Representing Wells in Numerical Reservoir Simulation: Part 1 – Theory

Abstract

Abstract A reservoir simulation system uses an analytical model to represent flow within a grid block as it enters or leaves a well. This model is called a well model. We give a description here of the theoretical background of a well model, including how the sandface pressure and saturation boundary conditions can be calculated and how the well boundary itself can be replaced (approximately) by a source function. This paper and the following companion paper, SPE 9770, present a unified viewpoint of material, some of which may be already familiar to simulator developers.