Interpretation of Array Production Logging Measurements in Horizontal Wells for Flow Profile Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • Abstract Interpretation of production logging in multi-phase flow wells is challenging, especially for highly deviated wells or horizontal wells. Flow regime-dependent flow conditions strongly affect the measurements of production logging tools. Segregation and possible back flow of denser phases result in misinterpretation of the inflow distribution. To assess the downhole flow conditions more accurately, logging tools have been developed to overcome the flow regime related issues. Multiple-sensor array tools measure the fluid properties at multiple locations around the cross-sectional area of the wellbore, providing a distributed measurement array that helps to relate the measurements to flow regime and translate the measurement to inflow distribution. This paper present a methodology for using array data from production logging tools to interpret downhole flow conditions. The study uses an example logging tool that consists of 12 resistivity, 12 capacitance probes, and six spinners around the wellbore circumference. The method allows interpretation of phase volumetric flow rates in sub-divided cross-sectional areas based on sensor locations. The sub-divided area method divides the wellbore cross-sectional area into several layers depending on the number and arrangement of the sensors with each layer containing at least one sensor. Holdup and velocity outputs from sensors in each wellbore area segment are combined to calculate the volumetric flow rates of each phase in each segment. These results yield a profile of flow of each phase from the high side to the low side of the wellbore, and the overall flow rates of each phase at every location along the well where the interpretation method is applied. The method developed was used to interpret the flow profile of an Eagle Ford well producing gas and water at downhole conditions. A reasonable profile of gas inflow was obtained and the profile was similar to that interpreted with a commercial production log interpretation software package. The interpretation of the water flow profile was complicated by low total water production rate and variations in wellbore inclination.

name of conference

  • Day 1 Mon, September 30, 2013

published proceedings

  • Day 1 Mon, September 30, 2013

author list (cited authors)

  • Liao, L., Zhu, D., Yoshida, N., Hill, A. D., & Jin, M.

citation count

  • 8

complete list of authors

  • Liao, L||Zhu, D||Yoshida, N||Hill, AD||Jin, Minquan

publication date

  • September 2013