Near wellbore streamline modeling for advanced well completions

Abstract

The following thesis presents a novel approach to streamline modeling in the near well bore region of an oil well. Streamline modeling has existed with the petroleum field since the 1950’s, with many recent advances occurring throughout the last 25 years. Today, streamline modeling is used for a variety of purposes, including flow visualization, transport calculations, reservoir simulation, history matching and many more useful applications. -- In the known literature streamline modeling has not been performed within the near wellbore region of an oil well. The research presented in this thesis focuses on modeling in this vicinity, showing how near wellbore heterogeneities affect flow distribution and overall production. The research also utilizes the near wellbore streamline modeling methodology to establish a novel technique for evaluating well completion strategies. Through the use of optimal design techniques, the various parameters affecting production are analyzed and optimal completion techniques are established. -- While the majority of this research focuses on a two dimensional isotropic heterogeneous media, discussion is provided for the extension to three dimensional modeling. In addition, discussion is also provided for the general case of an anisotropic heterogeneous reservoir medium. -- Various topics for additional work as a result of this research are provided, including new particle tracking techniques, connection factor implementation and the extension to more complex physics.