02 Saturated Oil Reservoir Production

VIETNAM OIL AND GAS GROUP
PETROVIETNAM UNIVERSITY
PVU
CHAPTER 2
SATURATED OIL RESERVOIR

PRODUCTION
Lecturer : MSc Luong Hai Linh

Email : linhlh@pvu.edu.vn
Tel : +84 834 081 666
Contents
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Properties of saturated oil
2.3 Two-phase flow in reservoir
2.4 Oil flow performance for a two-phase reservoir
2.5 Generalized Vogel inflow performance
2.6 Fetkovitch’s approximation
© 2014 – Petrovietnam University (PVU)
Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 2

Learning outcomes 2
➢ Know correlations for two-phase flow;

➢ Understand properties of saturated oil, liquid density, oil
viscosity, accounting for the presence of water, effective
permeability;
➢ Applicate Vogel correlation for oil flow rate based on a
number of history matching simulations;
➢ Understand Vogel inflow performance in the case of
reservoir pressure above bubble point pressure,

bottomhole pressure below bubble point pressure.

2.1 Introduction

2.1 Introduction
❖ Expansion of oil itself as a means of recovery is a highly

inefficient mechanism because of the oil’s small
compressibility. It is likely in the best of cases, if the
bottomhole pressure is above the bubble-point pressure,
as is the case for heavy oil, a very small fraction of the
OOIP would be recovered.

2.1 Introduction
❖ In most oilfields, oil will be produced along with free gas

in the reservoir, either because the reservoir pressure is
naturally below the bubble-point pressure (saturated
reservoirs) or because the flowing bottomhole pressure is
set below that point to provide adequate driving force.
❖ In terms of ultimate recovery, expansion of free or
solution gas is a much more efficient mechanism than the

expansion of oil.

2.1 Introduction
Fig 2.1 Schematic phase diagram of hydrocarbon mixture

2.2 Properties of saturated oil

2.2.1 General properties of saturated oil
❖ At pressures above the bubble point, oil behaves like a

liquid; below the bubble point, gas comes out of solution,
becoming free gas coexisting with oil.
❖ The formation volume factor, 𝐵𝑜 measured in res bbl/STB,
for oil above the bubble-point pressure includes all of the
solution gas.
❖ At a pressure below the bubble point, the 𝐵𝑜 refers to the
liquid phase and its remaining dissolved gas at that

pressure.

Fig 2.2 A plot of FVF versus pressure for an example two-phase well

Fig 2.3 A plot of FVF of the gas versus pressure

Fig 2.4 Solution gas-oil ratio

❖ The solution GOR is the amount of gas that would be

liberated from a unit volume of oil at standard conditions.
❖ When the produced GOR observed for a well is greater
than the solution GOR, this signals that the reservoir
pressure near the well is below the bubble-point
pressure, and free gas that came out of solution will flow
with the oil.

❖ The variables 𝐵𝑜 , 𝐵𝑔 and 𝑅𝑠 are related through the total

formation volume factor, 𝐵𝑡 , which accounts for both oil
and free gas:
𝐵𝑡 = 𝐵𝑜 + (𝑅𝑠𝑏 − 𝑅𝑠 )𝐵𝑔 (2.1)
where 𝑅𝑠𝑏 − 𝑅𝑠 is produced as free gas
𝑅𝑠𝑏 is the solution GOR at the bubble-point pressure

Ex. 2-1: PVT properties below the bubble-point pressure:
impact on oil reserves
1. Calculate 𝐵𝑡 at 3000psi
2. What would be the reduction in
volume of oil (STB) in 4000 acres of
the reservoir when the average
pressure is reduced from the initial
pressure to 3000psi? Assume that

the initial pressure is the bubble-
point pressure is equal to 4336psi.

Solution. 3-1:
1. At 3000psi:
𝐵𝑡 = 𝐵𝑜 + (𝑅𝑠𝑏 − 𝑅𝑠 )𝐵𝑔
7758𝐴ℎ∅ 1−𝑆𝑤
2. 𝑁 =
𝐵𝑜𝑖

2.2.2 Property correlations for two-phase systems
❖ The downhole volumetric flow rate of oil is related to

the surface rate through the formation volume factor
𝑞𝑙 = 𝐵𝑜 𝑞𝑜 (2.2)
❖ The downhole gas rate depends on the solution gas-
oil ratio
𝑞𝑔 = 𝐵𝑔 (𝑅𝑝 − 𝑅𝑠 )𝑞𝑜 (2.3)
❖ 𝐵𝑜 and 𝑅𝑠 vary with temperature and pressure. They
can obtained from laboratory PVT data or from

correlations (Standing, Vasquez and Beggs)

Fig 2.5 Properties of natural mixtures of HC gas and liquids, bubble-

point pressure (After Standing, 1977)
Fig 2.6 Properties of natural mixtures of HC gas and liquids, bubble-

point pressure (After Standing, 1977)
❖ Another correlation that is accurate for a wide range

of crude oils is that by Vasquez and Beggs (1990)
❖ The gas gravity is corrected to the reference
separator pressure of 100psig (14.7psia)
(2.4)
❖ The solution GOR is then , for 𝛾𝑜 ≤ 30°𝐴𝑃𝐼
(2.5)
for 𝛾𝑜 > 30°𝐴𝑃𝐼

(2.6)
Where
❖ For pressure below the bubble-point pressure, the oil

formation volume factor for 𝛾𝑜 ≤ 30°𝐴𝑃𝐼
(2.7)
❖ For 𝛾𝑜 > 30°𝐴𝑃𝐼
(2.8)
Where (2.9)
❖ For pressure above the bubble point
(2.10)
Where
(2.11)
a – Liquid density
The oil density at pressures below the bubble point is

8830/(131.5+𝛾𝑜) +0.01361𝛾𝑔𝑑 𝑅𝑠
𝜌𝑜 =
𝐵𝑜
(2.12)
where ρo is in lbm/ft3
γgd is the dissolved gas gravity

a – Liquid density
Fig 2.7 Prediction of gas gravity from solubility and crude-oil gravity
(After Katz etal., Handbook of natural gas engineering, copyright
1959, McGraw-Hill, reproduced with permission of McGraw-Hill)
b – Oil viscosity
Oil viscosity can be estimated with the correlations of

Beggs and Robinson (1975) and Vasquez and Beggs
(1980). The “dead” oil viscosity is
𝜇𝑜𝑑 = 10𝐴 − 1 (2.13)

Where
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑇 −1.163 (2.14)
𝐵 = 10𝐶 (2.15)
𝐶 = 3.0324 − 0.02023𝛾𝐿 (2.16)

b – Oil viscosity
The oil viscosity at any other pressure below the bubble

point is
𝑏
𝜇𝑂 = 𝑎𝜇𝑜𝑑 (2.17)
Where
𝑎 = 10.715(𝑅𝑠 + 100)−0.515 (2.18)
𝑏 = 5.44(𝑅𝑠 + 150)−0.338 (2.19)

b – Oil viscosity
For pressures above the bubble point, the viscosity at

the bubble point is first computed with
Equations (2.13) through (2.19).
Then
𝑝 𝑚
𝜇𝑜 = 𝜇𝑜𝑏 ( ) (2.20)
𝑝𝑏
−5 𝑝)
𝑚= 2.6𝑝1.187 𝑒 (−11.153−8.98×10 (2.21)

c – Accounting for the presence of water
❖ When water is produced, the liquid flow

properties are generally taken to be averages of
the oil and water properties. If there is no slip
between the oil and water phases, the liquid density is
the volume fraction-weighted average of the oil and
water densities. The volume fraction-weighted
averages will be used to estimate liquid
viscosities and surface tension, though there is no

theoretical justification for this approach.

The formation volume factor for water is normally

assumed to be 1.0 because of low compressibility and
gas solubility.
When water and oil are flowing:
𝑞𝑙 = 𝑞𝑜 𝑊𝑂𝑅 + 𝐵𝑜 (2.22)
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵0 𝜌𝑜
𝜌𝑙 = (2.23)
𝑊𝑂𝑅+𝐵𝑜
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜
𝜇𝑙 = 𝜇𝑤 + ( )𝜇 (2.24)
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜 𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜 𝑜
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜
𝜎𝑙 = 𝜎𝑤 + ( )𝜎 (2.25)
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜 𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵𝑜 𝜌𝑜 𝑜

Ex. 2-2. Estimating Downhole
Properties
Suppose that 500 bbl/d of the oil
described in Appendix B is being
produced at WOR = 1.5 and Rp = 500
SCF/STB. The separator conditions
are 100 psig and 100°F. Using the
correlations presented in Section
3.2.2, estimate the volumetric flow
rates of the gas and liquid and the

density and viscosity of the liquid at
a point in the tubing where the
pressure is 2000 psia and the
temperature is 150°F.
❖ Solution
The first step is to calculate Rs and Bo:
𝛾𝑜 32
𝐴= = = 0.0525
𝑇 + 460 150 + 460
𝛾𝑔𝑠 𝑝1.187
𝑅𝑠 = 1010.393𝐴
56.06
(0.71)(2000)1.187
= 1010.393×0.0525 = 369 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
56.06
𝛾𝑜 32
𝐹 = 𝑇 − 60 = 150 − 60 = 4.056 × 103
𝛾𝑔𝑠 0.71

𝐵𝑜 = 1.0 + 4.67 × 10−4 𝑅𝑠 + 0.11 × 10−4 𝐹 + 0.1337 × 10−8 𝑅𝑠 𝐹

= 1.22 res bbl/STB
The gas-formation volume factor, Bg, can be calculated from
the real gas law . For T = 150°F and p = 2000 psi, it is 6.97 ×
10-3 res ft3/SCF.
The second step is to caculate the volumetric flow rates:
𝑞1 = 𝑞𝑜 𝑊𝑂𝑅 + 𝐵𝑜 = 500 1.5 + 1.22 = 1360 𝑏𝑏𝑙/𝑑
= 7640 𝑓𝑡 3 /𝑑
𝑞𝑔 = 𝐵𝑔 𝑅𝑝 − 𝑅𝑠 𝑞𝑜 = 6.9710 × 10−3 500 − 369 500
= 457𝑓𝑡 3 /𝑑𝑎𝑦

From Fig 2.7, the dissolved gas gravity, γgd, is found to be

equal to 0.85. Therefore, the oil density is:
8830/(131.5 + 𝛾𝑜 + 0.01361𝛾𝑔𝑑 𝑅𝑠
𝜌𝑜 = = 47.8 𝑙𝑏𝑚 /𝑓𝑡 3
𝐵𝑜
𝑊𝑂𝑅𝜌𝑤 +𝐵0 𝜌𝑜 1.5 62.4 +1.22(47.8)
𝜌𝑙 = = = 55.9 𝑙𝑏𝑚 /𝑓𝑡 3
𝑊𝑂𝑅+𝐵𝑜 1.5+1.22

The oil viscosity can be estimated:

𝐶 = 3.0324 − 0.02023𝛾𝑜 = 2.385
𝐵 = 10𝐶 = 242.7
𝐴 = 𝐵𝑇 −1.163 = 0.715

2.3 Darcy’s law

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
❖ What is Darcy’s law?
In 1856 Darcy
performed
experiments for the
design of sand
filters for water
purification in
France.
Fig 2.8 Darcy’s experimental

apparatus

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
Fig 2.9 Darcy’s experiment

After several experiments Darcy concluded that:
𝒌𝑨 𝒅𝑷
𝒒= (2.26)
𝝁 𝒅𝒙

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
• q- liquid flow rate

• A- cross sectional area
• µ- Liquid viscosity
• dP/dx- pressure gradient
❖ The definition of 1 Darcy is the permeability of a porous

media that will allow the flow of 1 𝑐𝑚3 /𝑠 of a fluid with 1 cp
viscosity when the pressure gradient is 1 atm/cm and the

flow area is 1 𝑐𝑚2 .

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
Application condition:
▪ Laminar (viscous) flow
▪ No reaction between rock and fluid
▪ Only singe phase present at 100% pore space
saturation

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
❖ The unit of k can be obtained by:
𝒒𝝁 𝒅𝒙
𝒌=
𝑨 𝒅𝑷
𝑳𝟑 𝑴𝑳𝒕 𝟏 𝒕𝟐 𝑳𝟐 𝟐
𝒌 = 𝑳 = 𝑳
𝒕 𝒕𝟐 𝑳𝟐 𝑳𝟐 𝑴𝑳
❖ The permeability k has the unit of area


2.3.1 Darcy’s law
❖ The value of 1 Darcy by definition is then:
1𝐷 = 9,869 ∗ 10−13 𝑚2
❖ How big is 1 Darcy?
➢ Human hair thickness is about 60𝜇𝑚 = 6 ∗ 10−5 𝑚. It cross
sectional area is
2 −5 2
𝜋𝑑 𝜋 6 ∗ 10
𝐴ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟 = = = 28,27 ∗ 10−10 𝑚2
4 4
= 2865 𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑦

2.3.1 Darcy’s law
Tab 2.1 Units for Darcy’s law


2.3.2 Reservoir flow
Fig 2.10 Darcy’s experiment

Pressure at the edge of the reservoir, 𝑟𝑒 , is constant
and equal to 𝑃𝑒

❖ With 𝐴 = 2𝜋𝑟ℎ, we have:
2𝜋𝑘ℎ 𝑑𝑃
𝑞= 𝑟 (2.27)
𝜇 𝑑𝑟
❖ This is an ordinary differential equation that can be solved
to obtain pressure as a function of the radial distance
❖ To properly solve this ODE we must impose a boundary
condition

❖ For incompressible, single phase flow:
𝑑𝑟 2𝜋𝑘ℎ
න = න 𝑑𝑃
𝑟 𝑞𝜇
2𝜋𝑘ℎ
ln 𝑟 = 𝑃+𝐶 (a)
𝑞𝜇
❖ The constant of integration C can be determined using the
boundary condition
𝑃 = 𝑃𝑤𝑓 at r = 𝑟𝑤
2𝜋𝑘ℎ
C = ln 𝑟𝑤 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 (𝑏)
𝑞𝜇
❖ From (a) and (b), the final pressure profile inside the porous
media is obtained as:
𝑟 2𝜋𝑘ℎ
ln = 𝑃 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓
𝑟𝑤 𝑞𝜇
bpd cp
141,2𝑞𝜇 𝑟
𝑃 𝑟 = 𝑃𝑤𝑓 + ln (2.28)
𝑘ℎ 𝑟𝑤
psig mD ft

❖ For reservoir with constant boundary pressure:
141,2𝑞𝜇 𝑟𝑒
𝑃 𝑟 = 𝑃𝑒 − ln (2.29)
𝑘ℎ 𝑟
❖ The radial pressure gradient in the porous media is:
𝑑𝑃 141,2𝑞𝜇 1
= (2.39)
𝑑𝑟 𝑘ℎ 𝑟

Fig 2.11 Parameter study

Fig 2.12 Parameter study…pressure derivative

Fig 2.13 Parameter study…pressure profile

Fig 2.14 Parameter study…pressure change near

wellbore
Fig 2.15 Parameter study…flowrate

Fig 2.16 Parameter study…reservoir pressure

Fig 2.17 Parameter study…fluid viscosity

Fig 2.18 Parameter study…permeability

Fig 2.19 Parameter study...reservoir thickness

Fig 2.20 Parameter study...radius

Regime 1
• Transient
Regime 2
• Steady-state
• Psedosteady-state
Regime 3

a. Transient flow
❖ “Transient flow” is defined as a flow regime where/when
the radius of pressure wave propagation from wellbore
has not reached any boundaries of the reservoir.
❖ Textbook of Dake (1978):
162,6𝑞𝐵0 𝜇0 𝑘
𝑝𝑤𝑓 = 𝑝𝑖 − log 𝑡 + log 2
− 3,23 + 0,87𝑆
𝑘ℎ ∅𝜇0 𝑐𝑡 𝑟
S- skin factor
𝑐𝑡 : total compressibility
t: flow time

a. Transient flow
❖ Earlougher(1977):
𝑘ℎ(𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 )
𝑞=
𝑘
162,6𝐵0 𝜇0 (log 𝑡 + log − 3,23 + 0,87𝑆)
∅𝜇0 𝑐𝑡 𝑟 2
This equation indicates that oil rate decreases with flow
time.

b. Steady-state flow
❖ Steady-state flow is defined as a flow regime where the
pressure at any point in the reservoir remains constant over
time.
❖ For steady-state flow, reservoir volumetric average pressure
is located at about 61% of the drainage radius, 𝑟𝑒
141,2𝑞𝜇 0,61𝑟𝑒
𝑃 𝑟 = 0,61𝑟𝑒 = 𝑃𝑅 = 𝑃𝑤𝑓 + 𝑙𝑛
𝑘ℎ 𝑟𝑤
𝑘ℎ(𝑃𝑅 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 ) 𝑘ℎ(𝑃𝑅 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 )

𝑞= =
0,61𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒
141,2𝜇𝑙𝑛 141,2𝜇 𝑙𝑛 − 0,5
𝑟𝑤 𝑟𝑤

c. Pseudosteady-state flow
❖ Pseudosteady-state flow is defined as a flow regime where
the pressure at any point in the reservoir declines at the
same constant rate over time.
❖ For pseudosteady-state flow, reservoir volumetric average
pressure is located at about 47,2% of the drainage radius,
𝑟𝑒
141,2𝑞𝜇 0,472𝑟𝑒
𝑃 𝑟 = 0,472𝑟𝑒 = 𝑃𝑅 = 𝑃𝑤𝑓 + 𝑙𝑛
𝑘ℎ 𝑟𝑤
𝑘ℎ(𝑃𝑅 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 ) 𝑘ℎ(𝑃𝑅 − 𝑃𝑤𝑓 )

𝑞= =
0,472𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒
141,2𝜇𝑙𝑛 141,2𝜇 𝑙𝑛 − 0,75
𝑟𝑤 𝑟𝑤
2.4 Two-phase flow in a reservoir

❖ If there are two or three fluids flowing at the same

time in a porous medium, the absolute reservoir
permeability, 𝑘, is necessarily divided into “effective”
permeability values, one for each fluid.
❖ Therefore, in a multiphase flow, oil flows with an
effective permeability, 𝑘𝑜 , water with 𝑘𝑤 , and gas with
𝑘𝑔

The effective permeability values are related to the

relative permeability values by simple expressions:
𝑘𝑜 𝑘𝑤 𝑘𝑔
𝑘𝑟𝑜 = , 𝑘𝑟𝑤 = , 𝑘𝑟𝑔 = . (2.31)
𝑘 𝑘 𝑘
Relative permeability values are laboratory-derived

relationships, are functions of fluid saturations, and,
although frequently misapplied, are functions of the
specific reservoir rock.

Figure 2.21. Oil and gas relative permeability

Figure 2.21 is a schematic diagram of laboratory-

derived oil and gas relative permeability data.
Frequently relative permeability values are represented
by a fit for laboratory data using Corey equations given
by the following:
𝑜 𝑆𝑔 −𝑆𝑔𝑟 1−𝑆𝑔 −𝑆𝑜𝑟 𝑚

𝑘𝑟𝑔 = 𝑘𝑟𝑔 ( )𝑛 , 𝑘𝑟𝑜 = 𝑜
𝑘𝑟𝑜 ( ) (2.32)
1−𝑆 −𝑆
𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑟 1−𝑆 −𝑆 𝑜𝑟 𝑔𝑟
𝑜 𝑜
Where 𝑘𝑟𝑔 and 𝑘𝑟𝑜 are water (wetting phase) and oil
(non-wetting phase) endpoint relative permeability
values at residual saturations 𝑆𝑜𝑟 and 𝑆𝑟𝑔 .

The generalized expression for the flow of oil, taking

into account property variation and relative permeability
effects, can be written for steady state as
𝑘ℎ 𝑝𝑒 𝑘𝑟𝑜
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑟𝑒 ‫𝑝𝑑 𝐵 𝜇 𝑝׬‬. (2.33)
141.2 ln 𝑟 +𝑠 𝑎 𝑤𝑓 𝑜 𝑜
𝑤
𝑟
For pseudosteady state, ln( 𝑒 ) and 𝑝𝑒 can be changed
𝑟𝑤
to ln(𝑟𝑒 /𝑟𝑤 and 𝑝,ҧ respectively.

Ex. 2.3 The Effect of Relative Permeability on the

Flow of Oil in a Two-Phase Reservoir
Using the experimentally determined relative
permeability data in Appendix B, calculate the well flow
rate if the flowing bottomhole pressure is 3000 psi.
Compare the single-phase flow rate with the flow rate
accounting for flow below bubble-point pressure. The
drainage radius is 1490 ft and the skin effect is zero.

Solution
𝑘ℎ(𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 )
𝑞𝑜,𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑒 = 𝑟𝑒
141.2𝛽𝑜 𝜇ln( )
𝑟𝑤
(13)(115)(4336−3000)
= 1490 = 2553
141.2 1.5 0.45 [ln 0.406 ]

For the calculation below bubble point, Sg(p) is

assumed to be linear and ranging from 0 for p = 4336
psia to 0.3 for p = 3000 psia.
𝑘ℎ 𝑝𝑒 𝑘𝑟𝑜
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑟𝑒 ‫𝑝𝑑 𝐵 𝜇 𝑝׬‬ =
141.2[ln +𝑠] 𝑤𝑓 𝑜 𝑜
𝑟𝑤
(13)(115) 4350 𝑘𝑟𝑜 (𝑝)

1490 ‫׬‬ 𝑑𝑝 = 1.29 1563 = 2016
141.2[ln 0.406 ] 3000 𝜇𝑜 (𝑝)𝐵𝑜 (𝑝)
This is a significant reduction from the single-phase

value. The integration is computed numerically using
the trapezoidal rule.

2.5. OIL INFLOW PERFORMANCE
FOR A TWO-PHASE RESERVOIR

2.5 Oil Inflow Performance for a Two-Phase Reservoir
❖ Vogel (1968) introduced an empirical relationship for

𝑞𝑜 based on a number of history-matching
simulations. The relationship, normalized for the
absolute open flow potential, 𝑞𝑜,𝑚𝑎𝑥 is
𝑞𝑜 𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝𝑤𝑓 2
= 1 − 0.2 − 0.8( ҧ ) (2.34)
𝑞𝑜,𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑝ҧ 𝑝

where, for pseudosteady state,

1 𝑘𝑜 ℎ𝑝ҧ
𝑞𝑜,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = (2.35)
1.8 141.2𝐵 𝑝ҧ 𝜇 𝑝ҧ [ln 0.472𝑟𝑒 +𝑠]
𝑜 0 𝑟𝑤
where 𝑘𝑜 is the effective permeability to oil that might be

estimated from a pressure buildup test.
Therefore,
𝑘𝑜 ℎ𝑝ҧ 1−0.2 𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝 −0.8(𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝)2
𝑞𝑜 = (2.36)
0.472𝑟𝑒
254.2𝐵𝑜 𝑝ҧ 𝜇𝑜 𝑝ҧ [ln +𝑠]
𝑟𝑤

Ex 2.4 Calculation of Inflow Performance Using

Vogel’s Correlation
Develop an IPR curve for the well described in
Appendix B. The drainage radius is 1490 ft and the skin
effect is zero.

Solution
For 𝑝ҧ = 4336 psi
𝑘𝑜 ℎ𝑝ҧ 1 − 0.2 𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝 − 0.8(𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝)2
𝑞𝑜 =
0.472𝑟𝑒
254.2𝐵𝑜 𝑝ҧ 𝜇𝑜 𝑝ҧ [ln + 𝑠]
𝑟𝑤
2
𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝𝑤𝑓
= 5067[1 − 0.2 − 0.8 ]
𝑝ҧ 𝑝ҧ
The flow-rate prediction with Equation (3-55) is simple.

For example, if 𝑝𝑤𝑓 = 3000 psi, from Equation (3-56),

𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑞𝑜 = 2427 .
𝑑

Figure 2.22 is a plot of the IPR curve for this well.

Fig 2.22. Inflow performance curve for a two-phase well

2.6. GENERALIZED VOGEL INFLOW
PERFORMANCE

2.6. Generalized Vogel Inflow Performance
If the reservoir pressure is above the bubble point and

yet the flowing bottom hole pressure is below, a
generalized inflow performance can be written.
The following approach enables generation of an IPR
that has a straight portion for 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ≥ 𝑝𝑏 , and follows the
Vogel equation for 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ≤ 𝑝𝑏 adapted to the
straightforward logic found in Standing (1971).

First, 𝑞𝑏 , the flow rate where 𝑝𝑤𝑓 = 𝑝𝑏 , can be written as
𝑘ℎ(𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑏 )
𝑞𝑏 =
141.2𝐵𝜇(𝑝𝐷 + 𝑠)
where 𝑝𝐷 is the transient dimensionless pressure drop
or is equal to ln(𝑟𝑒 /𝑟𝑤 ) for steady state or ln ln(0.472𝑟𝑒 /
𝑟𝑤 ) for pseudosteady state.

❖ The productivity index above the bubble point is

simply
𝑞𝑏
𝐽= (2.37)
𝑝𝑖 −𝑝𝑏
For 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ≥ 𝑝𝑏 ,
𝑞𝑜 = 𝐽(𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ) (2.38)
For 𝑝𝑤𝑓 < 𝑝𝑏 ,
𝑝𝑤𝑓 𝑝𝑤𝑓 2
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑞𝑏 + 𝑞𝑣 1 − 0.2 − 0.8( ) (2.39)
𝑝𝑏 𝑝𝑏
When 𝑝ҧ is less than or equal to the original bubble-

point pressure, use Equation 2.36.
2.7. FETKOVICH’S APPROXIMATION

2.7. Fetkovich’s Approximation
❖ Vogel’s correlation, normalizing 𝑞0 by 𝑞0,𝑚𝑎𝑥 , is

frequently not in close accordance with field data.
❖ Fetkovich (1973) suggested a normalization with
𝑞𝑜,𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝐶 𝑝ҧ 2𝑛 , and in a flow equation of the form
𝑞𝑜 = 𝐶(𝑝ҧ 2 − 𝑝2 wf)2 (2.40)
the relationship becomes
𝑛
𝑞𝑜 𝑝𝑤𝑓 2
= 1− ( ҧ ) (2.41)
𝑞𝑜,𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑝

2.7. Fetkovich’s Approximation
❖ Equation (2.41) requires the determination of two

unknowns, the absolute open flow potential, 𝑞0,𝑚𝑎𝑥 ,
and the exponent n.
❖ Both of them are characteristic of a specific well and
therefore a test at two stabilized flow rates can allow
the calculation of the corresponding 𝑝𝑤𝑓 and
therefore can lead to the determination of 𝑞0,𝑚𝑎𝑥 and
n.

Summary
❖ This chapter presented definitions and properties of

saturated oil. It also provided a few empirical correlations
for determining the value of these properties.
❖ This chapter also provided some knowledge about two-
phase flow in a reservoir, IPR for two-phase reservoir.

References
1. Beggs, H.D., and Robinson , J.R., Estimating The
Viscosity of Crude Oil Systems, JPT, 1140-1141
(September 1975).
2. Fetkovicth, M.J, The Isochronal Testing of Oil Wells”,
SPE Paper 4529, 1973.
3. Standing, M.B., Concerning the Calculation of Inflow
Performance of wells producing from solution gas drive
reservoirs, 1141-1142 (September 1971).
4. Vasquez, M., and Beggs, H.D., Correlations for Fluid
Physical Property Predictions, JPT, 968-970 (June

1990)
5. Vogel, J.V., Inflow Performance Relationships for
Solution-gas Drive Wells, JPT, 83-92 (January 1968).
Assessment
1. A reservoir at pressure 5000psi and temperature 160oF,

with 35oAPI oil and gas-oil ratio 1 Mscf/stb produces no
water. Estimate the bubble-point pressure. What are the
values for B0 and oil viscosity at the bubble point
pressure? Plot B0 versus pressure. The separator is
100oF and 100psi, and 𝛾𝑔 = 0.7
2. For the 30oF oil at 180oF, for gas-oil ratio values ranging
from 0 to 2000 scf/stb, plot the bubble point B0 versus Rs
and the bubble point pressure versus Rs, and 𝛾𝑔 = 0.7

Assessment
3. For a well draining 80 acres, with thickness 80ft and

permeability 15md, assume 𝐵0 = 1.2, 𝜇 = 1.8𝑐𝑝, 𝑟𝑤 =
0.3 𝑓𝑡, and the flow is steady-state flow following the
Vogel correction. Plot IPRs in one figure for skin values
of s = 0, 5, 10, 20. Assume the reservoir and bubble-
point pressure are 5000psi.

END OF CHAPTER 2

02 Saturated Oil Reservoir Production

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02 Saturated Oil Reservoir Production

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VIETNAM OIL AND GAS GROUP

SATURATED OIL RESERVOIR

Lecturer : MSc Luong Hai Linh

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 2

➢ Know correlations for two-phase flow;

reservoir pressure above bubble point pressure,

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 3

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 4

❖ Expansion of oil itself as a means of recovery is a highly

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 5

❖ In most oilfields, oil will be produced along with free gas

solution gas is a much more efficient mechanism than the

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 6

Fig 2.1 Schematic phase diagram of hydrocarbon mixture

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 8

❖ At pressures above the bubble point, oil behaves like a

liquid phase and its remaining dissolved gas at that

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 9

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 10

Fig 2.3 A plot of FVF of the gas versus pressure

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 11

Fig 2.4 Solution gas-oil ratio

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 12

❖ The solution GOR is the amount of gas that would be

with the oil.

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 13

❖ The variables 𝐵𝑜 , 𝐵𝑔 and 𝑅𝑠 are related through the total

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 14

pressure to 3000psi? Assume that

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 15

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 16

❖ The downhole volumetric flow rate of oil is related to

can obtained from laboratory PVT data or from

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 17

Fig 2.5 Properties of natural mixtures of HC gas and liquids, bubble-

Fig 2.6 Properties of natural mixtures of HC gas and liquids, bubble-

❖ Another correlation that is accurate for a wide range

for 𝛾𝑜 > 30°𝐴𝑃𝐼

❖ For pressure below the bubble-point pressure, the oil

The oil density at pressures below the bubble point is

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 22

Oil viscosity can be estimated with the correlations of

𝜇𝑜𝑑 = 10𝐴 − 1 (2.13)

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 24

The oil viscosity at any other pressure below the bubble

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 25

For pressures above the bubble point, the viscosity at

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 26

❖ When water is produced, the liquid flow

viscosities and surface tension, though there is no

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 27

The formation volume factor for water is normally

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 28

rates of the gas and liquid and the

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 30

𝐵𝑜 = 1.0 + 4.67 × 10−4 𝑅𝑠 + 0.11 × 10−4 𝐹 + 0.1337 × 10−8 𝑅𝑠 𝐹

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 31

From Fig 2.7, the dissolved gas gravity, γgd, is found to be

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 32

The oil viscosity can be estimated:

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 33

Luong Hai Linh, MSc Petroleum production system 34

❖ What is Darcy’s law?

Fig 2.8 Darcy’s experimental