Application of Analytical Methods to Provide Inputs to Asset Action Plans
Authors: Chouya Smail , Abdullah Bodour , Al-Saffaar Ali , Al Ajmi Afrah 
Published: October 2024

Analytical and reservoir simulation modeling are two essential techniques used in the field of reservoir engineering. Analytical modeling focuses on mathematical equations and analytical solutions to predict reservoir behavior, while reservoir simulation modeling utilizes computer simulations to replicate real-world reservoir conditions. This abstract provides an in-depth overview of analytical modeling, emphasizing its significance, key principles, and its applications in North Kuwait Jurassic fields.

Analytical models are based on mathematical equations describing fluid flow in porous media, derived from fundamental fluid mechanics principles, and solved analytically for explicit solutions. They are particularly useful for analyzing simple reservoir geometries and idealized flow scenarios, offering insights into crucial parameters such as pressure distributions, fluid saturations, and production rates. A key advantage of analytical modeling is its computational efficiency. Compared to numerical methods, analytical solutions are derived quickly and demand fewer computational resources. This efficiency makes them valuable for preliminary reservoir studies, what-if analyses, and sensitivity studies. Analytical models also serve as a starting point for calibrating more complex numerical models.

These models can be categorized based on assumptions and complexity, including radial flow, linear flow, and boundary-dominated flow models. Radial flow models are applied to single well analyses, estimating well deliverability, and predicting reservoir pressure decline. Linear flow models are suitable for long and narrow reservoirs, such as fractured reservoirs, providing insights into fracture properties and aiding in fracture optimization and production forecasting. Boundary-dominated flow models analyze reservoir behavior near boundaries, considering the impact of boundary effects on fluid flow and providing information on reservoir connectivity and compartmentalization.

However, analytical modelling comes with limitations, primarily relying on simplified assumptions like homogeneous and isotropic reservoir properties. These assumptions may not accurately represent the complexity often found in real reservoirs, necessitating careful validation and calibration using field data to ensure reliability and accuracy. Despite these limitations, analytical modeling remains vital in reservoir simulation. Integrating analytical models with advanced numerical methods and computational power enhances their accuracy and applicability. This work focuses on extending analytical models to incorporate more realistic reservoir features, such as multi-phase flow and complex well configurations. A detailed study will be presented focusing on the application of analytical modelling in the context of modelling asset action plan.

In conclusion, analytical modeling in reservoir simulation is a valuable tool for predicting reservoir behavior and estimating performance. Its efficiency in solving engineering problems facilitated informed decisions in reservoir development and production strategies of one of North Kuwait Jurassic fields.