About the Project
The increasing global energy demand, rising energy prices and declining conventional gas reserves all have resulted in an increase in exploitation of gas reserves from unconventional sources, most notably tight gas reservoirs. Multiple Fractured horizontal wells (MFHWs) are considered as one of the most successful method to develop, and establish an economical flow rate from, such reservoirs. The flow behaviour around the multiple fractured horizontal wells (MFHW) is complex because different flow regimes dominate flow in and around horizontal well and fractures. A number of semi-analytical formulations have been proposed to predict the performance of MFHWs [1-6]. But, over-simplifying assumptions have been made to develop these semi-analytical equations describing a complex three-dimensional mathematical problem.
This PhD project intends to propose appropriate formulations for productivity calculation of MFHWs in gas and gas condensate reservoirs, efficient methods of describing such complex flow geometries in numerical simulators. The optimization of design of such well configurations is another element of this research program. These formulations will then be used to develop appropriate methodology to optimize well design by maximizing the productivity index or effective wellbore radius or minimizing the flow resistance or skin factor.
The successful candidate should have, or expect to have, an Honours Degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Physics or Petroleum engineering or related discipline
Knowledge of -
Numerical modelling , mathematics and physics
Funding Notes
This project is for self-funded students only. There is no funding attached to this project. The successful applicant will be expected to pay Tuition Fees and living expenses, from their own resources, for the duration of study.
References
1) Carle D. Pearson and Logan K.: An analytical model to predict the deliverability of a multiple fractured horizontal well (MFHW), presented at the 49 Annual Meeting of SPE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, (June 8–10, 1998).
2) Giger, F. M.: Horizontal well production techniques in heterogeneous reservoirs, SPE paper 13710, Proceeding of Middle East Oil Technical Conference and Exhibition, 11-14 March 1985, Bahrain.
3) Guo B. and Schechter D.S.: A simple and rigorous ipr equation for vertical and horizontal wells intersecting long fractures, JCPT. July, Vol. (38), No.7, 1999.
Yuan H. and Zhou D.:A New model for predicting inflow performance of fractured horizontal wells, SPE 133610, Proceeding of SPE Western Regional Meeting, 27-29 May 2010, Anaheim, California, USA.
4) Guo, G. and Evans, R.D.: Pressure-transient behavior and inflow performance of horizontal wells intersecting discrete fractures, SPE 26446, Proceeding of the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Oct. 3-6, 1993, Texas, USA.
5) Guo J., Zeng F. and Zhao J.: A new model to predict fractured horizontal well production, proceeding of the 57 Annual Meeting of SPE in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 13–15, 2006.
6) Zhu D., Maghalheas, and Valko P.P.: Predicting productivity of multiple-fractured horizontal gas wells, SPE 106280, Proceeding of SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference, 29-31 Jan 2007, Texas, USA.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
This project is advertised in relation to the research areas of the discipline of Petroleum Engineering. Formal applications can be completed online: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply. You should apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, to ensure that your application is passed to the correct College for processing.
NOTE CLEARLY THE NAME OF THE SUPERVISOR AND EXACT PROJECT TITLE YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ON THE APPLICATION FORM. Applicants are limited to applying for a maximum of 2 projects. Any further applications received will be automatically withdrawn.
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr P Ghahri (panteha.ghahri@abdn.ac.uk) with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Graduate School Admissions Unit (cpsgrad@abdn.ac.uk).
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