Progress on the different methods of reserves calculation in the whole life cycle of gas reservoir development

Abstract

Reserves evaluation is crucial in the whole life cycle of a gas reservoir. It is significant to figure out the various methods of reserves calculation in a systematic manner to understand and develop gas reservoirs. In the early evaluation stage, the proved reserves, which form the basis of the conceptual design and development plan for gas field development, can be determined using the volumetric method or the reservoir volume method, depending on the reservoir type. Producing reserves should be determined during the development plan's execution to guide well location. With large-scale development, the dynamic reserves and recoverable reserves of wells or reservoirs are calculated using the material balance and modern decline method to guide the optimization of technical policies such as well pattern, well spacing and production practices. In the middle and late stages of development, gas reservoir fine description and numerical simulation are used to determine the remaining reserves and lead the tapping potential. On the whole, the three factors, the spatial structure of the reservoir, the occurrence state of the fluid, and the boundary of gas reservoir, are important bases for optimizing the methods of calculating different reserves. Likewise, they are the key parameters for continuous understanding of gas reservoir during its entire life cycle development.

Keywords

• Proved reserves
• Producing reserves
• Dynamic reserves
• Recoverable reserves
• Remaining reserves
• Reserves evaluation