Research Trends of Cross-flow Behaviors and Production Characteristics in a Multi-layered Reservoir

Abstract

This paper presents research reviews for flow behaviors occurred in multi-layered reservoir. According to geological formation and flow regime, the production characteristics are divided into three parts; interlayer cross-flow, commingled, and wellbore cross-flow system. Most heterogeneous reservoirs show interlayer cross-flow communicating fluids between interconnected formations but the conventional production systems have considered commingled-flow. The unaccurate estimation of reservoir pressure could result in wellbore cross-flow within a production tubing after well completion. Recent researches have focused on characterizing the effects of cross-flow with relation to production optimization. The works integrating skin factor with comparison of reservoir properties have been done to detect cross-flow on the surface. Production allocation in multi-layered reservoirs and uncertainty quantification affecting the system design are actively investigated to accomplish production optimization as well as the robust design of petroleum production system.