PE 501 Petroleum Engineering Design

Project
Faculty of Engineering and Technology Department
of Petroleum Engineering

Inflow performance in gas wells

Submitted by:
Abeer Khaled 20194777
Ola Adel 20195381
Mariam Samy 20195007
Nezar Seif 20190784
Ahmed Mohamed Abd-Elazim 20184043

Supper vised by:

Dr. Omar Saad
Dr. Mohamed Ghareeb
Dr. Mohamed Alaa
Dr. Taher al Fakhrany

Introduction:
Inflow performance in gas wells 2

Introduction
Inflow performance encompasses a complex interplay of geological, reservoir, and
wellbore factors. The evaluation and improvement of inflow performance are of
utmost importance to ensure the efficient recovery of hydrocarbons, maintain
reservoir pressure, and extend the productive life of wells. This review delves into
the extensive body of literature related to inflow performance in oil and gas wells,
providing an overview of the key concepts, methodologies, recent developments,
and areas warranting further research.

This literature review endeavors to present a comprehensive analysis of the existing

knowledge, techniques, and findings in inflow performance analysis. It explores the
critical variables, such as reservoir properties, well completion design, artificial lift
methods, and production optimization, that contribute to the overall inflow
performance. Additionally, the review highlights how advances in technology,
environmental concerns, and regulatory changes have shaped the way inflow
performance is assessed and managed in the modern petroleum industry.

The significance of this review lies not only in its ability to consolidate current
knowledge but also in its role as a platform for identifying gaps in the literature and
suggesting future research directions. With the aim of advancing petroleum
engineering practices and ensuring sustainable hydrocarbon extraction, this
literature review will navigate the intricate landscape of inflow performance,
offering insights that can inform more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally
responsible strategies for well operations.
Inflow performance in gas wells 3

Literature review
Drilling Techniques
Adel M. Ragab, Amr M. Kamel examine three wells subjected to radial drilling,
providing details regarding lateral lengths, angles between laterals, and reservoir
depths. It concludes with a production-focused assessment of the results,
showcasing the percentage increase in production achieved for each of the three
wells following radial drilling. The section also highlights the knowledge and
experiences gained from these operations, which can contribute to the broader
understanding and application of radial drilling techniques in the oil and gas industry
worldwide. (Ragab, Kamel. 2013)

Rock properties
M.A… A. Mahmoud addresses the issue of sulfur deposition in sour-gas reservoirs,
which can obstruct gas flow and reduce reservoir productivity. It highlights the
importance of accurately predicting and managing sulfur deposition. The paper
introduces an analytical model that quantifies the impact of sulfur deposition on
near-wellbore damage by assessing changes in rock porosity, gas-phase
permeability, and wettability. Unlike previous studies, this model considers sulfur
adsorption and the physical properties of sulfur, aiming to determine the optimum
gas-flow velocity to maximize sulfur solubility. A core-flood experiment confirms
that sulfur deposition reduces carbonate-rock porosity and permeability and alters
wettability, making the rock more gas-wet. (Mahmoud. 2013)
Inflow performance in gas wells 4

Sand control
H. Bahaa, and E. Ragaee present that in the past decade, Egypt discovered gas fields
in the Mediterranean Sea, primarily with unconsolidated sand reservoirs. Varying in
water depth from shallow to deep, some of these fields have an expected 20-year
lifespan. Managing sand production is crucial, and this paper discusses the success
of sand control technologies, including cased-hole gravel Packing and Frac-Pack. It
also highlights offshore sand control operations and their lessons for future
development in Egypt's gas sector. (H. Bahaa, E. Ragaee. 2006)

Perforation
A. A. S. Sobh, and A. W. M. El Sharkawi explore the use of different perforation
types and techniques in GUPCO's operations in the Gulf of Suez and Western Desert
fields. The paper presents a case study comparing Tubing Conveyed under-balance
Perforating (TCP), Through Tubing Perforation (TTP), and Casing gun perforation
jobs conducted between January 1980 and April 1991.
Traditionally, over-balance perforation methods were used until the introduction of
under-balance tubing conveyed perforating in 1983, significantly boosting
productivity. The review emphasizes the pivotal role of the perforation process in
well completion, as it directly affects productivity. (A. A. S. Sobh, A. W. M. El
Sharkawi. 1991)

Production Management
Al-Khobar presents an iterative methodology for oil and gas rate allocation. It
combines the inflow performance relationship and vertical lift performance with
real-time wellhead data to create the flow model for each well. Furthermore, by
combining the down-hole sensor data from the ESP pump with the Gilbert choke
equation using the upstream and downstream pressures, accurate oil and gas rate
Inflow performance in gas wells 5

allocation can be predicted. This methodology provides the hydrocarbon delivery of

the well to give the chance for production optimization. This methodology was
applied on a field case from the western desert in Egypt for oil and gas production
rate allocation, and it is verified against sporadic well-test points. (Al-Khobar. 2011)

Productivity Improvement
Ahmad Hegazy, Anthony Conrad, Arsad Waheed, and Osama Sanad present that In
Egypt's offshore Mediterranean operations, near-wellbore formation damage,
known as "skin," has been a major factor in the low productivity of gas wells. This
damage can result from various sources, affecting native formation permeability and
reducing productivity. Traditional stimulation techniques include hydraulic
fracturing and matrix acid stimulation.
A new technique, "fluidic oscillation," is introduced as a mechanical, non-fluid
invasive stimulation method. It involves subjecting damaged formations to
alternating pressure waves generated by a fluidic oscillator, gradually weakening the
skin damage. Following this, a solvent or acid blend is used to wash out damaging
materials. "Fluidic oscillation" has been applied to two gas wells in Egypt, resulting
in significant production increases. (Ahmad, Anthony, Waheed, Sanad. 2007)

petrophysics in inflow performance

A. Kassem, K. Hemdan, S. Sakr, O. Reda, and A. Saad represent that reservoir
discrimination based solely on petrophysical parameters can lead to uncertainties in
porosity estimation and permeability prediction. This is because petrophysical
properties are influenced by various factors, including depositional characteristics
(grain sizes, sorting, mineral composition) and diagenetic features (cement or clay
mineral alterations). To address this, petrophysical rock typing techniques such as
RQI, PHIZ, and FZI utilize stressed porosity and permeability measurements from
Inflow performance in gas wells 6

cores to establish causal relationships between microscopic pore-throat parameters

and macroscopic log-derived attributes.

Core data provide insights into the depositional and diagenetic controls on pore
geometry, sedimentary structure, mineralogy, and permeability barriers. Integrating
lithology or petrographic rock types with advanced petrophysical rock typing allows
for optimal reservoir discrimination based on a proper understanding of the
hydraulic unit, defined as the representative elementary volume (REV). The REV
represents the total reservoir rock volume where geological and petrophysical
properties affect fluid flow, providing internal consistency and differentiation from
other rock volumes. (Kassem, Hemdan, Sakr, Reda, Saad. 2017)

Well test
A.. Hoffmann, J. P. Taeger, and C. H. Whitson present a method for converting well
test data from gas condensate reservoirs in the Nile Delta Complex, ensuring
consistent rate allocation and valid inflow performance relations. The approach
involves converting test rates into molar compositional wellstream rates using an
appropriate EOS model and seed composition while considering test separator
conditions. The methodology, automated through an IAM platform, highlights the
substantial impact of separator conditions on CGR, facilitating improved well
performance monitoring and production allocation in the studied reservoirs.
(Hoffmann, Taeger, Whitson. 2017)
Inflow performance in gas wells 7

Field management
A.. Fadel, H.. Safwat, M.. Dabbour, A.. Labib, A.. Belli, H.. Darwish, and M.. Nagy
express that Abu Qir Petroleum Company (AQP) is a key gas operator in Egypt,
holding rights to the Abu Qir concession in the Nile Delta offshore. AQP aims to
model and optimize its entire production system from well perforations to onshore
facilities, identifying bottlenecks and ensuring compliance with operational
constraints. This project explores field development scenarios for the Abu Qir Field,
addressing challenges such as liquid loading in gas wells due to reservoir pressure
decline. The methodology covers data gathering, quality control, well history
matching, and surface network optimization to adapt to changing conditions. (Fadel,
Safwat, Dabbour, Labib, Belli, Darwish, et al. 2015)
Inflow performance in gas wells 8

Conclusion
In conclusion, this literature review has provided a comprehensive overview of
inflow performance analysis in the context of oil and gas well operations. It is
evident that inflow performance is a complex interaction of geological, reservoir,
and wellbore factors, and its evaluation and improvement are crucial for efficient
hydrocarbon recovery and reservoir sustainability.

The reviewed papers have explored various aspects of inflow performance, from
drilling techniques such as radial drilling to rock properties and sulfur deposition
management. These studies emphasize the importance of optimizing well
productivity, addressing formation damage, and enhancing production management.
The application of innovative techniques like fluidic oscillation and the integration
of petrophysical rock typing have been highlighted as essential for tackling complex
reservoir challenges.

The discussions on well testing, gas condensate reservoirs, and field management
demonstrate the evolving landscape of inflow performance analysis and its
adaptation to changing conditions. It is evident that the petroleum industry is
constantly seeking more efficient and environmentally responsible strategies for
well operations to meet increasing demands.
Inflow performance in gas wells 9

References
• Mahmoud, M. A. (2013, December 31). Effect of Elemental-Sulfur
Deposition on the Rock Petrophysical Properties in Sour-Gas Reservoirs.
Onepetro. https://onepetro.org
• A. S., A. K., K. H., S. S., & O. R. (2017, March 31). Integration of Petrology
and Petrophysical Rock Typing for Optimum Reservoir Zonation and
Permeability Prediction - Case Study: North Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Onepetro.
https://onepetro.org
• Abdallah, Y. A., Gaber, N. S., Saad, E. A., Bedair, E. A., & Soegiyono, R. E.
(2017, March 31). Gulf of Suez Continuous Gas Lift Real-Time
Optimization Strategy. Onepetro. https://onepetro.org
• A. H., Taeger, J. P., & Whitson, C. H. (2017, June 15). Application of Well
Test Rate Conversion to Gas Condensate Reservoirs in the Nile Delta
Complex. Onepetro. https://onepetro.org
• Sobh, A. S., & El Sharkawi, A. W. (1991, November 19). Analysis and
Evaluation of Tubing-Conveyed Perforating vs. Through-Tubing
Perforating. Onepetro. https://onepetro.org
• Fadel, A., Labib, A., Belli, A., Darwish, H., Nagy, M., Dabbour, M., &
Safwat, H. (2015, September 16). Integrated Field Management Using
Advanced Techniques for Offshore Gas Condensate Field. Onepetro.
https://onepetro.org
• Rasoul, R. R. (n.d.). A Case Study: Production Management Solution "A
New Method of Back Allocation Using Downhole Pressure and Temperature
Measurements and Advance Well Monitoring". Onepetro.
https://onepetro.org
• Ragab, A. M., & Kamel, A. M. (2013, April 17). Radial Drilling Technique
for Improving Well Productivity in Petrobel-Egypt. Onepetro.
https://onepetro.org
• Hegazy, A., Waheed, A., Sanad, O., & Conrad, A. (2013, April 17). Fluidic
Oscillation Technique in Conjunction with Acid Stimulation Improves Gas
Wells Productivity. Onepetro. https://onepetro.org
• Mahmoud, H. S., Ali, A. M., Abdel Sayed, A. A., & Zalam, E. (2015,
September 30). Screen Erosion Guidelines for Sand Control Completion and
Sand Production Management. Case Study West Delta Deep Marine
(WDDM) Offshore Egypt. Onepetro. https://onepetro.org