Methods of Decline Curve Analysis for Shale Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

With help from horizontal wells and hydraulic fracturing, shale gas has made a significant contribution to the energy supply. However, due to complex fracture networks and complicated mechanisms such as gas desorption and gas slippage in shale, forecasting shale gas production is a challenging task. Despite the versatility of many simulation methods including analytical models, semi-analytical models, and numerical simulation, Decline Curve Analysis has the advantages of simplicity and efficiency for hydrocarbon production forecasting. In this article, the eight most popular deterministic decline curve methods are reviewed: Arps, Logistic Growth Model, Power Law Exponential Model, Stretched Exponential Model, Duong Model, Extended Exponential Decline Model, and Fractural Decline Curve model. This review article is dedicated to summarizing the origins, derivations, assumptions, and limitations of these eight decline curve models. This review article also describes the current status of decline curve analysis methods, which provides a comprehensive and up-to-date list of Decline Curve Analysis models for petroleum engineers in analysis of shale gas reservoirs. This work could serve as a guideline for petroleum engineers to determine which Decline Curve models should be applied to different shale gas fields and production periods.