Chapter 5

Finite-Difference Approximation to

Linear-Flow Equations

1.1 IntroductIon

Chap. 4 derived the equations for single-phase flow through porous

mediapartlal-differential equatsons (PDEs) that are second order

in space and first order in time. in general, these equations cannot

be solved analytically (exactly) because of their nonlinear nature.

Numerical (approximate) techniques must be used to solve the flow

equations. The most popular numerical method currentiy in use in

the oil industry is the finite-difference method.

The finite-difference method is implemented by superimposing

a finite-difference grid over the reservoir to he modeled. The chosen

grid system is then used to approximate the spatial dcnvatives in the

continuous equations. These approximations are obtained by trun

cating the Taylor series expansion of the unknown variables (usual

ly pressure for single-phese-flow problems arid pressure and satura

tion for two-phase-flow problems) in the equationa as discussed In

Sec. 3.4.2. A similar procedure Is used in the time domain.

Two types of grid systems are generally used in reservoir simula

tion: block centered (body centered) and point distributed (mesh

centered). Although these grid systems are discussed in terms of

rectangular (C.rIeinn) coordinates, they ar-e equally applicable in

any coordinate syatemcylinthical. spherical. or ellipticaL Sec. 5.2

discusses these grid systems.

Lmplemeniation of finiie-diffcrrnce approximations result in al

gebraic equations called finite-difference equations. it should be

emphasized that the solutions of the finite-difference equations can

be obtained only at the discrete points defined by the grid system

In other wormis, pressures calculated from a reservoir simulator are

known only at gridpoints within the reservoir. This is in contrast to

the solutions of the continuous equations, which can be obtained at

all points in the reservosr.

Discrctization is the process of converting continuous equations

into finite-difference equations. fig 51 shows the diseretization

step In the development of a flnite-difterence simulator.

Chap. 4 derived the transport equations describing unsteady-state

flow; these equations contain a second derivative of pressure with

respect to space snd a fint derivative of pressure with respect to

time. The second derivative in the flow equation is generally

approximated by the central-differcnce approximation because of

the higher-order nature of the approximation. The first derivative is

generally approximated by the bsckward-difference approxima

tinn. These choices are dictated by the stability of the final system

of equations. Stability is a property that describes the capacity of a

small error to propagate and grow with subsequent calculations. The

following sections discuss the discretization process and the errors

introduced by the use of finite-difference approximations.

5.2 Construction and Propierties of

Finite-Dlffseence Grids

Two types of finite-difference grids are used In reservoir simulation:

block centered and point distributed. In a block-centered grid, grid-

blocks with known dimensions are superimposed over the reservoir.

For a rectangular coordinate system, the gridpoints are defined as the

centers of these grdblocks. In a point-diatributed grid, gridpoints are

distributed over the reservoirs before block boundaries are defined.

For a rectangular grid, a block boundary is placed halfway between

two adjacent prewse points. Historically, reservoir simulators have

used block-centered finite differences because the volume associated

whh each representative point is clearly defined.

The purpose of the grid system is to partition the reservoir into

blocks to which representative rock properties can be assigned.

Therefore, the grid cells should be small enough to describe the het

erogeneous nature of the reservoir and to allow the averaged grid-

cell properties to represent the flow behavior in the reservoir ade

quately. This, however, may not always be achieved because the

effort required for a simulation study is directly related to the num

ber at grid cells used in the study.

thcre are two methods of handling the boundary conditions as

discussed in Secs. 5.11 and 5.22. The first method, with no discrete

point on the boundary, is most appropriate for no-flow boundary

conditions. The second method, with points un the boundary, is

most applicable to situations where a dependent variable, such as

pressure, is specified on the boundary.

The following sections discuss the construction of block-cen

tered and point-distributed grid systems. Discussion of these sys

tems considers flow in only one direction (the z direction). For flow
in more than one direction, the principles discussed in this chapter

can be extended easily to multiple dimensions.

5.2.1 Block-Centered Gild Systea, For flow in tisez direction, a

block-centered grid system can be constructed as in FIg. 5.2. In this

figure, a grid system consisting of nx gridblocks is superimposed

over the reservoir. These gridhlocka have predetermined dimen

tions Of AX that are not necessarily equal. These gridblocks must

satisfy the relationship

in other words, the gridblocks mut span the entire length, Lx, of the

reservoir in the direction of interest. This includes both the hydro

carbon-bearing rock and any associated aquifer.

Once the gridblocks are defined, the points where pressures are

calculated are placed in the interior of the blacks. For rectangular

grid systems, the gridpoints are placed at the center of the blocks

(hence the name block centered), while the psressure points are

slightly offset from the center for cylindrical grid systems. The

boundaries of the ith gridblock are designated xi-1/2 and xi+1/2

whereas the block center Is designated xi. These gridblock proper

ties are related through the relationships

5.2.2 Point-Dlstributed Grid Systems. For flow in the x directbon,

a point-distributed grid system can be constructed as in FIg. 5.4.

Gridpoinls are placed on the boundary of the reservoir and within

its interior. Note that, by placing gridpoints on the boundaries of the

reservoir, a point-distabuted grid will, by definition, span the entire

length of the reservoir in the direction of interest.

For rectangular grids, the block boundaries are placed halfway

between two adjacent grdpoints: that is.

In a point-distributed grid, the left boundary of the first gridbiock

Is, by definition, placed on top of the gridpoint of the block; that is,

Fig. 5.4One-dunenslonal, point-distributed, finite-difference

grid. Note thu grldpolnts are offset from the grldblock centers

and thai gridblock boundaries 11 midway between grldpolnts.

Fig. 5.3Typica1 2D, nonuniform, rectangular block-centered fi-

nile-difference grid. Note that pressure points are in the centers

of tie grldblocks.

If the gridblock were extended farther, the block would contain

nonreservoir rock. Similarly, the right boundary of the last gridblock

is placed on top of the gridpoint of the block that is,

The block dimensions can then be calculated from the block

boundaries as

flg. 5.5 illustrates a point-dstribuied grid system in two dimcnsons.

In both block-centered and poini-distributed grid systems, the

block dimensions can vary for each gridblock. Either grid system can

be used in reservoir simulation. Use of point-distributed grid systems

has several advantages when implementing certain boundary cond

tions. In addition, point-distributcd and systems have numerical

adantages when nonuniform spacing iS used. In peiticular, a point-

dssthbuted-grid results in a consistent finite-difference operator on a

nonuniform grid, while a block centered grid does not. For a defini-

Fig 5.5typlcal 2D, nonuniform, rectangular, polnT-dlatrlbuted,

fite-difference grid. Shaded areas reflect cell volumes

associated with grldpolnts. Note that the pressure points are off-

set from cell volume centers.

Fig. S.6Block-centared grid over a hydrocarbon reservoir;

OWC =oil/water contact.

tion of consistency, see Consistency and Consistency Analysas in

Sec. S.6.3. Although these advantages exist for point-distributed

grid systems, historically the block-centered grid system has been

the most commonly used grid system in petroleum reservoir samuta

tion. This is because the block-centered grid system adheres more

closely to the material-balanec concept used in reservoir engineer

ing. Also, for reservoirs bounded with no-flow bowidaries, the

block-centered gild offers easy implementation of external bound

ary conditions (scie Sec. 5.5.2).

5.2.3 Areal Grid Geometries. Although the previous sections em

pbasized rectangular geometry, several grid systems are commonly

used in reservoir simulation when the objetives of the simulation

study require the gridblocks to approximate cloeely,or match exactly,

the geometry of the problem to be modeled. The use of the specialized

geometries requires use of the corresponding form of the differential

equation and its finite-dfference analog in the simulation study.

Rectangular Coordinate Geometry. Rectangular coordinate ge

ometry has many applications and Is the most commonly used grid

geometry In reservoir simulation. A rectangular grid can be used to

answer questions regarding the full-field performance of a reser

voir, the performance of individual well patterns, and the pafor

mance of nterwell cross sections.

full-field simulations are performed to determine the behavior of

the entire subject reservoir. These simulatlons generally use a rect

angular grid because rectanguLar grid systems are flexible enough

to be fitted over any reservoir geometry. The grid spacing for full-

field simulations can be nonuniform. Generally, a refined grid

(small grid spacing) is used in ajeas of interest, such as hydrocar

bon-bearing regions, while a less refined grid is used in kas impor

tant areas, such as aquifers

Fig. 5.6. shows an areal view of a grid system of an example full-

field sinailation and illustrates the use of Inactive grldblock. To al

low thc grid system to fit properly over thc subject reservoir, grid-

Fig. 5.7TWo rectangular grid systems for modeling an Inverted

flve-spot pattern: (a) parallel grid and (b) diagonal grid.

blocks outside the reservoir boundaries must be inactivated. All

commercial simuLation software has the facility to Inactivate unnec

eassy gridblocks.

Rectangular grid systems are also used to model pattern elements

in pattern flood. When modeling a well pattern with reservoir simula

tion. symmetry is generally used to reduce the number of gridblocks

required model the displacement adequately. Far example, to mod

el an interior five-spot pattern, symmetry can be used to reduce the

model to one-eighth of the pattern. typicalIy, uniform grid spacing is

used for pattern studies. When a block-centered grid is used. the pore

volumes, transmissibllities, and injection and production rales must

be adjusted to account for the volume of the grid outside the pattern.

FIg. 5.7 shows two grid systems that can be used when modeling

an inverted five-spot pattern. In a parallel grid, the gild lines are par

slIel and are perpendicular the line drawn from the producer to the

injector. In a diagonal grid, on the other hand, the grid lines are diag

onal so the line drawn through the producer/injector pair.

Rectangular grid systems are also used in cross- sectional simula

lion studies. which are perfoermed to determine the interwell behav

ior of several wells along a given cross section. The objectlves of a

cross-sectional study may include determining the effect of shales

on gravity override/undrride in dispLacement processes, determin

ng the effect of detailed reservoir geology on weli performance and

aiding in lhe scaleup of core properties to reservoir scale (see discus

sion on dynamic interblock pseudofunction in Sec. 10.43). Fig,

5.8 shows a typical cross-sectional grid.

Cylindrical Grid geometries. Cylindrical grid geometries are

used for single-well simulation studies. The objectives of single

well simulation include predicting the peiformance of individual

wells, determining the effects of completion/production strategies

on gas and waler coning, and optimizing perforation intervals. Fig.

5.9 illustrates a cylindncal grid in the presence of a single well.

While the gridblock sizes are relatively arbitrary for rectanguLar

grid systems, the construction of s cylindrical grid system follows

this particular set of rules.

I. The pressure points are spaced logarithmically away from the

2. The block boundaries for Interblock flow calculations are de

fined by the formula

3. The block boundaries for volumetric calculations arc defined

by the formula

These three rules are applicable to both block-centered and point-

distributed grid systems. Eq. 5.7 is used to keep pressure drops

across all gridblocks approximately equal (remember that the pres

sure distribution around a wellbore is logarithmic). Eq. 5.8 is used

to ensure that the flux from one gridblock to the next gridblock cal

culated by the finite-difference (discrete) equations is equal to that

calculated by the continuous form of Darcys law. Finally, Eq. 5.9

Is used to ensure that the volume of the discrete gridblocks is equal

to the volume of the continuous gridbLocks. Rules I and 2 are

derived from steady-state theory.

Example 5.1. Show that the grid spacing defined by Eq. 5.7 will

result in a constant pressure drop across all gridblocks for Incom

pressible, steady-state flow toward a production well.

Solution. For incompressible flow, Darcys law for a horizontal,

radial system is
Seperaxing variables and integrating results in

Performng all integrations results in

where I=1.2 n, l.We now need to determine which ra

dii. rl. r, r3 ... r., will result in uniform pressure drops across all

grid cells. Define the constant pressawe drop as

where =1.2 a, n, 1. Substituting into Eq. 5.12 results in

where 1 1,2 ,..., n, 1. Because the right side of Eq. 5.14 is

Constant for incompressible flow, it can be rewritten (remember q is

negative for production) as

where 1=1,2, n, 1. Taking the exponent of Eq. 5.15 yields

where aig=ealg and i= 1,2, a,i .Rearranging Eq

5.17 results in Eq. 5.7.

Where i=l,2 ...., n,l.

Erample 5.2. Show that the block boundaries defined by Eq. 5.8

ensure that che flux across lhe grid boundaries Is identical for the

continuous and discrete forms of Darcys law.

Fig 5.8Typical r.ctarsgular grid iysm usd ht a creea-eec.

henal study; O = oil and W = wster.

Fig. 5.9CylIndrIcal geld system In the vicinity of a wetlbore.

Corner-pornt geometry. can be used for all fufl-fie)d applications;

However, its principai use is for highly faulted reservoir. For these

reservoirs, the edges of the polygons can be placed on the faults. the

description of the faults is generally better with corner-point geome

try than the description obtained from rcclangular grid systcms. One

detrimental feature with the use of comer-penit geonicny is that the

resulting grid system is nonorthogonal. The use of a nonorthogonal

grid system with a standard seven-point finite-difference grid may re

sult in significant errors because of the exclusion of the crosss-deriva

tive terms. this problem may be alleviated to some extent by use of

higher-order finite-difference aproximations, wich include a full

tensor representationn of the permeability.

Local Grid Reflnement and hybrid Grids. Locally refined grid

systcms usc a secondary (or fine) grid system embedded in the pri

mary (or coarse) grid system. FIg. 5.11 illustrates the objective of

using the fine grid: to place a more refined grid in areas of interest

in the hydrocarbon reservoir while maintaining a minimum number

of active celia in the model.

Fig. 5.lIa shows two hydrocarbon reservoirs in communication

through a common aquifer. Fig. S.1lb shows a conventional grid

system. while Fig. S.11c shows a locally refined grid over the same

reservoir. because both the fine and coarse grids are rectangular, the

techniques discussed earlier in this section under Rectangular Coor

dinate Geometry are appropriate. Special techniques are required to

describe the transmissibilities and fluxes at the common boundary

where the two grid systems meet.

When the fine grid uses a different geometry than the coarse grid,
the resulting grid is hybrid. hybrid grid systems are generally used

to provide better definition of the near-wellbore areas in full-field

simulations. figg. 5.12 shows vertical and horizontal wells in a hy

brid grid. Sec. 6.4 discusses details of the use of hybrid grids.

Construction of the radial portion of the hybrid grid implements the

same rules that applied to the pure radial grid.

5.2.4 Vertical Grid Geometry. In lhe previous discussions of areal

grid geometries (with the exception of the rectangular cross-sectional

grid) the vertical grid or layering system was not mentioned. Three

types of layering systems can be used with the areal grids discussed

in the previous sections: stratigraphic. proportional, and tank type.

Fig. 5.11lIusirt1on of the use of locally refined grids. Note

the reduction in number of grid cells in the areas that are not of

Interest. (a) Reservoirs to be modeled, (b) conventional rectan

gular grid, and (c) locally reined grid.

Fig. 5. 12Hybrid grid system for Improving the coupling of

wellbores to the riservolr model; 0- oil and W - Water.

F. 5.13Stratigraphic layering in reservolr simulation. (a) reser

voir to be modelated .Note the thickenig 0f the top layer from west

to esat and the thinning of the bottom layer from west lo east (b)

Stratigraphic gr1d syste 0f reservoir under study. Note the vary-

big proportions of the grid thickneses from west too east.

Straatigraphic layering, as the name implies and as Fig 5.13 illus

trate!, follows the stratigraphy or natural geological layering of the

reservoir. Stratigraphic layering is used to incorporate geological in

formation into the reservoir model in a manner that is consistent

with the stratigraphy of the reservoir under study. This is the most

commonly used grid system in full-field rescivog simulation.

proportional layering, as the name implies and is FIg 5.14 illus

trates, keeps the ratios of the layer thicknesses constant between two

mapped surfaces. Proportional layering is used lo add definition

(additional layers) to a single mapped layer.

Tank-type layenng, illustrated in Fig. 5.15, uses a horizontal grid-

block system, even in the presence of dip or structural features.

Tank-type layenng has limited use in full-field simulation. but may

be used in single-well radial modeling or conceptoal modeling.

5.3 Flnlte-Dlffesence ApproximatIon of the

Spatial Derivatlve

The flow equations in porous media contain continuous dcrivatives

with respect to the space and time variables, chap. 3 discussed tech

niques to approximate derivatives with finite differences. The basic

principle behind these techniques was to replace the partial deriva

tiveS in the flow equations with algebraic approximations.

This chapter focuies on the Taylor series method for finite differ

ences to aproximate the fluid-flow equations. These approxima

tians are obtained by Taylor series expansion of the dependent vari

able in the vicinity of the gridpoints. When the approximations are

applied to a single-flow equation, the PDE ia replaced by a system

of algebraic equations. Discrctization is the process of converting

the continuous PDE to a system of algebraic equations. Other equal

ly applicable methods of discrctizaion include the integral method

for finite differences, the fmite-element method, and the finite

boundary method (or boundary integral equation method).

The equation for single-phase, slightly compressible flow

through porous media was derived in Chap. 4 as Eq. 4.72. For one

dimensional (10) flow, this equation bai lhe form

fig 5.14Proportlorist layering In reservoir sImulation: (.)top

layer from resenolr In Fig. 5.13 arId (b) use 05 proportIonal grid

to add definitIon toi m.pp.d geological layer Nob the identical

proportions of the grid thickness from wast lo east.

(Rx+ =! (541

q a,8 8t

where Sslhscript I refcrs to Phase I (o or w). Remember that Eq SAI

ignores the depth gradient asid assumes incompressible porous rnedi&

Chap. 8 removes these assumphons from the sotation of the flow

equanon.

5.31 ApproxImation on a Uniform Grid In One Dimension. FIg.

5.16 shows the ID. block-centered grid used to discrethe Eq 5.41.

l1Nflt.DLf}EREN APPROXIMATION TO UNEAJt-FWW IiQIJATIONS

j11iiii1iiiIiiiiiiiiiii11II11111II11I111jijji.r,

FIg. 5.15Tank-typ, layering In r.wvolr simulation: (a) rassi

voir to b. modeled and (b) tank4yp. grid system, Noie thet

shaded areas represent Inactive grId ceib

Fiq 1G urfor-n q ucd or dcrctrz3ton ola hydrocarbon Ft9. 5.11Nominhiorrn

gild uud for dlscr(lzalion o a hydro

reaerosr. carbon reservoir. Noie retined grid In lhe areas & inlerest.

Although a block-centered grid illustrates the diicretization of F.4 Ak

5.41 , lhe procedurec is identical for a point-disiribitcd grid. This

section illustrates the discretization process on a nonuniform grid. The

resulting equation is thai simplified to obtain the approzimation for

a uniform grid.

The transmiasibihty of a porous medium is considered to be a

property o the poroUS medium, the fluid flowing through the me-

Chap. 3 deQnes die central-difference approzimalion he dium (Subscri*

t). the direction of flow (Subcenp x), and the posi

derivative as

tioninqiace(SuhosipcI+34 andi).

Ra a tmifrinu bk k-ixnlercd grid, the spacings between Use grid-

. ... (5.42) andj. must be known. Cotsseqiienlly. F4 5.47 must be written

for

b%j cacti gridbkick in the reservoir model. This results in a system uf

equa

Although the equality in F.q. 5.42 is approximate, the lion, thai

approximates Eq. 5.41. Sec. 5.6discusses dis in more detail.

equations use ait equal sign so the development is consisten, with The
(1 Vi) tub iii in lhe gnap (I(AYujBjr)J ) and iii

the rtsspbiJflics. Th , indicate that these propctltes are eva-

the computational procedures. - at the haxk bormdaes. Because these

properties are specified

tiring Eq. 5.42 to approsiniate the spatial derivative at Gridpoini only

ie the grsdbkxL rntcrs, lhe missibibbcs must be obbinod by

t and substituting the resuk into the left skie of Eq. 5.41 recuIra in
averaging die properts of adjacent gridblocks. Seci 82.2 nd 8.3.1

and are tir sanr for aU gridhiocks.

[, A,k% (\ ( A,k,\ j discussthusForthetinsebdnurnethatA,

k,,,andAxarecoauants

ax), 5.3.2 Approximation on a NonunWo Gd n One INmension.

The procedure toc dsscretizing the flow equation oit a nonuniform

X Ax, + - grkiisidentkal;otheprocureusedonauniformgd.lnfact,Eq.

. ... (543) 546 was derived for a nonuniform grid. FIR. 5.17 shoss the
grid

8 tJ
 t system used in the chscrctization. Eq. 546 is valid for both block-

centered and point-distributed grid systems.

Now, use of central differences tOltPIWOXiIflStC For a block-

centered grid system, . y, and A y, are defined

5.3.3 App..ximatioa in Multiple Dimensiom. Previous sections

discussed the discretizaxion process lora single dimension. We can

The coefficients ,tmd T,, are referred to as the transmuai- apply these
sanie techniques In multidimensional problcmx. Apply

bilitics of lhe porous medium i2are dctned by ing the central-difference

approzimanon to Eq. 4.72 results in

T A,k, \ .&*

&j55 fll_) (5.48) j!4,B,X) (p4

52 BASIC APPLIED RESERVOIR SIMULATiON

______ _________ A lA IIAIAAAA AAIIAAli1II A

where Io or w. In terms of transmissibihiie.

T.

used because olsiabibty prvNcms (sec Eaampk 5.18) ned diflicul

tics m applying the imitai eondhions.2 The

appeoximatkm gcneraliy is sued in resavor saniuiat.cn because its

use does not restnci the size of the tirncstep fora stable sohition.

5.4.1 Badcwnrd-Dlrence Approximation te lhe Flow Equn

lion. Chap. 3 (Eq. 3.157) defined the backwanl-differenoe approxi.

rnadon lo the first etivative az the base time level t

(560)

at
With the notation

p(f) (5.61)

. pfr9. (5.62)

Eq. 5.6() wntlcn for Onc,oint I with an equal sign rather than an

approximation sign becomes

_Pr P7

Of (.)

Substituting hito Eq. 5.46 at tisirIevelit In

( Ak \

I5Piai B44. Va

+ T+ejj(p+i* pj) TbU_SJP

+ T jw,t p) T1 (pl.,A PiJI)

+ -

JA

_( Ak)

( p:!,)

/ VbCJ

+ q ir) (p p7).

(5.64)

(5.56)

Or

The definitiun of the trinan sibilities . 5.56 WTIIICfl

ir) el pii+I)

= GlfA(.1.)

i&4JA

+ qi, p7) (5.65)

(5.58)
Te

and T (3.59)

k,,,,sss

where the G teima rcesent the constant t. of the tranamisaibulilies.

Table 6.7 gives tite definition of theta terms.

This finite-difference approximation in mumnasoisal, radish

cylindrical flow geometry can be wnflen in a funis simIlar to Eq. 5.56.

The only differences between the ieclangubr and cyhnical

mulatiom arc the clelinitions of G in Eqs. 557 ough 5.59. Table 6.6

lisis the definitions of G foc nsdialfcyliodcai flow geometry.

5.4 Fit.-Ol1f.r.nc. Approximation

of th Tim. D.dv.tlv.

The cliscretizatiots of the time derivative in Eqs. 5.46 and 5.47 is han-

died is the saisie manner as the spatial derivative. Three possible

approximations can be used foi the time derivative: backward dif-

ference. forward difference, and central difference,

Both the backward- and forw-diffcrezice appmxmiitions ait

firstiwder appmxinseuioa.s. while the cenetal-differeisce appioxima.

titas is a second-order approximation. Although tic ccaitral-diflerencc

ipprusimation ias higher-order approximation, it generally is

Note thai the piesswes sued in lhe spat dciivsttves os the left side

of the flow equation are assigned the base tune levd hi othee

.d i. .

5.65 ase known as the backwanl-diffcrence approximations Indic flow

equation because the time difference on the right side bob backward

with zckrviicc to lhe base time level. t4 In these equations. ali pres

aurea assigned Lo tir (ursa level $I are the onknowus. Later. this
chapter cbscuaaes the jaocedine for advancing the simulio in dine.

Eqs. 5.48 and 5.49 dense the transmissibility ienna in Eq. 5.65.

Recause o(the pressure dependence of the i indp terma, time lev

eis muai also be assigned to transmissihilitiex. That ii, at what pore-

sure,p orp should we evaluate R1 andM,? Il we choose to cyal

unie the transmissibility z p l, the coefficients of the equations

fuuns of tite unknowns, resulting in a nonlinear algebraic

equation thai requires additional modifkatioai before I can be

solved with a suitable linear.cquatioo solver. Limeiaizaiion (dis-

in Chap, 8) dic technique used to ccmven nonlinear aige

braie equations to linear algebraic cquacsons These nonlinear prob

arise in the single-phase flow (slightly compressible and

conressible flow) and in multiphase flow,

If we evaluate the transmissibility atp. we can evakiate the cod-

ficients of the equations explicitly with the knows pressures. For the

time being, we will use the explicit treatment oldie coefficients and

defer the discussion of linearization until Sec. 8.4.1. Eq. 5.65 can

now be written as

p71) p7) + q

IDf1ij)4( APPROXIMATION TE) LINEAR-FLOW EQUATIONS

83

p)..... (566)

5.4.2 Forwrd-Dlfteren Approximation lo the 1ow Equation.

Similaxly. if the base lime level is assumed lobe r. then the forward-

difference approtunwion lo the first derivative (sec Eq. 3.154)

becvme
.

_ei (567)

at t,t

Although Eqs. 5.63 and 5.67 are identical, the base lime levels in lhe

two approximations ate ditfctnt. This will become clear later in

this discusuon. Substituting Eq. 5.67 into Eq. 5.46 written at time

level resulta in

( A

(L Ask.

(aiZ)1 (568)

or, in terms of the ljansnssiblitea,

e:)

+ = tp: p:) (569)

\a. ,

Eqs. 5.68 and 5.69 ate known as the forwwd-diffcrencc aplxuxi.

matiolls to the flow equation bccausc the time difference on the right

side looks forward with reference to I. The difference between the

backward- and forward-diffcrencc approximations (Eqs. 5.65 and

5.69. respectively) is now clear, in these equations, the pressures on

the left side of the equations are cvahiateal at lhe old lune level, a.

for the forward-difference appcoximanon and the ncw time level.

n + I, for lhe backward-difference approxinutios.

5.4.3 Central-DIfference Approximation to the Flow quiatioa.

If the base time level is assumed tobe r and the centra) difference

approximation defined by Eq. 3,16! is used.

,,.,,

-- f570
Substituting Eq. 5.70 into Eq. 5.46 ai yields

I Ask, ) p,1_p

/ AkK) (P Pi)

+ (.)r (5.7))

ar. in terms of the transmissibility.

T,15(p,1 p) T(p p)

+ q p1 (5.72)

The ccinrrd-dcfference approxirunlion. soinctiincs referred to as

Richardsons7 approximation, s a higher-order (second.order)

appernimation because it is derived by tnmcaring the Thylar suies

expansion after the second term, This approximation, therefore.

contains additional inlormanon not contained in either the forward-

or backwarddiffcrrnce approximations (both of which were mm

cated after the first term). Aithough it is a higher-order approxima

lion, il is rarely used in resets oir simulation because it is always un

stable (see ExampLe 5.18) and because it is difficult to apply the

initial conditions.

5.5 Implesnentation of Initi.l and

oundary Conditions

1 earlier wctioa of this chapter. three f.mte-ditfc,ence approxima

tions suitable for reseivoir simulation sscrc derived: the backward-,

forward-, and central-difference approximauons. These approxi.

mations were made to the single-phase, POE governing fluid flow

through porous medis.

Chap. 3 discussed solutions lo general differential equations.

These solutions were found to be families of fonctions that satisfy

the original differential cqualiun To obtain the desired engineering

solution to the problem at hand, the differential equation must be

subjected ro appropriate iisilinl and boundary conditions. Initial and

boundary condinoas arr used to delerminc which function solves

the given problem uniquely. While an entire liamily of tolutlirns hon

ors Lhe differentiai equation, only one unique solution honors die

differential equation, lhe initial conditions, and the boundary condi

tions simultaneously. Therefore, to obtain a unique solution to the

,eservoir-siniulatioo problem, initial and boundary conditions ornar

also he approximated by finite-difference methods and be incorpo

rated into dic reservou simulator. Sec. 4.5 discusses the initial and

boundary conditions for dic single-phase-flow equations that are

relevant lo common rcxcrvoir-cnginccring problems.

5,5.1 Implementing Initial Conditions. We restrict this discus

sion to single-phase-flow problems, lhe obecIive of resetvoir sim

ulation is to predict pressure distribution and production rates

throughout lime. This is accomplished by use of the fimite-differ

ence equations to advance the simulation from a known time level

(the time at which all dcpcndcnt variables arc known, a) to an un

known urne level (the time at which dependent vanables are to be

predicted, n+ 1).

In the finite-difference equations, he ermp represents lhe pees

ure valises oldie gridpoints at the known time levei, lhe stepwise

procedure for advancing the simulation in lime begins by assigning

known pressure values lo the a time level in the finite-difference

equations. The equations can then be solved for the unknown peca

yj,, pP 1 Once determined, the values of arc used as the

known pressures far the next timeslep. To statu Ibis procedure, the

known pressures used in the equations for the first timcstq, are the

pressures al the initial conditions.

Ioe single-phase problems, initiai pressures in the reservoir can

be determined by the local pressure gradient. The pressures as

signed to the grid cells are initially calculated with Eq. 2.14 and set

ting 4 Olor all grid cells, giving

p + y,(z,, r) (5.73)

In Eq. 5.73,p=pressureat thedatumderndZdep(h

of the Cell iJ,k at which pressure is p. Nate from Eq. 2.20 that

the temi y contains the phase density. p,, which is pressure depend

ent far slightly compressible and compressible fluids. Therelore,

the application of Eq. 5.73 rosy require iteration. (lap. 9 presenta

a complete treatment of initial conditions in multiphase problems.

84

li ASIC upiiro RESERVOIR SIMULATION

and 1ra Giidblock 4,

LL41_f..i

Ag. 5.18-Porous m.um and block-cinternd flnltsdftrnnc

grid with .p.cll.d-pr.zure-gradtent boundarl.a,

53.1 Implesassiring Boundary Conditions. The boundaries in a

peuttleum resesvoir can be extremely complicated. consisting of the

exiernal and internal boundaries that delineate the reservoir system.

The external boundaries must include the limits of both the hydro

carbon-bearing reservoir and any associated aquifers. Most com

merdai reservoir simulalun assume that the seservoirlaquifer sys

tem is hounded by a no-flow boundary at some distance [mm the

liydrocacbon-bcaring rock. Internally. petroleum rcstvoits may

casuai. several types of boundaries. including wcllberes. notireser

voir rock. and sealing (suits.

E.rieneal &,iusdp,es. The external boundaries of ill reservoirs

consist of the limits of the hydrocarbon bearing zone and any

astociated aquifer. Two important types of boundaries are generally

comsidemi in reservoir simulation: specified pressore gradient

(which include no-flow boundaries) and ipecfied pressie. The 1m-

plementation of boundary condihoindqends on lhe type of bound

ary encountered in tIr field and the grid system (block centered or

point distributed) used in the .hizatioq.

Specijled-Pressure-Gradieiu Bowsdariei. The equation

(5.74)

Is used ror a vpcciflcd pressure gradient at Lhe cucrnal boundary of

the field It is valid fot all specifcd-prccsure-grachcni boundaries

and can be used lo model a no-flow bouridajy by setting C-0. In

general, C can be a function of time. for this discussion, however,

consider C w be constant. Because Eq. 5.74 encompasses no-flow

type boundaries. this is the moat commonly used condition for cit

terna] boundaries in resavoir sisnubelon. Eq 5.74 must be diacre

tired befare it can be incorporated into the finite-difference reser

voir simu1ato This diacretizthon is dependent ott the grid system

(block centered or point distributed) used by the simulator.

Fqs, 5.18 shows a ID, block-centered grid system over a porous

medium. In this figure, the boundaries lie on the edges o(die first and

last grid cells (as well as the edges along dr length of the medium).

Writing the finuic-diffcsence equation (in this case tIr backward-dlf

fctence approximation) for each cell in this grid, yields a system of

four equations in six upknOwp.s. This racnts an ill .poed system

of equations because these are more unknowns lo be solved for than

there are equations. The system of finite-difference ecputiuna that

represents 1D flow for the grid system depicted in Fig. 5.18 is. for
GrLlock 1,

+ (aZ)(t4 (5.75)

(5.76)

for GndbLock 2.

?) T:12jP; pr)

_____ .

+ p;);

far Gdblock 3,

pr) r(,; _

r,. I .4.1 _ ..ii.fl r.. I..,,i 1+1

V4 I a4_v4 Pt

,p4

The reason thai there are more unknowns than equations is that

the finite-difference equations for the gnc*ikicks on the boundaries

contain pressures outside the p; and p ).We can use

Eq. 5.74 to complete the system of equations The central-difference

approannatsoa of Eq. 5.74, nttcn at the left boundary (xxi -)

in Fig. 5.IL is

(5.79a)

arpepi C(x1 xJ (5.7%)

Similarly, dr centrai-difference approximaaon can be used in

Eq. 5.74 for the boundary on the tight side (x=x4)in Fig. 5.18

lo obtain

P =pa+C.x z4) (5.80)

These two additional equations are used lo complete the system

of equations in the reservoir simuLator for che ID reservoir shown

in Fig. 5.18.
Fora no-flow boundary (C-O). Eqs. 5.79b and 5.80 indicate that.

fora block-centered grid, the Iwessuses of tise grid celia just outside

the reservoir are equal to the pressures of dr boundary grid cells just

inside the reservois. If we substitute the pressures fix a no-flow

boundary (po=iI and p4=p$) into Eqs. 5.75 and 5.78, lhe crins

containing dr boundary pressures go lo zero. That is.

,,,14(p; pj + g1,,1

_________ I

( v5c) pi)

a8,iit

for Eq. 5.75, and

- p1

Cpr 1,1

_ )

(5.81)

(5.82)

for Eq. 5.78. Because zero Iransinissibility on the boundary would

also caow this turn to vanish. an alternative approach to modeling

no-flow boundaries in a block-centered grid is to assign a zero value

to boundary trarLsmiisibihtics. That Is. for no-flow boundaries in a

block-centered grid.

T =0 (5.83)

Iii-3

andT . (5.84)

a44.

I.xsstplc SS. Foc the block-centered grid system shown in Mg.

5.18, show that the use of Eq. 5.79a with C-Ois equivalent lo use
of Eq. 3.83 for implementing a no-flow boundary in Eq. 5.75.

Solution. IisingavalueofC=OinF.q. 5.l9aresulisln Po = P.

S.thsziruting this pressure into Eq. 5,75 results in

Tjp;+ p:) T(p ) +

+ q51 (v5.)4.1 (5.77)

(aZ) p) (5.85a)

F1NtTE.DII+ItREN APPROXIMAIION 10 LINEAR-FLOW EQUATIONS

85
Fig. 5.*-Poroua medium end polnt-diatrlbuled fIiledtfter- ;

anca grid with pecIfId-pisIur-gradlent bounderiai.

I I

I I

112 - E

( VUC1) (? pt). .

a,Rt FIG. 5.20Handling ai a no-flow boundary willie point-distrib

. uted fInite-diftecanc. grid (Example 5.8).

Similarly, stibs*lzuting Eq. 5.83 taro Eq. 3.75 results in Eq. 5.SSb.

pi,) .t) + .

ruarpk 5.6k For the point-distributed grid system in Fi1. 5.19,

, . sirnw that the use of Eq. 5.89 is equivalent to lhe use o(Fq. 5.91
for

= 1f 1 f.4i 5861 implen tingano-flowboundaiyinFq.5.75.

I ri Soluiio,i. Eq. 5.75. written for the complete (Jrdblock 1. which

I is enclosed between boundanen 1- and 1+ . s lhe following

(sec FIg. 29;

orT, (ppr)+q,

(5.85b) = (vb)ci)(.I (5.93a)

51g. 5.19 shows a ID. point-distnbuted grid system over lhe saine whae q
2q (5.93b)

rcscnvirdisciiaacd earher. Noce that. in the point-diatrthumed grid sys

em.thegridpheontheboundarieso(theresenwforapoint- V, - 2V, (5.93e)

distributed grid. we can usc the ccntral-chf!crencc a oil rufton fa

both boundaries. Aplyrng tue cccrencc apmimaon co T1., = (5.93d)

Eq. 5.74 at the left bosmdy(axxe)in Fig. 5.19 resuha and Po Pt

(5.93e)

-: : (5.87a Substituting Eqs. 5.93b through e into Eq. 5.93. results

in

T 1p1) (+ipa+t)+q

0 Pi C(.t2 X0I (587b) i4

Similarly. forthc right boundary (atxzs)ctlh.gsid system shown 12V,

ia Fig. 5.19. (ai,sr )r i) (5.94.)

P. P4 + C(x, X4) (5.88)

Fora no flow boundary(C=0).Bqs. 5.8lbsnd 5.88 indIcate thai. o- zr (pH

pt) + 2q,

for a poiat-distrlbuicd grid, lhe zesaures of the grid cdli just out

sede the reservoir equal the pleasures of the grid cells located one

grid oeil away from the boundary cells, Again, an alternative ap. (v,c \,
.

pruach to modeling no-flow boundaries is w adjutl values of trans- IP

(5.94b)

missibilky of appropriate tenna In the finIte-.differemee equations

ami lo use the actual bulk volume of boundary b1ock or after dividmg
duough by 2, the equation (or actual (Jfldblock lis

For no-flow boundaries (C0), Eqs. 3.8Th and 5.88 become

T (pr _ t) + Qir

P0P2 (5.89) I

and p5 p, (5.90) f V,c,

p (. e)

We can also tse the trsitsrniosibility terms to model no.flow I1

boundaries. For a point-disthbuted grid system. We fl 10 4c osajpe from

Eq. 5.75 by selling
a zero value to boundary minsnusaibaliucs T - - 0 and using the actual
bulk volume, Va . and production

T5 = O (5.91) rate. q.1, of Gridblock I (enclosed between ij and x1 +

ti).

I. .A+I _al g

r , i0 , q1

anui u pet

anduscthcactualbulkvolumcandactualproductioeinjection)raie y c

forthcboundyblocks.Lie.mple5.6providesthedetaiIsofthede- = I I ( pI,
(5.95)

tpncnso(F.q.59l. a.

BASIC APPlIED RESI!R VOIR SIMULATION

Fig. 521Porous medium and block-cantered, tInite-dlft.r,nc. Fig. 5.22

Porous medium and polM.distrlbuted, finite-differ..

grid with speclflad-pr..eur. boondarle.. soc. grid with speclff.d-pr.ssur

boundartes.

which, fier simpLification, is identical to Eq. 5.94c.

Specgfted-Pressawe Bov.ndarks. Fora specified pressure ai the ex

ternal bcaindaty,

p,C . (5.96)

js valid. Boundaries of this type arc encountered in the presence of

strong aquifers. Again, (he value of Com be a functon of time, but

far the present discussion it will he assumed constant.

51g. 521 show, a block-centered grid sysIcm in the presence ola

spccifiod-preasurc boundary. Several methods can be used to awox

imite a spccificd-iwcssine boundary fora block-centesed grid system.

The sinsiest approach is to assign the specified boundary jxemav to

the grid cells on the boundary. The advantage of this method is that

we do tiet have to solve any equation for grid cells on the boundary.

There Is one disadvanre with this wentrnent for block-centered

gilds, the presitie point for boundary cells is tint actually on the
boundary but is &i12 away from the boundary. This problem can be

somewhat nileviated by reducing die grid size along the boundary.

A second approach that can be used for block.cemterod grids is to

extrapolate the boundary pressure C, from the two closest pressure

points to the reservoir boundary. One such app maLlan, written

for the left boundary in Rg. 5.21, is

(I + Q)p1 = C (5.97a)

where Q - ix1/(ix2 + it1). For the special case of uniform grid

apecinL it, - is and Eq. 5.97a becomes

Pi P2 C (5.97b)

Eq. 5.97 is the common foins of the extrapolation approach that ap

pears in the petroleum Literature.2

Fxaatpk 5,7. Detive Eq. 5.97 for a block-centered gild system.

Solution. For a block-centered grid system, the slope of the

pressure with respect to distance, x. (the pressure gradient) is (see

FIg. 5.21)

p1 p, 2Pt Pi)

ra

1 2

F.strapolating the pressure from p to the lefi boundary of the reter

voir results in

(5.99a)

_____ fit, 59%

Pt + , r .

Nate that the negative sign in Eq. 5.99a Is the result of the fact that

We arc extrapolating pressure in the negative z direction. 1f we were

extrapolating in the positive z direction (right boundary in Fig.

521), then we would usc a positive sign.

Setting Q ir,/(it2 + ir,),resultsin

C p, Q(p2 p,)

or C (1 + Q)p, -

which is Eq. 5.97a. For the special case of a wform gird,

ix = ix = ix5. Consequently,

Fig. 5.23Finite-difference grdbloclt containing a wailbore.

Q_

iv+ir 2

Substituting into Eq. 3.97a results in

C p.

which is Eq. 5.97b.

Although this approach is more rigorous. it has the disadvantage

thai additional equations must be solved along with the finite-differ

ence equations This directly corresponds to more ceritral-proces

sing-unit time for a simulation run.

The iinplemcntalicm of specified-pressure boundaries fora point

distributed grid is relatively simple: FIg. 5.22 thowa an example.

Because the pressure poLril of the posni-distrihuted grid lies on the

boundary, the specified pressure can be applied by assigning itas the

pressure of the boundary cell. No extrapolations arc required for

specified-pressure boundaries on a point-distributed grid.

Iistenimlouw4arics. Internal boundaries in ahydrocaitiori reser

voir include weLls, noareservoir rock, and sealing faults. Each 01

these boundaries requires a diffuent implementation method.

ttWIr. th the exception of single-well simulations in cylindri

cal coordinates, Lhe dimensions oCa simulation gridblock arr

ally much larger than the dimensiona of die wellbore. Por these
cases. itciin be assumed that the well baa relatively little volume and

behaves like a line source in the gndblock. For lull-field models in

rectangular coordinates, therefore, the boundtuy conditions can be

approximated by a line-source/sink lena. The source/sink terms are

applied tiw-ough the q,,, ternis in the finiic-drlcrencc equations.

Fig. 5.23 shows a wellbore in a large rectangular grid system.

Expressions ftw the sourcclsink tenu can be obtained by use of the

steady-state well theory. The flow into a welibore can be estimated

from a well model, such as

2sk,h

log(r,/r,,) + s] - Pit)

.... (5.100)

F1NITE-DWTtRENOE APPROXIMATION TO UNFAR.Ft.OW EQUATIONS

1I1I11111111111111111llflh111TRi[11T11111111111111111111111111111111

!! ,

n n

TiILk*

where. fu anis.otropi reservoirs in rc.raiigular grid veut. Peac

man6 showed thai the equivalent radius of a weU block. s

0.28 . (5.101)

(t,fk1) + (ki/kr)

and the horizontal penncability is

= Ji. (5.102)

Chaps. 6 and 9 discuss lhe details of well Utatment in reservoir aim

ulanon for nglc-phaae and multiphase flow, respectively.

Non,rsenoir Roc* The presence of ,sonreservoir rock ni a pairo

hmm reservotr may have a sigruficinit Impact orn reservoir perfor

mance. The performance most significantly nfftcsed by non -ersoir

rock includes the volumetncs of the In-place hydrocartions. gas and

wa(er-conisgbehaviur in the presence of shaks. and gravity over-Am

derride chiring displacement processes in the presence of diales. In

addluon. the effeuve vertical pemieabllity of a gridblock ahei de

pends on the amount and continuity al any diales it contains.

Shale swingers of negligible volume that sa as flow barriers c.sn

be modeled effectively by assigning zero values of vertical mos

misaibilily to the layris bounded by 11w shale. The section on ester

ital boundaries discussed this approach to modeling no- flow bound.

arrs. 1f the diales nie muse massive. il may be necessary to alter the

iset-lgroas-Ilckness ratio or adjust cell tops to allow for vertical

gaps between flow units. Most commercial simulators have the ca

pability to aher these grid properties. Fig. 5.24 shows a cross-sec

tional view of a finite-difference grid iii the presence of vertical

flow barriers.

Sealing Fauks. Faults are common geologic features in petro

leum reservian; often, they arc sealing faults that act as barriers to

flow. We have already seen how zero values of ttanainissibility can

be used to model no-flow boundaries. This method can also be ap

plied to scaling faults. Fig. 5.25 shows a cmss-sectionai view of a

finite-difference grid in the presence of a sealing fault.

5.6 ExplicIt and Implicit

Flnt.-Olff arene. Formulations

The problem to be solved in reservoir modeling is to advance lhe

simulation from the initial conditions to future times. This is accom

plished by stepping through the simulation with discrete time inter

vals called timesteps.

Earlier, this chapter derived two finite-difference approximations:

the forwa,d- and the backward-difference equations (Eqs. 5.69 and

5.66, respectively). Akhough they base similar forma, theme is a fun

cLunertal difference bclwcen the two frwintiltions. Hecause al the

time levels assigned to the pressures on the Icfl sides of the equations.

the forward-difference equation results in an explicit cak-ulation for

the new-time-level pressures while the backward-difference equation

results in an implicit calculation for the new-time-level pressures.

This difference is the subject of this section.

88

:jc

Fig. 5.28Porous medium and block-cantered grid system br

Example 6M.

SAI Explicit Farniulatlurn. The forward-difference approxima

tion to the flow equation results in an explicit calculation procedure

for the new-time-Level pressures (designated n -r lin the fiailechf

ference equations). Solving the forward-difference equation (Eq.

5.69) fix the unknown quantity, p ,yields the expression

arAr\ la, fltst\

= + +

x 4P7t, (r -r T, ); + T p.].

(5.103)

Ail terms on the right side of Eq. 5,103 are known because all

pressures appearing on this side are at the known (old) time level.

n. In this equation, the pressures at the new-time level can be ob-

tamed explicitly by use of these known pressures. The following cx.

amples show the explicit calculation procedure.

Ixmnple S.L For the It), block-centered grid shown in FIg. 5,26,

determine the pressure diatiibution during the first year of produc

tien. flic initial reservoir pressure is 6,000 psis. The rock and (luid

properties for this problem are is -1,000 ft. y -1000 ft is .75

ft,111 I RB)STB,q3.5x I06psi. l5md,-l8,u,

lOcp.andRl RHTh.

Une timeatep sizes of i lO, 15, and 30 days. Assume 1 acts as

a constant within the pressure range of interest. (This example is

also presented as an exercise (Exercise 5.12) where this assumption

is nor used.I

Solunon

1. ForAi 10 days.

Because thit problem usescustomary units, we refertoTable 4.1

to calculate the fluid and block properties as ir- L000 ft.

4 AysSz(l,0(X) ft)(75 ft)..75000ft2, isAyAz(l,000

ftXI,000 f*)(75 (O75X106 ft, k0.0l5 darcy, Mt 10 q,

i?l RB/STh and 8l RB/STE. q3.5Xl0 psi1.

150 STB/D. -0.I8. and is lO days. Therefore.

BASIC APPLIED RESERVOIR SL%!ULA11ON

Fig. 5.24Croes section ahowing v.rtteal flow barriers.

Fig. 5.2$Cross section showIng a sealIng fault.

iaBTWD

A,k,

1d,8sA1

(a811fVjc,) ((5.615)4lX1C)Vft7SX 106X18X3.5x 106)I 6.000

1.18836; and, oi unilu,m gdblocka.

For C1rdb1ock 3, llmeatep 2,

a , a

I Ark, ti = p + (0.1SO7)p (O.3Ol3)p + (O.lSOl)p

6,000 + (0.1507)45821.75) (0.3013)46,000)

+ (0.1507)(6.000)

. (5.104)

= 5,973.14 pila.

or ([(I.127X75.000XOE015)14(10)(I)(l,000)])=0.1268. We no For G.idblock

4, Tlmea*ep 2.

apply the initial conditions at n0; p 6,000 psis for Oridblocb

1.2 5. FcwOridblock 1,flmestep 1. p=p:(178.2s4)+(o.l507;(o.3o13)p+

(o.15o7

pa + 1.I88360.L268 pa 0.126840 pa + (0)p.j 5.821.75 178.254 +

(0.1507)46.000)

pa + (0.I507i (0.1507v + (O)P (0.3013)45.821.75) + (0.1507)46.000)

5,697.21 psis.

6,000 + (0.1507)46.000) (0.1507)46,000)

6,000 pua. Far Oridblock 5. Timeslep 2,

For Oridblock 2,Timestcp 1, p = pa + (O) (O.l5O7)pa + (0.I507

p41 f + (QI507)p (03013)p + (01507, = 6,000 (0,1507X6, 000) + (0.

1307)(5, 821.75)

6,000 + (0.1507)46,000) 5.973.14 psis.

(0.3013)46,000) + (0,1507X6,000) This is the end of dw second timestep.

Ths procedure is repeated

until the end 01 the simulation. ThbIe $1 shows the rults of this

6.000 pca. explidll siniIaUon.

2. Ior&= IS deys,

For Oridhlock 3. Timestep I.

= p; + (0.1507, (0.3Ol3)p + (O.I507)p (aAr .........ffi.6L5XIXIS)

= 6.000 + (0.1507)46,000) (0,3013X6,000) V5c1 ) (75 X IO)(O.18x3S X
10) = 1.78254

+ (0,1507X6,000) and ( A k ( A,k, ) 0.1268.

6.000 psis.

x,

Foe Gdblock 4, Thnestep 1.

For (jfldhlock I,

pa + (I.1*836)( ISO)

= pa + (OE2260 (O.226O)p + (O)p.

+ (0.15O7 (0.30I3 + (OEI5O7)p

For Qidblock 2,

6,000 (178.2540) + (0,1507X6.000)

pa + (0226O) (0.4S2O)p + (0,fl60.

(0.3013)46,000) + (OEl 507X6.000)

For GdhLock 3,

5. 821.75 psis.

pa + (0.226O)pa - (O.4520)p + (0.2260.

Far Glblock 5, flmcstep I.

For (Jdblock 4.

. pa + (0)p (O.l507)pa + (O.15O7)p

p + (1.78254)4 50) + (0.2260

6,000 (0.1507)46,000) + (0,1507X6,000)

6,000 psi. (O.452O)p + (0.2260)pa.

This sthe end of the first timesl7. Now. act pa pr,whcrc

ForGrlblock5,

11. 2 5. That is to say, p,=6,000 pais, p=6,OO0 pila,

p=6,000 psis. p=5.82I.75 psis, and p=6,000 pala r=i0 P P + ()P

(O.2260)pa + (O.2260)p.

days. We now proceed to the nest timestep.

For O,icLlock I. flmesmcp 2. shows the results of this cxp&it
simulation.

3. For & 30 days.

p = 4 + (0. l5O7) (O.15O7)pa + (O)p

Ia,81it\

6,000 + (0.1507)46,000) (01507X6.000) L,

6,000 pesa.

PorGridblock2,Tamesiep2, ( A,1, I Ark, = 0.1268.

p4+I 4 + (O.1507)pa (0.3OI3)j4 + (O.l5O7)pa r/oss \ a+

6.000 + (0.1507)(6,000) (0.3013)(6.000) For Gridhiock I.

+ (0.1507)(6.000) 4 + (0.452O)pa (0.4320 + (0.

HNITh.DII+NtEN APPROXIMATION TO LINEAR R.OW EQUATIONS

__ ___ ___ ____ __

r TABLE &1EXPJCfl.6IMULAflOW4TUDV RESULTS OF TABLE 2 XPUCT-

SBULATION$TUDY RESULTS OF q

THE PROBLEM WI FIO. 5.26(41=10 days) THE PROBI.EM IN FIG. 5.26 (..t- 15
days)

____ Pressure (peaa) .

lime I.,

(days) 8lock 1 Block 2 Block 3 B)odc4 BlockS !!

. ______ _______________________________ 150.0 5,909.33 5.763.95

5,476.96 4,912.67 6263.28

180.0 5,843.62 5,689.95 5,351.62 4.791.45 5,104.79

For (]ndblock 2.

210.0 5,778.68 5,607.44 5255.67 4,651.52 4,963.16

4 4 + (0.4520)14 (0.9040)14 + (0.4520)14. 240.0 5,701.28 5,525.93

5.141.61 4,530.79 4.822.29

270.0 5.622.02 5,431.47 5.039.23 4.403.89 4,690.53

For (]ndblock 3,

300.0 5.536.89 5,340.30 4.929.36 4,286.87 4,560.97

4 + (0.4520)14 (0.9040)14 + (0.4520)14. 330.0 5,447.49 5,242.96

4,82428 4,166.31 4,436.62

360.0 5,365.04 5,146.14 4,716.11 4,061.12 4,314.44

For Orklblock 4,

Table 5.3 thows lhe ewlt 01 this esplicit simulation,

..,

p4 4 + (3.5608)( 150) + (0.4520)14 This example iIluqraies several

points ciscussed Ilvusighoul dus

chaer. The first po s.s thai die no-flow bra.idarics vau k modelai

- (0.9040)14+ (0.4520)14. by assagnmg zero trnn.snlssibihtics at the

edges of the porous rneduian.

The second is thai the pressures calculated at idenlical urnes are dif

For Gdb)ock 5, Ictent, depending on the thnessep size used in the

calculation. This is

indicative of the approximate nature of the finime-dilfetence lech-

p; + (0)14 (0.4520)14 + (0.4520)14. nique. There Is ito reason why

these approsimallons hou1d give the

BASIC APPUID RESERVOIR SIM (I ATION

I q

I.1

I U1NALllhi,

. I SD D

TABLE 5.4EXPIICIT-SIL4ULATIOI4-STUDV RESULTS OF

.
5

l,DOtI1

p . LpiIP

Fig. 3.27Porou. meclum and blocis centered grid .yst.nI (or

Examp 53.

saine results hE ditkrent timeitep sizes. Because the prounudion

is lrst order, the small, runestep sazcs generally give more precise

results 1ien computed with the solution of the origina] PDE

A final point illustraled by this example is that the pressure trin

aient created by fluid withdrawal from the well in Gridblock 4 can

move only one ccli pci timcatcp. This is a p.upcrly o(thc explicit

methods only. For a limestep suc oC 10 days. it takes the pressure

transient 40 days lo reach the left boundary, while tora tirnealep size

of 30 day; ii takes the presxure trnnsent 120 days to reach the

boundary. That is, four timnsteps are always netded for the pressure

transient lo reach the left boundary in this example.

E.xmmpk5.9. r-os the ID. block-centered grid shown in FIg. 5.27.

determine the pressure dribution during the first year of produc

tion. This prublcrn is identical lo Example 5.8, except that the 0-

flow boundary on the left side of the reservoir is replaced by a

cosatantprcssure boundary. Use the sanie rock and fluid properties

ns ai Example 5.8. Although this ia a block-centered grid aystem as

sume that the pressure in Gridblock lis equal to the boundary pres

sure. Upe a tinrestep oC 15 days,

So6aion. As ni Example 5.8. a,B&/Vpc, 1.78254 and

gk./FtB,Z 0.1268 for all blocks.

ForOridhiock i,Timcatcp 1, p - 6,000 pala.

ForGndblock2,Ttmestep 1.

4 + 1.7825410.1268 4 (01268 + 0.1268) 4

+ 0.l26$,41

. 4 + (0226O)p (OE452fl4 + (02260)p

= 6,000 + (0.2260X6, 000) (OE45206, 000)

+ (2260X6,000)

6,000 para.

For (3rjijbk,ck 3. Timestcp I.

4 4 4- (0.2260)p (0.45204 + (022604

= 6.000 + (0.fl60X6,000) - (0,4520X6,000)

+ (Q.2260)(6, 000)

6,000 psis.

For Cndblock 4. Ttmcstep 1.

4+ 4 + (L78254)( 150) (0.226O)g4

(0.4520 + (0.226O)p

= 6.000 267.381 + (02.260)(6.000)

(0.4520X6,000) + (0,2260X6.000)

= 5. 732.62 para.

Fo, Oiidbiock 5. flmestep I,

= 4 + (O)p (O.226O)p + (o.226o)p:

6,000 (0.2260)(6, 000) + (02260X6,000)

- 6,000 pala.

Thais the end olihe first timestep Now. set p7 p7. where

=1,2 5,andpmceedochesecomdtiniestep

FOC Gr lOCk I, Ttmeatep 2, p 6,000 para.

For Gridblock 2. Tlmestep 2.

. 4 + (O.226O)p (O.4S2O)p + (O2260)f4

6.000 + (0.2260)(6, 000) (0,4520X6, 000)

+ (02260X6,000)

6.000 pala.

For Gridbiuck 3, Thncstc 2,

4 + (O.2260)p7 (O.452O)p + (OE2260)p

6.000 + (0,2260X5. 732.62) (0.4520(6.000)

+ (0,2260X6, (100)

5.939.57 pais.

For Gridblock 4, Thnestep 2.

4 267.381 + (0.2260 (O.4520)p + (0.22604

- 6,000 267.381 + (02260X6,000)

/1/

ai

THE POBt,E?.I IN FIG. 527 (t- 15 day.)

Prensaie (pela)

Tvn

(L B 2 Blo4

FIN1TE.OIFFERF.NCF. APPROXIMATION TO LINEAR-F1.OW EQUATIONS

91

For Oridnlock 5. Ilmesiep 2.

4+ (O)p - (OE22604 + (0.2260

6.000 (02260X6. 000) + (02260)(5, 132.62)

 5.939.57 pata.

ThIs is the end of the second meep. This procedure Is coijrnnued until

the cad of the siimilstkat. ThN 5.4 shows the esltsofdtia simuladras.

In this esampte. the difference between the two types otboundary

cunchtions ta illustrated clearly. At 360 days, the pressure in the grid

block containing the well is appenximatcly 80 psi greater in the case

of prcssurc-specificd boundary compared with the case of the no-

flow boundary. This is because he pressure specified for the bound

y penvidet pressure support to the giiilock containing the well.

The method of implementing the specified boundary pressure in

Example 3.9 s the least rigorous method available for blockcen

tered grid systems. This is because the presasee on the boundary is

shifted from 11w gndblock edge to the block center (i.e., xIZ away

from the rcaervotr boundary). AlLhuugh this method is the kati se-

curate method of implementing boundaries with specified pressure.

it is the most practical method of implementation; coasequenhiy. it

is the moat oonvnon method of implementing boundthcs with spe

cified pressure n reservoir simulators.

One method to improve the description of a constant-pressure

boundary isto uses more refined gild in the vicinity of the presstae

specified boundaries. In genera), this method can improve the accu

racy of mudehag boundaries with specified pressure in block.ccn.

tered griL For the explica solution techniques, however, this may

leed to stability problems. Example 5.10 illustrates this.

Eriuapk 5.10. Example 59 used a grid spacing o1Ar. 1,000 ft.

Because the grid system was block centered, the specified presasse

was shifted 500 ft toward the interior of the rcxcnor. By halving the

grid spacing, this shift is reduced to 250 ft. Use the explicit Forward
diflerence equation to sirmilate the problem illustnated in Fig. 5.28

with a tinatsoep siuot I5t= 15 days. Note that this problem is identi

cal to the problem shown in FIg. 5.27.

Soutism. All gridblocks are equal therefore, A5 1.000x75 =

75,000 R2; V5 .SOOxlSxl,00031.5x106 R3;

(aRSt (5.615X1X15) 3.56508

(37.5 X l0XOE18X3.5 x 10-)

and =

I55 ?+fl

1127 (75.000)(0015) 0253i8

(10)(1)(500) = -

For Gridblock 1, Timextep 1. p 6.000 psis.

92 BASIC APPLIED RESERVOIR SIMULATiON

s e

4 S 5 7 5 5

For Clndbkick 2, TunesIep 1,

p11+1 4 + 3.56508(0.25338 4 (025358 + 025358) 4

+ 0.23358p

= 4 + (O.9O40)p (1.808 + (0.9O40)p

______________ 6.000 + (0.9040)16.000) (1.806)16,000)

, . . UI + (0.9040)16.000)

6.000 pais.

Fig. 528Porous medium and btock-ciniarnd grid sysi.m for oritf,iocic 3.

Thaestep 1.

Example 5.10.

(0.4520)15.732,62) + (0.2260)16,000)

5,586.10 psis.

pm4t 4 + (0.9040)p (l.S08)p + (0.9040,

 6,000 + (O.9040)(6,000) (1.806)16,000)

+ (09040X6,000)

6.000 pata.

For Gridblock 4. Ttmestcp 1,

pl+l 4 + (O.9O4O)p (i.806)p (O.9O40)p

6.000 + (0.9040)16,000) (1.808)16. 000)

+ (0.9040)16. 000)

= 6.000 pala.

For (lndblock 5, Thisestep I,

4 + (O.90$(p (I.808)p + (0.90409

6,000 + (0.9040)16,000) (1.806)16,000)

+ (0.9040)16.000)

6.000 pala.

For Oridblock 6, llmestep I,

= 4 (09040)p (l.808 4 (0.9040)j4

6.000 + (09040)(6, 000) (1.84)8)16,000)

+ (0.9040)16.000)

-6.000 psis.

For Ondblock 7, Timestep 1,

p4#) = 4 + (3.56508)1 75)

+ (0.9040)p (1 .SOS)p + (0.9040

6.000 267,381 + (0.9040)16,000)

- (1.808)16,000) + (0.9040)16, 000)

5.732-62 psis.

For GndbLock 8, Timessep I,

4 + (336506)( 75) + (o.9o4o;

(I .808)g4 + (O.OO4O)p

6,000 267.38) + (0.9040)16,000)

- (1.808)16,000) + (0.9040)16.000)

3,732,62 psis.

For Gridblock 9, timestep I.

4 + (0.9040)p (1.808)p + (0.9040;

= 6.000 -.- (09040)16,000) (1806)16,000)

-f (0.9040)(6. 000)

6.000 psis.

TABLE 5.5EXPUCITSIUULATIO#I-STUOY RESULTS OF THE PROBLEM IN FIG. 528CM-

15 days)

[( vc,\

6.000 (0.9040)(6,000) + (OE9040)(6.000) _,j ,. _]Pr1 +

+T. +T1

6.000 pasa.

This is the end of the first timestep. This procedure is amtinucd un

til the end of the imnthon. Table 5.5 shows the resulta of this es- [

The egc behavior shown in ThNc 5.5 is caused the condi- KE + aRA:, (50

plicit simulation. X p =

tiossally stable natun, of lhe exp&iI foswanl-differeece fsxjmilation.

The lornard-diffesence equation is conditionally stable because un- where

the quantities p. p 1,wid er, aie all unknowns. Unlike

der certain conditions errors in the solution tend to go to zero during

explicit formulation. Eq. 5.105 cannot be solved explicitly for

the equens timesiep lstions. while under other conditions becauac both p
si4p aie siso unknown. Coisuquently,

these same errors propagate uncontrollably doting we must solve Eq.

5.105 wnnen for ail griclilocks and unknowns si-

step cajcujanons. This is a senous limitation of the forward-differ- n

neously. Examples 5.11 through 5 13 illustrate this procedure.

ence loanulation,

Eranepk ill. Solve the problem described in Example 5.8 using

Examples 3.8 and 5.9 presented appropriate conditions for a the implicit
backward-difference fonnulatson. Use a imestep size

stable sokmon, while Example 5.10 violated the conditions for a of &= 15
days.

stable solution. Stability and Stability Analysis in Sec. 5.6.3 discuss

stability analysis and conditions.

To summarize, lhe Implementation of the explicit formulation

VIaIJWLs.I

technique involves pressures st che old time-level only. Ai this time

level, these quantities aie known and can be used in an explicit caI- /

culation procedure o advance the simulation in time. Fig 5.29

ibows dr explicit calculation procedure schematically. 5_i t i.i

54.2 Imphdt Yorwiulation. The backward-difference approxima- Ag. 52I

Schmatc r.ptan.ntallon Ql contribution of gtidblocks

hon to the slightly compressible flow equation (Eq. 5.66) results In

ma Isvele In the .xclt .quatlon for Grldblock L

FINITE-DIERENCE APPROxINArION To UEAR-FWW EQtJAflONS

lillIffiuii.UllllllliuillulAIUluiuhlll 111111111111 fi;

93

_____ __ eees,s (pan) ___

Thme

ock1 Olodc2 BlockS ock4 Block5 BlockS Block? Blo8 ck9 Block 10

For Gridblock 10. Timestep 1. an implicit cakulation procedure for the

isew-time-level pressures.

Rearranging Eq. 5.66 yIelds

p0 + (O)p1 (O.904O)p0 + (O.9O40)p

06878 + 0.1268 0 0

+ 0.1268 0.8146 + 0.1268 0

O +0.126g 0.8146 +0.1268

o o +0.1268 0,8146

0 0 #0.1268

3,365.98

3,365.9e

3,365.98

3,215.98

3.365.98

Chap.? discusses the solution of linear matrix equations. For the

lune being. any linear algebtmc technique can be used to solve this

system of equations. The solution that uses a direct technique gives

pi -5.999.OSpaia. p .5,995.O2ja, p 5,96S.94psia.

p=5,805.44 psia. and p =5.964.13 psis.

Although direct sointion techniques will lint be discassed until

Chap. 7, the solution in the previous paragraph can be vcnfied easily

by substituting these values into the OginaI equations. This Is de

end of lhe first liincstep. The values of p can now be updated with

the known values.

Note thaL. in this problem, updating the pressures does not affect

the coeiicierns on the kfl side of the equaliom. btA only those on the

right side, This is because we assumed thatp4 and 8, were constant.

If these properties were pressure dependent, we would update the

coefficients al this potni. Therefore, for Gndblock t, Tlmeslep 2,

(0.1 26S)p4 (O.6878)pt [Q + 0.56100(5,999.08))

or (OEl26S)p (0.6878i 3.365.47.

For O,idblock 2, Thnes4ep 2,

(0.1 Z6S)p (0.8 146)p1 + (0.1 26S)p

(0 + (0.361001(5. 995.02))

or (o.t268; (0.8146)p + (0.l268)p 3,363.19.

For Cindblock 3, Timeatep 2.

(0.1268)p (O.8146)p + (0.1268)p

10 + (0.56100X5,968,94)J

Solution For &= 15 days. we calculated lhe following quantities Sec.

3.5.4 showed bow systems of equations can be represented

in Example 5.8. (v,,Ja,n&) 0.56100 and by a matriz equation. The matrix

equation for this problem is

o V2

o pS;.

+ 0.1268 .,..t

0.6878 V4

... 41

vs

[c(IdX) f

= 0.1268 (5.106)

FctGdbtock l,Tlmestep I,

(0.1268)p (0.36100 + 0.1268 + 0)p

+ (0)p 10 + (0.56100X6.000)),

wt,cre {1(4 Y(jqx)fl -0 fr no flow bosmda,y condition, or

(0.l26S)p (0.6878)p + 3,365.98.

For (irjdhkick 2., Tmnmeslep 1,

(0.1268)pr (0.56100 + 0.1268 + O.1268)p1

+ 0.l268p 10 + (O.56100)(6,000)l

or (0. J268)p (0.8146 + (0.1 26g I 3.365.98.

For Gridblock 3, Tiniestep 1,

(0.l268)p (056100 + 0.1268 + 0.l268)p

+ (0.1268)p = 10 + (0.56100X6.000)

or (O.l268)p (0.8l46)p + (0.1268 3,365.98.

Foc Gridblock 4. Timcstep (.

(0.l268)p (0.56100 + 0.1268 + 0.L268)p4t

+ (0.I268ip 1 150 + (0.56100X6,000))

or (0.l268)p (0.8146)p + (O.I2&)p 3,215.98.

Fo. GiiJ,lock 5, Tlmessep I.

(0)p (0.56100 + O + 0.I268)p

+ (0.l268)p = (0 + (0.56I00X6,000)J,

wticrt .(A4k,/u, ,A.a), Olor ao.fiow bosmdaiy condition, or

(o.68?)p; + (0.1268)pr 3.365.98.

Thbb SA shows the system of equations to be solved for the first

rnealep.

or (OEl268)p (O.8l46)p + (0.1268)pr 3.348.56.

For Gdblouk 4. llmeshtp 2.

(0.1268)p (0.8146)p + (0.1268)p

(( 150) + (0i6l00X5,80544)1

or (OEI268)p (O.BI4)p + (O.1268)p 3.106.83.

TABLE 5.8SYSTEM OF EQUATIONS EXAMPL.E 5.11

06878p +0.1288pr

f3.365.961

0.8146p + 0.1288p1

+ 0.1268pr 08146p + 0.1268p 1 I 3215981

I-3,365.961

= I - 3365,991

0l2e8p + o.I2e8p:1 o57spfl+ij L- 398J

+0.1268p1 0.8l46p1 +0l268p

_____ ____ ___ __ - - - __

94 HASK APPUbD RESERVOIR SIMULATION

UIAAAAAAAIIUIIUUliALAAliULAA J 4.AAIIIIIILILAAAIAL

ihU.AAIAfl
..

For Grtdock 5, Emcsscp 2,

(06878)p (O.l268)p4 10 + (0.56100)(5.964,13)J

or (0.6878)p (0.1 26S)p = 3.345.86.

Solving dr CYSLCDI of updated equations tesuks in the following

pressure disinbuiton at Day 30: ri + t 5.9%.29 pua,

p5.93.93pua, p 5,922.46psza, prt.5,65535p11a,

and p - 5,90721 paie. This is dr end of the second timeStq.

Ths procedure conimuns until the end of die simulation Table i7

shows the results.

Example 5M illustrates thai tIr amount of computation required

for the inlicit solution procedure is much greater than that (or the

explicit solution procedure. Thais because at cech tilnesrep. a aya-

tem of equations nsust be solved for the unknowns of the problem.

In general, most oldie computational time used in implicit simula

Lions is in the solution of the linear equations.

flue example also illustrates that the pure transient cai move

more than one block per Limcstep. Here, it has moved to die lefl

boundary during the first tiniestep. Also, the results (rani the imp&

it backwl-differencc formulation and dr explicit forwani-ditfer

cace formulation will not gvc identical results even when the same

timealcp is used. Again, this is because of the approximate nature of

the finite-difference approach.

FInally, the no-flow boundary can be impternenlnd by assigning

. resu transmissibilIty to the boundark. This is the same method

used in earlier examples. ExempLo 5.12 illustrates dr impiementa.

bon of a specified-pressure boundary.

Example iii. Solve the problem described in Example 5.9 using

the implicit backward-difference foisnulanon. Use a timestcp sire

o(&..l5 days.

Sobgfa.s Far the Ifrat tInp kw Gricthkxk 1. Pr =6.000 Fir dl

oilier iJ,kicks kw the first tinwatep both the left nid rigtm saks oldie

faniac-cbffarisce a.afioas are knticsl lo tisse w F.xiznple 5.11. fie

differetice eqiion fiz Gri,I,lock 2 can be ieam.nged because p it

knousr (0.1268X6, 000) (O.8l46)pi +(0. 1268)pr 3,365.98

or (O.8l46)p+ 0.l268p = 4,126.78. The matrix

equation lar the first timestep is

0.8146

+1268

+0.1268

0.8146

+01268

+ 0.1261

0.8146

+ 0.1268

+ 01268

0.6878

4.126.78

3.365.98
= 3.215.98

3.365.98

The solution lo this system of equations is p t =6.000 pua (fixed).

p .5,995.17 puis, p = 5.968.97 puis, p =5.805.44 pala.

J ,;s 15,%413 pea. This Ii dr end oldie first Limeslep. For all

future timesteps. the left side of die finite-difference equations re

matas constam and only the tight side changes. For die sccond anne-

step. the matrix equation becomes

F1NflE-04FFERENOE APVROX1MA1ON TO IJNIiAR-IWW EQUATIONS

n auuuuiiiu llhiffiillAU1U11ilffi

TABLE 5.7IUPUCIT-SIMULATION.-STUOY RESUlTS 0F

THE PROBLEU IN FIO. 5.2 (M= 15 days)

Pransur (pala)

TABLE 5.8IUPUCIT-SINULATJON-STUDY RESULTS OF

ThE PROBLEM IN FIG. 8.27 (&(= 13 days)

Prusaure (pala)

Time

The solution toth system olequions is p r 60O0 pm. (fixed).

p1_s,9g4.62p535. p5922.S9pia p:t1=5.655-37paa.

sial p 5,90722 ps This is the end of the second timeslep.

This procedure is continued until the end of lhe simulation Thble

S.S shows the results of this example.

As a final example, we investigate the problem defined in Fig.

5.28, which exhibited instability with the explicit formulation.

Erample 5.13. Solve the problem described in Example $10 by

usc of the implicit backward-difference fonnulation, Use a rimcstep

size of &15 days.

Sofl#ion. The matrix equation f4x the first rimestep can be written

foftowing lhe procedure outlined in Examples 5.l1 and 5.12. Be

cause p 6,000 psis at all limes, the equation for Ckidblock I

is removed from the system and the equation for GncI,kick 2 is mo

dified by substituting for p71 6.000 psis and carrying the term

insolvimig p to hic right side. Thble 5.9 shows the resulting ma

trix equation, and Table 5.11 shows the results of this simulation.

F.xample 5.13 demonstrates that no stability problems sir

associated sith the implicit formulation. This is because the implicit

fonnulation Is unconditionally stable, This propeily states that no

conditions exist where the backwsid.liffereoce formulation ethbita

unstable hdiavior. Although this statement indicates that any grid-

block lhmersots andlor tinlestep size can be used with no stability

problems, the use of large timestep sizes and block chmensions may

result in unrealistically coarse approximations. This becomes appar

ent in lhe solution asa departure from the mie physics o(thcprobletm

Because oldie saiconditionaily stable nature oC the implicit formula

tian, the bsckwsed-difference formulation is the moat commonly

used formulation In petroleum reservoi simulation.

As a summary. FIg. 5.30 is a schematic diagram of the implicit

formulatiom The figure illustrates the need lo solve a system of

equations because more than one pressure al the n +1 Lime level l

required f& the solution.

54.3 Truncation Error, Stability, and Conalskncy Analysis el

Finite-Diflcrcnce Schemes. To replace a continuous P1)E with its

finite-difference representation, certain aspects of the approxima

tian have to be investigated carefully. In putlicular. it s importam

lo estimate the magnitude of the error introduced when the approxi

marion is implemented, whether errors introduced at a certain stage

n the computations grow uncontrollably lo dominate the solution

and, finally, whether tise finite-difference approximation ui is

compatible wills the original PDE. The next three sections present

analysis procexes that can be used lo adcfress these questions.

Thmc.ioi. Eno, and Trvncetlpa-Erro, Aaaps. As Secs. 53

and 5.4 discuss, the replacement of lhe spatial derivative and time de

rivative is achieved by use of a mincated Thyler series expansion.

Tnmcsition errar is, therefore, a direct result of this approximation.

The net result of titis truocation errar is the approximate nature oldie

solution. In other words. ita computer with Lhe capacity to cany an

infinite number oldigits were used to obtain the solution to the finite-

difference equations (that s, a solution with no round-off error), the

solution would differ from die esseS solution of the Original PE be.

cisise of thit nincatis is error. The problems we need to address are

the magnitude of the tnsmcation error and how can we increase the se

curacy oUin approximation by decreasing die magnitude of this error.

As mentioned previously, the deviation of the PtW from its corre

sponding finite-difference approximation at a given point in space

asid ata given instant In the time domain is called the loca] truncation

error or local discrctizarion error,2 In other words, the truncation er

ror, z, can be expccssed as

efrvfLr (3.107)

Consider the diffusivity equation

(5.10$)

and its corresponding forward difference approximation

509
()2 1) &

The local truncation error ar Discrete Point I asid Time Level n can

be defined by Eq. 5i07 as

[p7_1_2p+p;411pt_p

[ D

(b): (5.110)

The local truncation error as described by Eq. 5.110 is not readily

quantifiable because the subtraction cannot be creried out when one

group o(terms is loan algebraic (discrete) form arid the otbergroup

is in a continuous form. Example 5.14 illustrates the procedure used

to overcome this difficulty.

Eraetple L 14. Determine the local truncation oece of the explicit

finite-difference approximation to p/)x2 (lID)(p,i)t).

Solution. To express the tetina in the first brackd of Eq. 5.110. use

the Taylor senes expansion to expand each entry irs the finite-differ

ence form al Poial land Time Level n.

96

BASIC APPLIED RSFRVOIR StMULTION

TABLE 5.9MATRiX EOUAT)ON Il EXAMPLE 5.13

illAilAAAL 4AA1 A A li .

TABLE 5.1OIUPIJCfT-SIUULATK)N-STUOY RESULTS OF THE PROOLEU IN FlOE 5.26

(At= 15 day,)

Thn

Pressute ()__

Suba*iwtmg the cxpan2ions in E. 5.111 through 5.113 into Eq.

5.Il0yidds

[j[a x (Ax)2 2p (Ax)1 p

7ILlI.l

. . : : . . . .

Fig. &30SchentIc r.pi...nllon of contrtu*o., of grId.

blocks and lhWtim Ievb the ipIk qu Grldblock L

F1Nflt-DIERE4CI AP?ROXL%4ArlOIt flfl) LINEAR-FLOW EQUATIONS

97

Block I

which simpbfits ro

Combining Eqs. 5.118 and 5.122 by elimmaling par2 elds

r q 4 p

I X) 4pj (Ax) ar

+ -3 j +

The prrncipul part of the local trancarnos error is. then.

34 (A) 2p4

.(3.l6)

It is conventional to express lhe jaincipal pi of the local truncation

cmx in IcOns of the order of the error. O, as

CL O((x)] + O(At). (5.117)

In Example 5,14. the mot3non O[(&)1 cm be inicrpn,ted to

mean that when Ax is small craigh. the term

[(Ax9l2j((p)kk4)j behaves essentially like a constant multi

plied by (A x$. This implica that as Ax decreases, the truncation er

ror decreases (thea same observation is flue for A e, as wrfl), A dc

crease mAx andor tIcorTesponds tos decrease in lhe mesh size and

the timestep sure, resulting in an increased nunihero(discrete poiais

or simply in an increased number of computational operations. Be

cause every arithmetical operation introduces additional error

called row)d-Off cone, the increased number of operations in the

computer will increase the round-off error proportionally. This is

why one may not generally conclude that decreasing the mesh size

always increases accuracy. Therefore, this tradeoff between trunca

tion error and toumd-olf error shouki be acnnitzed carefully.

Example 3.15 introduces a thought process through which the

possibility of decreasing the torneaDos error of a finite-difference

approximation ii explored.

Example 5.15. How would you decrease the magnitude of Lhe

truncation error of the approximation u in Example 5.14

Solun ors. here, the goal is to seek a way to be able loset the princi

pai part of the local truncation error to zero, as

p0 (51)8)

12 Jx 2DI

1f the statement in Eq. 5.118 is achieved, the pnncipel part of lhe lo

cal truncation cmx will be Ot(x)4) + OI(Ar)21. From lhe original

differential equation we know thai

(5.119)

1f we = apa,, then

Eq. 5.124 is satisfied ifAt (Ax)21(6D); that is. if. in the discxetiza

tios process, the timestep size and the grid dimension are selected

so that the relation St(&x)21(fiD) is satistied. the finite-difference

approximation has a local mineation error of Ot(Ax)4J + O((r)2)

Naturally, the practicality of diii observation depends on the magni

tude oldie diffusivity constant, D If Attiras out tobe very small

foe reasonable values of Ax, the computational wotir involved Ia

creases substantially and the dilemma of round-off cmx vs. toanca

tios error arises again.

.iabili, aad StabUity Analyas, Ac the previous section dis.

cussed, the solution of the f.nle.differcnce (discrete) problem will

not converge Lo the exact solution of the differential problem even

if the grid dimentions arc made small. The disparity in the two solu

tions is mainly the effect al round-off cour, which may differ froto

one computer to another depending on the number of digits they

carry during the computations and on the internal aider of the com

pularicms. The resulting round-off error may soon dominate the de

sired solution and lead to incmed results. A numerical scheme tisai

cannot control the growth of this error generates ars unstable solu

tion. Example 5.10 illustrates this.

There are several procedures foc analyzing the stability ouagiven fi

nAte-difference approximation. After pelftsming a stability analysis an

a given finite-difference approximation. one can dctenmne the stability

criteria of the proposed aenw (that is. whether the proposed sehenie

is unconditionally stable, conditionally stable, or unconditionally sin

stable).

Stability Analysi,by Fo trSerirsMrthcrl In this method, the ini

tiai error in the fraitc.dillcrcnce approximation is represented by a fi

nite Fourier senes of the loon

where - PT end? - interval through which the function is de-

timed. hi the Fourier series method, the notation used suggests that

the solution can be decomposed into a product of sp- and tune

dependent terms. Accordingly, discrete values of a function (e.g.,p)

appearing in the finite-difference approximation should be ex

pressed as products of space- and u ne-dependent coons, The fol.

lowing are examples.

(5.125)
P4lJ r,1.ai)+r.2xI (5.126)

P:,J4I = (1I. (5.127)

(5.128)

The Fourier series method states diat a scheme is stable as long as

the amplification factor, , is less than one. The amplification

factor describes how an crine grows with simulated urne. The defini

tion of thc amplification factor is

/zr. I)\

= _____-) (5.129)

ma

In other words, we want to land the conditions under which the error

train at the new Omectep, , is less tItan the error term at the old

BASK APPUED RESERVO4R SIMULATiON

(Ax)2 n (As) a4n

DT- j O (5.123)

I( (At)l ,34

2 1 erID---- I (5124)

I 5115) [12 2 jaxt

2D, ash1 ob, at1,

(5120)

ax2at) DrIdr/

Or, substituting for aaron the left side of Eq. 5.120 with Eq. 5.108,

2/ a\ o2

winch reduces lo

a ah

(5.122)

9g

kliUAAAtuill.ilh4li4hAL1liLu4i4AfljaflA44hjfljgfljLflfljiiflu1h
umcslep. 11 If the error at the new tinp j5 kanw that it

will not grow as we advance the finite-difference solution in bme.

The following three ezampics ihow application o(the Fourier se-

fies method to analyze the stability of different finite-difference

approximaliucs.

where D. a posilive comitaut.

Soturwn. The exphcit finite-difference approximation to the dif

fusivity equation is

P+i+Pi_ PP

li Ar

F.rap4e 5,16. Investigate the stability of the backward finite-dif- Laing

r (D&Oi(Ax)2 yields

fetenes (implicit) approximation as applied to

(5.10)

where Da poicithre corstant.

Sohdion. The bnckward fuiile-diffeience approximation to the

given PDE ii

p:,2p+pr1 1p1e

(At)! D At

Rearranging Eq. 5.130 gives

(5.130)

2p:4 + pfl p p (5.131)

(Ax)

I.euing t - (DA:Y(Ax)2, noting that r is always a positive quancay.

and using the Fourier sesles notation (Eqs. 5.125 through 5.128), Eq.

5.131 can be written

2I.1i +

ei (5.132)

Dividing by er and rearranging Eq. 5.132 gives

+ ei5) 2r ii = (5.133)

Applying Eulers identity, e = cc. 6h sIn 9 where, in this case.

Byit. yields

+ Irsiny1Ax + rcosy,Ax

1runyAx 2r I) . (5.134)

Now. rearranging in lenns of lhe smplificatio. factor gives

Mw i,II)_ I1+2ri1crnyeAx)

1 (5.135)

I + 2,4) cosy,A.x)

For stability. say error wifl decrease with time. Ths implies thai

l;then,

1 (5.136)

I + 241 ary,&z)

Because r is always positive. Eq. 5,136 simplifies to

.y1&r O (5.137)

otcOiy1Ax I (5.138)

which ii truc ftw all values ofyj and Az. In other words, the atabilky

criterion is always satisfied regardless oC the valise of r, so the im

plicit fmite-differencc scheme is unconditio.ally stable. Example

5.13 illustrates this.

(5.139)

2p + Pi) P P (5.140)

Using the Fourier series notation, the above equation may be written

2jei +

eii (5.141)

Following a similar development as in Example 5.1 6.the amplifica

lion lactor cas be determined as

(.ti) 1 z,i cosy,Ax)L.

(5.142)

The stability condition requires thai 1- 2(l cosy1iz$ 1. Now

consider the following three situations.

1. vi&x= O-.coa yAz 1-.111 I which is always true but pro.

vides no useful information.

2. rtAxrI2-cos y1Az O-.l1 2i1 I.

3.yjAxr.cosy1Ax. 1.l1 4rtL

11 the last condition is satisfied, then the second condition is also

attis

fled. This imposes the requwement Il -4r1 I for die stability. which

gives citbu 4rO or 4r2. More explicitly, O4r2, where

r (DA,)Ax)2. leading lo the stability corsiiliim

At A (5.143)

because Ar is always positive.

Therefore, the explicit finite-difference scheme is stable only if

the requirement in Eq. 5.143 is saosfse4. This leads to the conelasion

that the scheme is only conditionally sable.

Erampk 5.18. Investigate the stability of the centrai finite-differ

ence approxinsalion (Richardsons7 approximatiomi) to the diffusav

uy equation

p12pp; _!pT+i_pi

2 D 2Ar

(Ax)

(5.144)

Solsiion, Again, let r- (DAflI(Ax)2. The Fourier senes notation

leads to

4r + 2nrr) _ ai _ r-.

Dividing both aides by gives

(5.145)
2re5 4r + 2rei = u 1 (S.l46a)

4l

because 4 . ... . - . (5.146b)

Substituting Eulers identity yarNs the quadratic equation

p2 + 441 ccwy1&4u 1 0 (5.147)

Solving for the roots of q. 5.147 yields

Exasipk 5.17. Investigate Lhe stability of the forward finite-dif

ference (explicit) approximation as applied to

(5.108)

241 cosy,Ax

J(l cosy,Ax)2 + I

F1NITE-D[FFER&%OE APPROXIMATION TO Lfl4EAR-FLOW EQUAI1ONS

(5.148)

99

2Ar ap (AI)2 alpj1

+(20 +jiij

Let us vestipate the following two caies.

Case I. At rAz. whete ris s positive constant.

, .

(op + (28 1)21.Ax 0p1 r2{&z)2

1L1 at 1 + j

. (5154)

r2(Ax)2 (Ax)2 asp;

+ ji -j . (5.153)

As mesh length. Ax. tends to cro,

( - + Jim(20 l) +

. (5.156)

Obviously when 8. the limit tends to intlty as Ax tends to

zero. On the odiei land. wheit 8. lhe value of in the limit

when Az apwoeches zero is

ap

L+7O (5.157)

I thIs case, lhe fimite-&!reis equdain is tics compatible with the

hffusivity equseon. but it is cxtnsrslcni with a hypedshc PUE. There

fore, when Az- rAi, the paiponed scheme is inconsistent with the dif

fusivity cqustitm for iy value of 8.

Case 2. Ar- (A x)Z. This um. the tnincation-error term is

(ap 3p 2,x)2 ap r(Ax)4 a2p

Z - i 2) +(20 lfr1 +

(5.158)

Again, as Sx-.O, the IruivaLicmcni term is

( + (20 l)2r (5.159)

116, the difference scheme is inconsistent with the original

PUR because

(1 -f 2(28 I)rJ. (5.160)

If. howevcz,0= Vs. the difference scheme is corisistere with the orig

inal PUE because the local tnincatiom error goes to z in the limat

when mesh size tends to zero

f a2\ 0 516)

iOt axj (. )

and 2s{l coay,Ax

+ 2(1ccsyAx) + I (5.149)

For stability, one needs to use che larger root In absolute value (re

member thai 1). Because (uI Luzi, the stability condition

requires that

2r(l cosy1&e) + JJ cosy1Ax)5 + I I.

(5.150)

which can be written as

4,2(1 cosy1Ax)2 + I (I 2i(l casy,Ax)]2.

(5151)

which simplifies to

4r(l cosy1Ax) O (3152)

This condition can never be satisfied because r is always a positive

constnnuand(l cosy,&i) Ofor&lv&ucsofy1A;.Thcrefoce.

the proposed scheme7 is unconditionally unstable.

IiyAzialyrirhvtdarrixMerhovi As thep.evioucseriesofex.

amples showed, the Fourier series method igsores che effect of the

bowsdaiy conditions on stability. This i why, although the condi

tions specified in Example 5.10 satisfy the stability criteria as pie

seribed by the Fourier selles method, the solution is still unstable

(see Table 5.5). When bowidary conditions affect stability, the ma

liii method must be used5 In this method, equations are expressed

In a matrix 1mm and the eigenvalues o(tbe resulting matrix arc ex

amined. For a stable solution method. ii is necessary lo show that the

absolute value of the maximum eigeisvalue (spectral radius) of the

nsatnz is less than one. Because determination of the eigcnvalucs of

a Large matrix is an arthmoss ask, the matrix method is rarely used.

It is also interesting to note that in less complex cases, the amplifica

tion factor of the Fourier series method is equal to the spectra] radius

of lhe matrix in the stability analysis by matrix method.

C.ns.ist.nc riad Lomrnzlescy Analyid,. The consistency (or

compatibility) ola fmnite-diterence approximation with the differ

ential equation is another important property thai must be examined

carcfully. Sometimes it a possabte to approximate a PDE with a fi

nte-diffcrencc equation that passes the stability tcst while the solu

tion offered by die fmite-differcnce equation may converge ao the

solution of another differential equation as the mesh sizes approach

zero. For a consistent scheme. it is expected that the finite-ditTer

ence approximation becomes identical to the angina] PUE as the

mesh sizes tend to zero.

Example 5.19. Consider the following three-time-level finite

difference approximation tu the diffusivity cqumian given by Eq.

5.lOtlwith1.

2[8p7 +oe5;-j+p7, p74 p71

()2 2At Lax and Rtchtrueyer9 studied the reLation between coasastency

and stability. The major est,It of their study is the Lax equivalence

(5 153) theorem, which slates thai, given a prupcily posed linear-

initial-sal-

oc problem and finite-difference approximation to it that satisfies

where O 1. Find the value of 0 that ensures the consistency of the

consistency condition, stability is a necessary and sullicicat

the finite-difference approximation with the diffusivity equation,

condition forconvergence. The proof of this theorem is beyond the

Solution. The application of tnmncation-enss analysis (ace Trunca- scope

of this book.

tian Error and Truncation Error Analysis) leach to

r 5.7 Ckapt.r Project

a (ap p\ I (At)2 pj (ix)2 0p In Sec. 5.2 construction and

properties of finite-difference grids as

- + I I, i2 4 used in reservoir simulation were presented. FIg.

5.31 shows the

L two-dimensional (2D), nonuniform gdblock-centered frnate-dif

11)0 BASIC APPLIED RESERVOIR SIMULATION

Let us investigate lhe following two cases.

Care I. r r6x where r s a positive constanL

r2(&r)i

p j( )]+r at21,

= rl

. (5.150) r2(tix) p (x)2 ap

+ j- y . (5155)

Stability Analyrlr byMatrlrMetho As the previous senes of ex

amples showed, the Fourier series method ignores the effect of the

boundary conditions on stability. This Is why. although the candi-

litais specifIed in Example 5.10 satisfy the stability criteria as pre

scribed by the Fourier series method, the solution is still unstable

(sec Table 5.5) When boundary conditions affect stability, the ma

ma method muai be used.5 In this method. equations are expressed

n a IUWL flfl and tIse cigenvalucs o(the rewking mama are ex

amused. For a stable iohtion method, it is necessary lo show thai the

ibsolule value of the maximum cigenvaluc (spectral radius) of the

mains rs less than one. Recause detcrmination of the cigenaslucs of

a large mrix ta an anhrous task. tise matrix method is rarely used.

It is also interesting to note that in less complex cases, the aniplifica

lion factor of lhe Fourier series method is equal to the spectral rarlius

of the matrix iii the stability analysis by matnx tncthod

CaRdsteucy and Co.rnsteiicy Anelyds. The consistency (or

compatibility) ola finite-difference approximation with the differ

cntiai equation is another important property thai must be examined

carefully. Sometimes it is possible to approximate a PE with a fi

nite-difference equation that passes the stability Lest wtk the solu

tion offered by the fmite-difTercncc equation may converge co the

solution of another differential equation as the mesh sizes approach

zero. For a consistent scheme. it is expected that the finite-differ

ence approximation becomes identical to the original PDE as the

mesh sizes tend to zero.

Example 5.19. Consider the following three-time-level rinite-

difference approximation to the diftusivity equation given by Iq. /,

<j,\

5.lO8withD1. ) 0 (5.161)

(aP a2P 1,? a, (x)2 pm

at ara

bix and RichImeyer studied the relation between consistency

and stability. The niajor result of their study is the Lax equivalence

theorem, which slates that, given a properly posed linear-initial-val

ue problem and finite-difference approsinialion to it that satisfies

the consistency condition, stability is a necessary and sufficient

condition for convergence. The proof of this theorem is beyond the

scope of this book.

loo

BASIC APPLIED RESERVOIR SIMILAIlON

and 2r(l cosy1Ax)

+ J4ri(1 coa y,.x)2 + l (5.149)

For stability, one needs lo use the larger root in absolute value (re

member that Mmes l) eaue lsiI > U2l. tite stability condition

requires that

2,(l eosy1&r) + J4r(l cosy18.x)2 + I I.

2t lip IA,)2 aiprl

I)j-

(S.l54)

which can be written as

4ri(l coay1Ax)2 + I [1 2r(l co.si2. As mesh length. Ax, tends to

reto.
(5.151) e (f !) 4 lim(20 l)2Lfj + ,.1e.

which simplifies to l_G Ax lit lit1

4,(1 cosy1&r) O (5152) (5156)

This condition can never be satisfied bccausc r is always a positive

csw4antand(l cosy &s) Oforsilvaluesoty1Ax,lbercfoce.

the proposed schense7 is uncoodilionally unstable.

Obviously when 8 . the limit tends to infinity as Ax tends to

zero. On the other hand, when 8, the value uf e In the limit

when Ax approaches zero is

a ai ai

n p

4 O (5157)

In this case, the finite-difference equation is tax cotnpatib)e with the

ditiusivity equation, but it is consatciil with a hyprtiiolic POE Thr,e

Rat, when At- tAx, the proposed scheme is ricrassialent with the dif

ftisivuy equation for value of 0.

Care 2. At (Ax) . This time the cruncarion-error term is

(lip aip 2,(Ax? lip1 r(Ax) 1p

t x (&s) (Ax) lii

+ 14g J (5158)

Again, as AxO, lhe truncation-error tena is

li

-z ( + (20 l)2r.J (5.159)

If O , the ditTerence scheme is inconsistent with the original

POE because

(I 4 2(20 l)rj (5.160)

If however, O = the difference scheme is consistem with the aig-

ins) POR because the local tnincatlon error guet tormo in the limit
when mesh sire iends to zero

20p +(l0)p;--l)+p71 pt

(Ax)1 2At

(5.153)

where 0O 1.Find the value ofO chat ensures the consistency of

the finite-difference approximation with the diffusivity equation.

Sokakm. The application altnmcation-emir analysis (see Trunca

tinas Etror and Thrncatiom Error Analysis) leads to

5.7 Chapl.r Proj.ct

In Sec. 5.2 constnsction and properties of finite-difference grids as

used n resetvo simulation were presented. Fig. 5.31 shows the

two-dimensional (2D). nonuniform gridblock-cemtercd flntc-dif

ference grid as overlaid orn the A. I reservoir. Note that. as discussed

in Sec. 4,6 and Indicated in FIg. 4.16, the ectanguLar grid system is

anented in a manier thai ensures thai the x and y directions of the

rectangular coordinate system are parallel to the principal pernwa

biliy directions oldie reservoir, Fig. 5.32 gives a three.dimcnsional

view of the 2!) roc*angular grid system.

FIg. 5,33 presents the two iuss sections o&ansed alcing weai-eaai

and aostthwest-noilheast drectiotis. They can be compared with the

croes sections presented in Fig. 2.23.

11g. 534 show. lhe numbering o(the gnclocks. 11w gridhlocks

buttered by foue bold hnes represent the blocks that are part of the

A-l reservoir. All the remaining blocks n outside the A-l resu

VOW. In this way it is possible to locate the 60 aclive blocks used w

represent Lhe A-l reservoir. FIgs 5.35 ibraugh 537 show reservoir

properties assigned to the gridblocks.

Note that, in FIg. 5.35, Ax values along each column of blocks

and Ay values along each row of blocks see kept oniloon. Ths en

sures the continuity of the majot god lines of the grid syatan; how

ever. the Ax and Ay values arc allowed to vary along the a and y

directions, respectively (nonwiifonn grid spacing).

The depths to the stnture lop of the gridblocks as reponed in Fig.

5.36 considered as positive downward (min ses level. Also aotc

that, by combining the information presented in the depth and thick

ness arrays. orne can easily find the depths to the base of the stnsture.

Foe example. (or Ondhlock (1,2). the depth to the base o(the forma

1.01 Is 9.349 ft Similarly, along the central axis of CinJriOC& (9,5).

tise depth to the hase is 9.307 ft Accon8ngly. depths lo the centers of

CnidNocks (1,2) and (9.5) can be calculated as 9,345 and 9,299 . re

speciely.

Fig. 537 shows thwkfle penneabdty values (along the z and y

ions) and pofotuty values assigned io die gridblocks of lhe A-l

zescrvoa flic y-dUection pemsealltocs ate gncd as 80% eIther

deccion permeabilities. in agresnseot with the deipcion in Soe. 2.6.2

thai discusses the ankitropc nature of lhe fixnion peimeabdir y.

IINlTh-Ollj-NthNCl APPROXIMATION TO LINEAR-PLOW EQUATIONS

lOI

J1HBh11111flflhIII1I1111111111flh11I111111,IIllhiflfl il 1L

FIg. 5.31 Grb1b1ockesntered grid layout for A-1 ranervoir.

Fig. 5.32Thre..dlm.nalona vIsualIzation et d sm pro

poned toe Al reservoIr.

5.5S

Fig. 533Structural cross sections of A-1 reservoir u approxi

mated by propoi.d grId layout: (a) weet-sest cross section and

(b) aouthiweat-northsaat cross section.

Table 5.11 summarizes the A-l reseivoir pariunelers as approxi

mdlcd by che grid system presented in this sccikm (Figs. 5.31 and

5.32).

Ix.rcess

S.l WhiCh gnd systems (rectangular. cyhndrical. spherical, comer-

point, hybrid) can be used for the following?

t. Single-well simulation

2- Full-field sitnujatiac

3 Pattent simulation

4. Cross-sectional simulation

&2Derive lhe identity 3i(x5,1 + lsxJ

for block-centered grids (refer to Fag. 52).

5.3 A 2D, slightly compressible-fluid transport equation is given as

a ( Ark, ap\ a ( Ak di\ . V5C1 p

ii z+ftj- + - -i-- i

L. Write the forward-difference approximation to this equation.

2. Write the backward-difference ap bnation tolhia equation.

Fig. 5.34Numbering et grtdblocks for A-1 reeervoW

SA Use the resulta of Exercise 5.3.

I. Write the 2D. forward-difference approximation in a formai

suitable for an explicit calculation method (that is, solve the equa

tion in Part I otExetclse 5.3 forp ).

2. Wrlie the 2D, backward-dIfference approximation in a formai

suitable for an implicit calculation method (th is, write lhe equa.

timinPt2ofExecise53withp1.p?31,p,p1,erid
on the left side. and and pon the right side).

53 Usc F S.3S. where the rnscrvotr has no-flow boundaries.

El.OOOft.4y75Oft. 4-5OfLk,-5Onal,-O27,

q l.6x lO6pmi,gj3Ocp,p4,5OOpsia, l RB/STB,

and 3 = 1 Rli/STh.

1. Calculate a stable tlmcatcp sert for the explicit formulation

2. Perfonu tise explicit calculations for laverai omasteps,

54 lise the case in Exercise 5.5.

J. Write the system of equations for the lirai Itmestep of the implicit

fomiulation. (Do not auemp to solve this 6X6 matnx equation) Use

the scnse timestep size as duc of atable explicit timeslep size.

2. imp the gndblocks to lot-m three 2.000x75OX5ft grid-

blocks,

3. Write the system of equations for che new glid system.

4. Solve the 3x3 matrix equimion 1er the new grid system

5.7 Use Fig, 53 to ansnu the following.

1. Writc the PDE that governs the incomprcasiblc-llwd-flow

problem described in Fig. 5.3e and put it into its simplest form.

2. Give a finrte-differencc approximation of the PUE of Parti and

put it into a characteristic form.

3. Generate lhe systum of equations that imat be ioved todeiumiie

the pressure diatrihutiocs in the system. (L not solve the eqtstom)

4. Offer an edutaied guess for the expected flow rate from lhe

well located im Gridlock I.

This dave-ti mc-lcvd app wtimation is known as the DuFort-Fran

kelt0 approximation.

5.9 Invesligate the thihty of the DuFcst-Prankel approximation as

apphed to the diffusivily equation in Exorcise 5.8 usuig the Fourier

senes analysis method.

5.1, Use the Fourier stability-analysis psuocdiure lo investigate the

stability of the following finite-difference iichcnie lar the PDE

a2p/ax ap/ar.

(p1 + p1) +

5.11 The equation a2plax2 - aplat is approximated by the equation

p_I2p+p.I _3(PP7\_(PP

(xl2 14 2.t ) I 21i

Investigate die stability of the proposed scheme.

5.12 Rework Es.ainplc 5.8 for three tiniestcps using &=30 chys

and vazying t ac4xrdingto lhe reblionthipt = 8/(l +q(ppj

where? = 6.000 psis. Cnmp your results with those given in

Table 5.3. Hint Alter each timestep. use the eapression given here

SP 970)0 III ItRIO 190 51500

Fig. 5.39Rwvolr dscrlptlon s Ex.rcf.. 5.7.

tar and recalculate the txsnsinissibihty terms. T, and T11 ,

before entering the new timestep calculations. -

Non,.ncl.tur.

4. nth coefficient of Fourier senes determined from

initial and bawidaiy conditions

A,, = cross-sectional area normal io clw .e direction.

L2, ft2 1m2]

cross-aectionsi aies normal to the z direction for

Oridblock i, L2, & [m21

A, cross-scctioqsal aies cattail to they direction,

L2 ft2 1m2]

ll= formation volume factor (FVF) of Pha.se I.

L31L3. reservoir ,alumePvolumc at tandard

condition.

q- compre yforPhaci, L2/m,psi

1kPa1

C constant

D - diffusion coefficient, L2/t, ft2fD [m2/dI

Di diffusion coefficient for Giidpoint I, Lfl, ft2ID

Lm2IdI

ei ezponentis1flaictionofa,

constant part of the tranrnussibdity

- differential form of a PDE

finite-difference form of a PDE

h thickness, L.fl (ml

z-i.

k pp_.,iLjty L2, darcy Lm2)

kig = horizontal permeability. L2, darey (um2j

k,, = permeability In the direction of che .s .li, L2,

darcy [,gm2J

k,= permeability In the directionof theyaxls, L2.

darcy (gm2J

k- permeability in the direction of the z ax1, L2,

darcy [um2j

1= kgthofthereservo.raloolgtheA

direction, L, fi (nsj

n, number of gridblocks in lhe r direction

PtR50AIIL!IV IN (l4psrnue4 (.4)

110 273.0 2700 23.2.0 ., ...

z70 2740 200.0 245.0 2530 250.0 2300

5630 2100 2059 2710 2710 2710 270.0 2600 20 2790 24)0 2750

2500 2710 293.0 207.0 24)6 2100 2$10 274.0 0 2050 219* 230e

253.0 25002120 21)6 250* 2900 1*90 217.0 X3.0 2000 e.

= 272.0 2700 mo 25*0 211.0 2140 2010 .

eflfl=*fl 2050 2900 2900 .1e...i...

.......S-. _.fl*+e..r-n.-n....a 2700 150.0 25)0 4..n....

2600 2010 20kO

11ASIL1TY S4 D5050T1O44 t

...=. izo ns 2044

2136 220.2 234* 212.0 2504 ...... 207.2 1160

223.0 2340 231.2 m 2*61 2141 214.0 213.1 216.0 iz2 224.4 izO

5044 224* 2300 2776 iz* 2240 234.1 2200 2220 234.4 2512 2160

5024 2072 2200 220.0 2121) 2240 2)2.2 221.6 2226 224.0 -----

== 217.6 2551 2114 3)0.4 2345 2293 114.4

.. 222.0 2246 2320

2110 234.0 2541) ....

5000 2144 flD fl*

Fig. 5.38lscrstlzsd r.wvolr in Ex.rcboo 5.5.

1=1- N

-.---

Ru5 p..u .

pIAp

i::i

P.141Ri UI 494

NI

TABLE 5.11SUMMARY OF A-1 RESERVOIR PARAMETERS

CALCU%.ATW FROM BLOCK PROPERTiES

Average porosity, X 21.4

Average permeaby. md 2796

Total btik volume, 1O tt 263.5

Tolol poie volume, 10 res bbl loi

iniec .,ei.

N1Th-DIFRFCE APPROXIMATiON TI) LINEAR-Il.OW EQUATiONS 103

V!!! !TT97!TV1!T9! ,