Frontiers in Earth Science (Dec 2023)
Segmented superimposed model of near-bore reservoir pollution skin factor for low porosity and permeability sandstone horizontal gas wells
Abstract
Drilling and completion processes can often result in reservoir contamination around the wellbore, leading to decreased oil and gas productivity and significant economic losses for the oil field. This issue is particularly complex in sandstone reservoirs with low porosity and permeability horizontal wells, wherein traditional models have limited accuracy and applicability due to numerous unknown parameters. To address this challenge, this study focuses on non-uniform pollution around horizontal wells and proposes a new approach to divide the horizontal well pollution area into N micro-element sections. By establishing a seepage differential equation and employing the similar flow substitution method, we construct models for the pollution skin coefficient of each micro-element section as well as the total pollution skin coefficient. Furthermore, we combine empirical equation models and an oscillation-decreasing function model to develop a pollution radius distribution model that encompasses linear, parabolic, exponential, and logarithmic patterns. Through these advancements, we can realize a comprehensive reservoir damage assessment method. It is verified that the calculation error of this model is very small, and the influence of skin effect and reservoir anisotropy and the radius distribution of various heterogeneous pollution zones are fully considered. These findings indirectly suggest the rationality and practicality of the model presented in this paper. By incorporating actual gas well data into this model, it has been determined through discussion and analysis that the exponential distribution of the pollution radius has the greatest impact on the pollution skin factor along the horizontal well, from the heel to the toe. Increasing the pollution radius and decreasing the pollution permeability both result in an increase in the skin factor of the micro-segment and the total pollution skin factor of the horizontal well. However, compared to the pollution permeability, the radius of the pollution zone has a relatively minor effect on the total pollution skin factor. The proposed technique aims to serve as a valuable tool in optimizing and designing stimulation measures aimed at boosting production and minimizing formation damage. Through evaluation and analysis to reduce risks, protect reservoirs and extend well life, reduce costs, and enhance technical capabilities and economic benefits.
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