A method of determining the horizontal-well lateral length with optimal economic value

作者：Hu Junkun^*; Zhou Zhibin; Li Xiaoping

来源：Natural Gas Industry, 2014, 34(12): 142-146.

DOI：10.3787/j.issn.1000-0976.2014.12.021

• Economic values
• Horizontal gas wells
• Lateral length
• Net present value
• Optimization design

From a combined perspective of technology and economy, we presented a new method of determining the horizontal-well lateral length with optimal economic value through analyzing the change of gas production, operating cost and economic benefits of such a well with the prolonging of its horizontal lateral length in the development life cycle. First, according to the binomial deliverability equation of a horizontal gas well, combining with the gas production curve methodology, we determined the reasonable production of such a well under different lateral length conditions. On the basis of production proration, we applied the numerical simulation method to determine the change of horizontal well gas production under the different lateral length conditions through the development life cycle. Then, using the research results of horizontal well production, considering the time value of capital, we analyzed the change of development input and output of a horizontal gas well with the prolonging of its lateral length. Meanwhile, we can determine the optimal economic value lateral length of a horizontal gas well by using the financial net present value as an evaluation index of economic benefits. Finally, we verified the existence of the horizontal-well lateral length with optimal economic value through the example calculation by this new method, and additionally, discussed the involved impact factors like formation conductivity, natural gas prices, and operation cost, etc.

• 出版日期2014