Type-curve approach to analyzing two-well tracer tests
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abstract
The traditional approach to analyzing field tracer data generally involves a history matching procedure that is time-consuming and frequently results in a nonunique solution. In this work we use theoretical frequency response functions to build type curves of 'transfer function' and 'phase spectrum' that have a dimensionless heterogeneity index as a parameter to characterize a stochastic permeability field. The 'transfer function' contains information regarding the amplitude attenuating characteristics of the heterogeneous medium and the 'phase spectrum' provides information about the spacing between the frequency components of the input and output tracer pulses. In a manner analogous to type curve matching for well testing, we can analyze field tracer history by comparing the theoretical and field observed 'transfer function' and 'phase relations'. This analysis leads to an estimate of the heterogeneity index and pore volume. We demonstrate the technique by analyzing field tracer data from the Big Muddy field, Wyoming, and compare the use of parameters so obtained in scaling up. Results show very good agreement with the field data.
