A New Method for Estimating Oil Well Production Rates Based on Enthalpy Balance Utilizing Temperature Data

Abstract

The fundamental objective of this study is to utilize a temperature dataset to achieve accurate rate estimation. This study introduces a graphical method, incorporating suitable assumptions, for predicting flowrates in single-phase vertical oil flow. The method takes into consideration the fouling factor and addresses the steady-state flow of heat in the wellbore, while also accounting for the transient heat conduction in the formation. To evaluate and validate the proposed model, two field cases are examined, and associated uncertainties are discussed. The model's predictions are compared with those obtained from Hassan and Kabir's approach, as well as actual separator flowrate data. The comparisons reveal that the model exhibits a high level of accuracy within its specified range of application. Statistical analyses indicate that most of the models perform comparably, although the suggested graphical model stands out for its higher accuracy and user-friendly nature. The performance of uncertainty is found to be more reliant on the accuracy of data measurement rather than the features of the model itself.