Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Toe-Up Trajectory Inclination Angle and Gas Lift Rate Effect on Unconventional Oil Well Performance

Youcef Khetib, University of North Dakota. Energy and Environmental Research Center
Ala Eddine Aoun, University of North Dakota. Energy and Environmental Research Center
Kegang Ling, University of North Dakota. Department of Petroleum Engineering

Abstract

This study experimentally and numerically addresses the effect of two factors on flow stability: 1) the trajectory and its related inclination angle and 2) total gas-to-liquid ratio (GLR). From the experimental and numerical findings and given the amplitude of pressure and flow rate fluctuations, it is expected that the completion and hydraulic fractures experience high pressure fluctuations which might impair reservoir inflow productivity.