REPORT ON

A STUDY ON TYPE CURVES

Course Name : Reservoir Engineering II

Course No. : PT 203

Submitted by:

BIBARI BORO

Roll No. : 5

M. Tech (2nd Semester)

DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

DIBRUGARH UNIVERSITY, DIBRUGARH-786004 (ASSAM)

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I feel immense pleasure to express my most sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to our
respected professor Dr. (Mrs) Minati Das, Professor, Department of Petroleum Technology,
Dibrugarh University and to all classmates for their interest and valuable guidance and support
during this entire project.

I also give my deepest gratitude to my group mates, Monalisa Dutta, Karishma Gogoi and
Ritumani Lahkar for their great suggestions and valuable encouragement throughout the study of
the topic of project and preparation of the report entitled “Type curve analysis”.

Thanking You,

Bibari Boro
2nd Semester, M.Tech (2017-2019 batch)
Roll no.: 5
Department of Petroleum Technology, Dibrugarh University
 ABSTRACT

The type curve analysis approach was introduced in the petroleum industry by Agarwal et al.
(1970) as a valuable tool when used in conjunction with conventional semilog plots. A type
curve is a graphical representation of the theoretical solutions to flow equations. The type curve
analysis consists of finding the theoretical type curve that “matches” the actual response from a
test well and the reservoir when subjected to changes in production rates or pressures. The match
can be found graphically by physically superposing a graph of actual test data with a similar
graph of type curve(s) and searching for the type curve that provides the best match. Since type
curves are plots of theoretical solutions to transient and pseudo steady-state flow equations, they
are usually presented in terms of dimensionless variables (e.g., pD, tD, rD, and CD) rather than
real variables (e.g., p, t, r, and C). The reservoir and well parameters, such as permeability and
skin, can then be calculated from the dimensionless parameters defining that type curve. Type
curves and type curve plotting functions use integration rather than differentiation of well test
data.
This report discusses different types of type curves and also how to perform the type curve
analysis.
 CONTENTS

Chapter No. Chapter’s name Page No.

1. Introduction 1

2. Dimensionless variables 2

3. Types of type curves 6

3.1 Ramey’s type curve 6

3.2 Gringarten type curve 8

3.3 Derivative type curve 9

4. Type curve matching 13

5. Conclusion 15

References 16
 LIST OF FIGURES

Sl. No. Figure No. Figure name Page No.

1. Figure 2.1 The concept of type curve 4

3. Figure 3.1.1 Ramey’s type curve 6

2. Figure 3.2.1 Gringarten type curve with 9

parameter

3. Figure 3.3.1 Bourdet’s derivative type curves 11

4. Figure 3.3.2 Combined pressure change, pressure 11

derivative type curves.

5. Figure 3.3.3 Combined pressure-change/pressure- 11

derivative type curves define time
regions conveniently

6. Figure 3.3.4 Shape of the type curves provides a 12

qualitative estimate of skin

7. Figure 4.1 Step 3 – plotting of well test data 13

8. Figure 4.2 Step 4 – finding the best fit curve 14

 1. INTRODUCTION

Type curves are pre-plotted graphical representation of the solutions to the flow equations, such
as the diffusivity equation, for selected types of formations and selected initial and boundary
conditions. Type curves are generated using analytical or numerical solutions to Darcy's law.
The type curve analysis approach was introduced in the petroleum industry by Agarwal et al.
(1970).

There are many different types of reservoirs, and thus, a great variety of type curves have been
generated. Many type curves commonly are used to determine formation permeability and to
characterize damage and stimulation of the tested well. Further, some are used to determine the
beginning of the Middle Time Region (MTR) for a Horner analysis. In addition to those, type
curves are used to properly analyse a test or to double check the results obtained with
conventional methods with those obtained with type curve matching.

The type curve analysis consists of finding the theoretical type curve that matches the actual
response from a test well and the reservoir when subjected to changes in production rates or
pressures. The match can be found graphically by physically superposing a graph of actual test
data with a similar graph of type curve(s) and searching for the type curve that provides the best
match. Since type curves are plots of theoretical solutions to transient and pseudosteady-state
flow equations (which are dependent on time), they are usually presented in terms of
dimensionless variables (e.g., pD, tD, rD, and CD) rather than real variables (e.g., ∆p, t, r, and C).
The reservoir and well parameters, such as permeability and skin, can then be calculated from
the dimensionless parameters defining that type curve.
Uses of type curves include:

a) Type curves are used to help identify the middle time region.
b) To calculate wellbore storage coefficient, permeability, and skin factor from type curve
match.
c) To identify pressure response for a well with high, zero, or negative skin.
d) To properly analyse a test or to double check the results obtained with conventional
methods with those obtained with type curve matching.
 2. DIMENSIONLESS VARIABLES

In type curve analysis, dimensionless variables are used instead of the real variables. The real
variables ∆𝑝, t, r and C are presented in terms of the dimensionless variables pD, tD, rD and CD,
respectively. This leads to much simpler graphical or tabular presentation of the solutions to the
flow equations.
Since we know that a dimensionless variable is the one which when described in terms of the
fundamental units of mass, length and time will come out to be of dimension zero, so, any
variable can be made dimensionless by multiplying it by a group of constants with opposite
dimensions, but the choice of this group will depend on the type of problem to be solved.
For example, to create the dimensionless pressure drop pD, the actual pressure drop ∆p in psi is
multiplied by the group A with units of psi−1, or:
pD = AΔp ...................................................................... (i)

To find ‘A’, let us consider the radial steady state flow equation which is given by:

𝑘ℎ
𝑞= 𝑟 ∆𝑝
141.2𝜇𝛽 [𝑙𝑛 (𝑟 𝑒 ) − 𝑜. 5]
𝑤𝑎

where,

q = flow rate, STB/day

k = permeability, mD

h = net pay thickness, ft

𝜇 = viscosity, cP

re = external drainage radius of reservoir, ft

rwa = effective wellbore radius, ft

𝛽 = formation volume factor, rbbl/STB

∆𝑝 = pressure drop, psi

Rearranging the Darcy’s equation:
𝑟 𝑘ℎ
𝑙𝑛 (𝑟 𝑒 ) − 𝑜. 5 = 141.2𝜇𝑞𝛽 ∆𝑝 ...................................................(ii)
𝑤𝑎

Left hand side of equation (i) and (ii) is dimensionless. So, it is known that the right hand side of
𝑘ℎ
equation (i) and (ii) is also dimensionless. Hence, the dimension of in equation (ii)
141.2𝜇𝑞𝛽

must be pressure-1 or more precisely, psi-1; which is also the dimension of constant term ‘A’ in
equation (i).

Comparing (i) and (ii), and following the property of dimensions, ‘A’ can be written as:

𝑘ℎ
𝐴=
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽

Putting the value of ‘A’ in equation (i), we get:

𝑘ℎ
𝑝𝐷 = ∆𝑝..................................................... (iii)
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽

Now, taking logarithm on both sides of equation (iii), we get:

𝑘ℎ
𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑝𝐷 ) = log(∆𝑝) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) ................................. (iv)
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽

Equation (iv) shows that the logarithm of dimensionless pressure drop, log(pD), will differ from
the logarithm of the actual pressure drop, log(∆p), by a constant amount of:
𝑘ℎ
𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽
Similarly, the dimensionless time is given by:
0.0002637𝑘
𝑡𝐷 = 𝑡 ....................................................... (v)
∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2

where,

t = time, hours
𝑡𝐷 = dimensionless time
Ct = total compressibility coefficient, psi−1
∅ = porosity
k = permeability, mD
rw = wellbore radius, ft
𝜇 = viscosity, cP

Taking logarithm on both sides of equation (v), we get:

0.0002637𝑘
𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑡𝐷 ) = log(𝑡) + 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )............................... (vi)
∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2

Equation (vi) shows that the logarithm of dimensionless time, log(tD), will differ from the
logarithm of the actual time, log(𝑡), by a constant amount of:
0.0002637𝑘
𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( )
∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2
Equations (iv) and (vi) are the equations of a straight line. So, the plot of log(∆p) vs. log(t) will
have an identical shape (i.e., parallel) to a graph of log(pD) vs. log(tD). But the curve will be
𝑘ℎ 0.0002637𝑘
shifted by 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) vertically in pressure and 𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( ) horizontally in time.
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽 ∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2

This concept is shown in figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1: The concept of type curve

Figure 2.1 is a log-log plot of dimensionless pressure drop (pD) versus tD and pressure drop (∆𝑝)
versus time (t).

From figure 2.1,

𝑘ℎ
Vertical displacement =
141.2𝑞𝜇𝛽
 0.0002637𝑘
Horizontal displacement =
∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2

The reservoir properties like porosity and permeability can be determined if the vertical
displacement and the horizontal displacement can be found out. The values of the vertical and
the horizontal displacement can be found out by the method of type curve matching. This
process of matching two curves through the vertical and horizontal displacements and
determining the reservoir or well properties is called type curve matching. How type curve
matching is done will be discussed in later section.
Also, the dimensionless radius is given by:
𝑟
rD = 𝑟
𝑤
 3. TYPES OF TYPE CURVE

Since there are different type of reservoirs and flow conditions, type curves are of different
types. Some of the important type curves are discussed in this section. These are:
(i) Ramey’s type curve
(ii) Gringarten type curve
(iii) Pressure derivative type curve

3.1. RAMEY’S TYPE CURVE

These are the plots of dimensionless pressure change (pD) versus dimensionless time change (tD).
Ramey's type curves were generated for the situation of a constant-rate pressure drawdown test
in a reservoir with:
(i) Slightly compressible, single-phase liquid flowing
(ii) Sufficient homogeneity such that the radial diffusivity equation adequately models now
in the reservoir
(iii) Uniform pressure in the drainage area of the well before production
(iv) Infinite-acting reservoir (no boundary effects during the flow period of interest for test
analysis purposes)
(v) Constant withdrawal rate at the surface
(vi) Constant wellbore storage
(vii) Concentrated wellbore damage or stimulation characterized by a skin factor ‘s’
This list of assumptions is tedious but it is also important. When one or more of these
assumptions is not valid in a specific case, there is no assurance that use of the type curves can
lead to a valid test interpretation.

Figure 3.1.1: Ramey’s type curve

Some important properties of theses curves are:
(i) At earliest times, when wellbore unloading is responsible for 100% of the flow in
drawdown test (or the afterflow rate equals the rate before shut-in in a buildup test),
∆𝑝 is a linear function of ∆𝑡 (where, ∆𝑝 is the pressure change since the last test
began and ∆𝑡 is the time elapsed since the test began). Thus, log(∆𝑝) versus log(∆𝑡)
is also a linear plot with slope unity (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 = 450) and the wellbore storage constant
(Cs) can be determined from any point (∆𝑡, ∆𝑝) on this line from the relation:
𝑞𝛽 ∆𝑡
𝐶𝑠 = ( )
24 ∆𝑝 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒

For a well filled with two phase fluid,

25.65𝐴𝑤𝑏
𝐶𝑠 = , bbl/psi
𝜌

For a well filled with single phase fluid,

𝐶𝑠 = 𝑐𝑤𝑏 𝑉𝑤𝑏 , bbl/psi

0.894𝐶𝑠
and, 𝐶𝑠𝐷 = ∅𝐶 ℎ𝑟 2
𝑡 𝑤

Successful application of Ramey’s type curves for quantitative analysis depends

significantly on the ability to establish the correct value of 𝐶𝑠𝐷 to be used for curve
matching. Type curves for a given value of s and 𝐶𝑠𝐷 have very similar shapes, so it
is difficult to find the best fit without prior knowledge of 𝐶𝑠𝐷 . Direct calculation of
𝐶𝑠𝐷 using the formula given above (provided the values of the all the parameters are
known) does not characterize test conditions as well as the value of 𝐶𝑠 determined
from actual test performance as reflected in the unit slope lines.
(ii) Wellbore storage has ceased when the type curve for the value of 𝐶𝑠𝐷 characterizing
the test becomes identical to the type curve for 𝐶𝑠𝐷 = 0. Thus, these type curves can
be used to determine how much data (if any) can be analyzed by conventional
methods such as the Horner plot for buildup tests.
(iii) The type curves which were developed to be used for drawdown tests can also be
1
used for buildup test analysis if an equivalent shut-in time, ∆𝑡𝑒 = ∆𝑡 is used as the
1+
∆𝑝

time variable. For small ∆𝑡, the equations for MTR’s in drawdown and buildup test
plots have similar form if we use the analogies

(𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ) ~ (𝑝𝑤𝑠 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 )

𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑢𝑝
 and, 𝑡𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 ~ ∆𝑡𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑢𝑝

If these analogies can be used for the larger values of ∆𝑡 in the MTR, then we would
expect intuitively that the approximation used to develop them would be even better
for the smaller values of ∆𝑡 in the ETR.
The practical implication of this analysis is that – for the use with type curves, we
plot actual drawdown test data (𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 ) versus t and buildup test data as (𝑝𝑤𝑠 −
𝑝𝑤𝑓 ) versus ∆𝑡, but we must remember that ∆𝑡e must be used instead of ∆𝑡 whenever
∆𝑡 > 0.1𝑡𝑝 .
(iv) Although the type curves were developed from solutions to flow equations for
slightly compressible liquids, they also can be used to analyze gas well tests.

3.2. GRINGARTEN TYPE CURVE

Grindarten et. al. presented a type curve, commonly called the Gringarten type curve, that
achieved widespread use. It is based on a solution to the radial diffusivity equation and the
following assumptions:

a. Vertical well with constant production rate

b. Infinite-acting, homogeneous-acting reservoir

c. Single-phase, slightly compressible liquid flowing

d. Infinitesimal skin factor (thin membrane at production face)

e. Constant wellbore-storage coefficient

These assumptions indicate that the type curve was developed specifically for drawdown tests in
undersaturated oil reservoirs. The type curve is also useful to analyze pressure buildup tests and
for gas wells.

In the Gringarten type curve, pD is plotted versus the time function tD/CD, with a
parameter CDe2s. Each different value of CDe2s describes a pressure response with a shape
different (in theory) from the responses for other values of the parameter. However, adjacent
pairs of curves can be quite similar, and this fact can cause uncertainty when trying to match test
data to the ‘uniquely correct’ curve.
 Figure 3.2.1: Gringarten type curve with parameter

3.3. DERIVATIVE TYPE CURVE

The derivative type curve proposed by Bourdet et. al. eliminates the ambiguity in the Gringarten
type curve. The ‘derivative’ referred to in this type curve is the logarithmic derivative of the
solution to the radial diffusivity equation presented on the Gringarten type curve.

The use of this pressure derivative curve offers the following advantages:

a. Heterogeneities hardly visible on the conventional plot of well testing data are amplified
on the derivative plot.

b. Flow regimes have characteristics and clear shape on the derivative plot.

c. The derivative plot is able to display in a single graph many separate characteristics that
would otherwise require different plots.

d. The derivative approach improves the definition of the analysis plots and hence the
quality of interpretation.

Two limiting forms of this solution help illustrate the nature of the derivative type curve. First,
consider that part of a test response where the distorting effects of wellbore storage have
vanished. This portion of the test is described by the logarithmic approximation to Ei-function
solution,

𝑞𝛽𝜇 1688∅𝜇𝐶𝑡 𝑟𝑤 2
𝑝𝑖 − 𝑝𝑤𝑓 = −70.6 [𝑙𝑛 ( ) − 2𝑠]
𝑘ℎ 𝑘𝑡

The derivative of (pi – pwf) with respect to ln(t), expressed more simply as t∂Δp/∂t, is
70.6qBμ/kh, a constant. In terms of dimensionless variables, tD(∂pD/∂tD) = 0.5. Thus, when the
distorting effects of wellbore storage have disappeared, the pressure derivative will become
constant in an infinite-acting reservoir, and, in terms of dimensionless variables, will have a
value of 0.5.

When wellbore storage completely dominates the pressure response (all produced fluid comes
from the wellbore, none from the formation),

𝑞𝛽∆𝑡
∆𝑝 =
24𝐶

The derivative, t∂Δp/∂t, is qBt/24C, the same as the pressure change itself. In terms of
dimensionless variables, the derivative becomes,

𝜕𝑝𝐷
𝑝𝐷 = 𝑡𝐷 ( ) = 𝑡𝐷 /𝐶𝐷
𝜕𝑡𝐷

The implication of the above equation is that, on logarithmic coordinates, graphs

𝜕𝑝
of pD and tD( 𝜕𝑡 𝐷 ) versus tD/CD will coincide and will have slopes of unity.
𝐷

For values of tD(∂pD/∂tD) between the end of complete wellbore storage distortion and the start
of infinite-acting radial flow, no simple solutions are available to guide us, but figure
3.3.1 shows the derivatives, including those times. Note the unit slope lines at earliest times and
the horizontal derivative at later times. The shapes of the derivative stems are much more
distinctive than those for the pressure-change type curve.
 Figure 3.3.1: Bourdet’s derivative type curves

For test analysis, we plot pressure change, pD, and pressure derivative [tD(∂pD/∂tD)] on the same
graph (Fig. 3.3.2). On this graph, a specific value of the parameter CDe2s refers to a pair of
curves, one pressure-change curve and one pressure-derivative curve. Time regions can be
defined conveniently on the basis of the combined pressure (Fig. 3.3.3) and pressure derivative
type curves.

Figure 3.3.2: Combined pressure change, pressure derivative type curves.

Figure 3.3.3: Combined pressure-change/pressure-derivative type curves

define time regions conveniently.
The shape of the pressure and pressure-derivative type curves provides a qualitative estimation
of skin factor (Fig. 3.3.4). For a well with a large skin factor, the derivative rises to a maximum
and then falls sharply before flattening out for the middle-time region (MTR). The pressure
change curve rises along the unit-slope line and then flattens quickly. The pressure change and
pressure-derivative curves are separated by approximately two log cycles when wellbore storage
(WBS) ends.

Figure 3.3.4: Shape of the type curves provides a qualitative estimate of skin
factor.

When the skin is near zero, the pressure derivative rises to a maximum and then falls only
slightly before flattening for the MTR. The pressure change and pressure derivative are
separated by approximately one log cycle when WBS ends. When the skin factor is negative, the
pressure derivative approaches a horizontal line from below. The pressure change and pressure
derivative curves leave the unit slope line at relatively early times and take a relatively long time
to reach the MTR.
 4. TYPE CURVE MATCHING

In general, the type curve approach employs the flowing procedure:

Step 1: Select the proper type curve.
Step 2: Place tracing paper over the selected type curve and construct a log–log scale having the
same dimensions as those of the type curve. This can be achieved by tracing the major and minor
grid lines from the type curve to the tracing paper.
Step 3: Plot the well test data in terms of ∆p vs. t on the tracing paper.
Step 4: Overlay the tracing paper on the type curve and slide the actual data plot, keeping the x
and y axes of both graphs parallel, until the actual data point curve coincides or matches the type
curve.
Step 5: Select any arbitrary point called match point (MP), such as an intersection of major grid
lines, and record (∆p)MP and (t)MP from the actual data plot and the corresponding values of
(pD)MP and (tD)MP from the type curve.
Step 6: Using the match point (MP), calculate the properties of the reservoir using the equations
for vertical displacement and horizontal displacement.

Figure 4.1: Step 3 – plotting of well test data

Figure 4.2: Step 4 – finding the best fit curve
 5. CONCLUSION

Type curves are estimates based on limited production history and predictions of future
performance. There is always uncertainty in type curves. A type curve for a given play is
only as reliable as the quality of the data and the skill of the evaluator. Type curve analysis is
widely used since decades. It is not a new technique. It is very important to know the concept
of type curve to study the reservoir.
The main advantage of using type curve is that it is dimensionless, i.e., independent of time.
Also, a single set of curve represents all reservoirs (simplified model) and also it is
applicable to oil, water or gas.
 REFERENCES

1. http://petrowiki.org/Type_curves#Gringarten_type_curve
2. AHMED, T. AND McKINNEY (2005). “Advanced Reservoir Engineering”
(TLFeBOOK:Elseveir)
3. LEE, J. (1982). “Well Testing” (Society of Petroleum Engineers)