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Frequently Asked Questions & Workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between Multi-Well and Single-Well DCA? Multi-Well DCA fits a decline curve to multiple wells simultaneously using parameter ranges, assigning the best fit within those bounds to each well. Single-Well DCA allows you to manually tune the exact parameters (b, Di, etc.) for an individual well.

2. How do I handle secondary and water phases in DCA? The Independent Phase Forecasting section allows you to forecast secondary and water phases completely independent of the primary phase. You can choose DCA Models, GOR/CGR correlations, or Water Cut methods for each phase independently.

3. What decline models are available for Independent Phase Forecasting? For direct DCA on a secondary phase, you can use Exponential, Hyperbolic, Modified Hyperbolic, Power Law Exponential, and Stretched Exponential models.

4. How do I filter out statistical outliers during forecasting? In both the primary and secondary phase forecasting sections, there is a Filter outliers checkbox. When enabled, the engine statistically removes anomalous production spikes or dips before fitting the curve.

5. How does the ‘Filter Outliers’ checkbox work for water phases? It functions exactly like the hydrocarbon phases but is scoped strictly to the water production history. This ensures that water loading or temporary shut-in anomalies do not skew your water forecast.

6. How do I create a Type Well from statistics? Navigate to Analysis → Decline Curve Analysis → Type Well. Select the From Statistics flow. This calculates P10, P50, P90, and average profiles from a filtered group of wells to build an aggregate type curve.

7. Can I manually define a Type Well without using well statistics? Yes. Choose the User Defined flow under Type Wells. This provides a blank canvas where you manually input your qiq_i, DiD_i, bb, and other parameters to generate a hypothetical “what-if” profile.

8. How do I normalize production data? Go to Analysis → Normalizations. You can normalize production based on lateral length, proppant loading, or stage count to accurately compare wells with different completion designs.

9. What is the purpose of the Consolidate function? The Consolidate function takes multiple individual well forecasts and aggregates them into a single, unified production profile. This is useful for pad-level or field-level reporting.

10. How do I input PVT data for Dynamic Data Analysis? Under Analysis → Dynamic Data Analysis → PVT, you can either input lab report values manually or use the built-in Black Oil correlations to generate fluid properties based on specific gravity, API, and temperature.

11. How do I convert surface pressure to Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP)? Navigate to Convert To BHP in the DDA module. Input your wellbore deviation survey, tubing specifications, and fluid properties. The module uses multiphase flow correlations to estimate BHP from surface casing/tubing pressures.

12. What does Rate Normalized Pressure (RNP) tell me about my well? RNP normalizes flowing pressure changes by the production rate. It is a critical diagnostic tool in Unconventional reservoirs to identify flow regimes (like linear flow) and assess boundary-dominated flow without requiring a formal shut-in build-up test.

13. Is the Vaca Muerta correlation applicable to conventional wells? No. The Vaca Muerta correlation (under Correlations) is specifically tuned for the unique geomechanical and fluid properties of the Vaca Muerta shale formation. For conventional assets, use the standard Black Oil correlations.

14. How do I compare different decline curve forecasts side-by-side? Use the Compare tool under the Miscellaneous section. You can overlay multiple forecast cases (e.g., P50 vs. P90, or historical vs. forecast) on the same chart for visual validation.

15. How can I export my DCA results? Navigate to Analysis Control → Results. From the results grid, you can export the tabular forecast data, EURs, and decline parameters to a .csv or .xlsx file.

Main Workflows

Workflow 1: End-to-End Multi-Well Decline Curve Analysis

  1. Filter Data: Go to Analysis → Filtering → Wells Selection and select your target well group.
  2. Setup DCA: Navigate to Decline Curve Analysis → Multi Well.
  3. Configure Primary Phase: Set the bounds for bb, DiD_i, and qiq_i for your primary phase (e.g., Oil).
  4. Configure Secondary Phase: Under Independent Phase Forecasting, select GOR and set it to a Constant Historical Average.
  5. Run & Review: Execute the forecast, review the aggregate results in Analysis Control → Results, and use Single-Well to fine-tune any specific wells that require manual adjustment.

Workflow 2: Generating and Tuning a Type Well

  1. Generate from Stats: Navigate to Type Well and select the From Statistics flow. Input a group of analog wells.
  2. Review Aggregates: Review the generated P50 curve.
  3. Convert to User Defined: Export the P50 parameters and create a new User Defined Type Well using those inputs.
  4. Manual Tuning: Adjust the bb-factor and DiD_i manually to simulate a new completion design.
  5. Add Water: Add a WOR trend to the water phase using the Manual method to accurately model late-life water production.