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Specific type of production rate  q(t) decline:

(1) q(t)=\frac{q_0}{1+D_0 \, t}
(2) Q(t)=\frac{q_0}{D_0} \, \ln \left[ \frac{q_0}{q(t)} \right]
(3) Q_{\rm max}=\infty
(4) D(t) = \frac{D_0}{1+D_0 \cdot t}

where

q_0 = q(t=0)

Initial production rate of a well (or groups of wells)

D_0 > 0

\displaystyle Q(t)=\int_0^t q(t) \, dt

cumulative production by the time moment  t

Q_{\rm max} =\int_0^{\infty} q(t) \, dt

Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR)

\displaystyle D(t) = - \frac{dq}{dQ}

Production decline rate


It can be applied to any fluid production: water, oil or gas. 

Harmonic Production Decline is an empirical correlation for production from the infinite-reserves  Q_{\rm max} = \infty reservoir. 

The Production decline rate is starting at its maximum  D_0 and then gradually reduces to zero.

This usually happens at early stages of production when the total reservoir volume is not yet engaged.

Although the anthropogenic restriction of production in mature fields may lead to a similar behaviour.

The Harmonic decline is also observed at the mature stage of waterflood projects.


A typical example of various fitting efforts of Harmonic Production Decline are brought on Fig. 1 – Fig. 3 with harmonic fitting being a clear winner.

Fig. 1. Exponential best ft to Harmonic Production Decline Fig. 2. Hyperbolic best ft to Harmonic Production DeclineFig. 3. Harmonic best ft to Harmonic Production Decline


See Also


Petroleum Industry / Upstream /  Production / Subsurface Production / Field Study & Modelling / Production Analysis / Decline Curve Analysis

DCA Arps @model ] [ Production decline rate ]

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