. 10 TAPERED STRINGS

 2500 f ,

TAPERED STRING
5000' - 3500' 2" TUBING
3500'- O' 2-7/8" TUBING
2000 0
-
3500' - 0' 3" TUBING

1500
(f)
a.
~

"-
Q)
c..
c TUBING
~ 1000 _------:::::v 2·3" 7/8 II
- _ _.0

500 ABOVE

1020 SOPD 1045 SOPD

o• · .,. K • •
o 500 1000 1500
qo,BOPD
FIG. II TAPERED STRING SOLUTION (EXAMPLE NO.5)
 CD'

NODE LOCATION
CD SEPARATOR, Psep
.@ SOLUTION NODE
(FUNCTIONAL NODE)
@ Pwh
® Pwf
®. Pr

__ 0·. •

FIG. 12 SURFACE CHOKE PROBLEM

 ~
~<v~
'vV~£:o-~..-.o
~<r;, 001 d\7
~ "L-~;.-- .-\.
O<:') OOZ d\7
~~
o
~ ~!--------O-O-£-d-'J-'-"~
~~
F:J~
~<?J-.4E--------------~
00'17 d\7
o o o o o o
o o o o o o
(,0 LO v ff') C\J
 500. 1

400-

300
CJ)
a.
a.'"
<:]
200

100

q0 =900 SOPO AT ~p =0

0' , )[ , , !

o 500 1000 1500

qo J BOPD
FIG. 14 TOTAL SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE CURVE FOR SURFACE CHOKE
PROBLEM NO.6
 0
0
lO
!
:
IJJ
(.)
Z
, «
~
CD :E
....... ! 0:::
CX)
(\J
0
l.L.
0
0
c::
0 L1J
0 n-
o..
0
aJ ;e--
0
.. ,
,:
<:(
0'" ! W
i CD
t
I IJJ
0
i0
I
l :I:
~
0 t
lO ,t;,
~
c..>
f• 10
t
~
r
-
,I (!)•
I
I
~
:
-
IJ..
o o o o o
o o ·0 o o
lO q- rei (\J
ISd'dV
 500» 3 •

16/64

400

300 -
-
( /)
1 t \k 24/64
~

a..
a... .
<1
200

iOO

0' ' ) I t I
a 500 1000 1500

qo,BOPD
FIG. 16 SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE FOR VARIOUS WELLHEAD CHOKES
 2500. i

1f:J1r

2000 elllrv€"

a. 1500
(J)

ft

IJJ
0::
::>
en
en
w
~ 1000 ..-
a.

500~-

0 1 ' , ! I
o 500 1000 1500
qo,BOPD

FIG. 17 . SURFACE CHOKE EVALUATION