Effects of Criterion Values on Estimation of the Radius of Drainage and Stabilization Time

After a well starts flowing, a larger and larger portion of the reservoir contributes to production. At any given time, the radius of the portion of the reservoir that demonstrates a pressure gradient and contributes to production of fluid is the radius of drainage (ROD). The time required for the entire reservoir just to be able to contribute production is the stabilization time. Estimating the ROD and stabilization time is very important in well test design and production optimization. It has been a great challenge to estimate accurately the ROD and stabilization time because of inherent uncertainties with respect to the rock and fluid properties. This study examines the effects of criterion values on the estimated values of the ROD and stabilization time. As expected, estimated values of the ROD and stabilization time vary considerably, depending on the suggested criteria. The primary objective of this study is to recognize and appreciate the importance of criterion values for defining the ROD and stabilization time. Generalized correlations have been proposed that allow one to determine the ROD and stabilization time as a function of the criterion values. The relationship between a pressure criterion and the corresponding rate criterion has been examined also.