A Simulation-Based Analysis of Multiseam Coalbed Well Completions

Abstract

ABSTRACT Reservoir simulation of a coalbed methane field was used to investigate well completion and operating practices in producing gas from shallow, thin, multiple coal seams. Data from a zone isolation packer, which allows production monitoring from individual completion zones, corehole gas contents and bottomhole pressure were used to determine the efficiency of well completions and gas drainage throughout the field. The results show that wells amenable to recompletion can be identified from simulated zone isolation packer measurements; new wells can be located based on the simulated distribution in residual gas content around existing wells; gas recovery is increased by downspacing; and small increases in back pressure can reduce gas recovery.