Gas-water flow pattern recognition by log response in horizontal wells

Gas-water flow in horizontal development wells is complicated and changeable. In order to monitor reservoir development status and pace accurately, primary problem should be solved is to distinguish and recognize downhole gas-water flow patterns. Multi-phase flow simulative device, which is similar to downhole status, was used to conduct a series of measurement experiments using air and tap water as test media. Mixed flows were measured by real production logging tool (PLT) string at different inclinations and flow states in the transparent experimental well-bore, aim to study flow pattern recognition methods in horizontal gas wells by production logging information. Production logging experimental flow patterns analysis basing on experimental flow pattern observations and categorization reveals that gas-water mixed flow occurring in measurement procedure not only obey the general law of hydrodynamic but also own its unique characteristics resulted from logging procedure. But these experimental flow patterns still can be recognized from log response characteristics of spinner flowmeter intuitively. Cross-section water holdup vs. actual inlet water cut experiment relationship charts illustrate the links between flow parameters and flow patterns, thus they can be used to guide flow pattern recognition. The CAT 3D plots of phase profile, which are interpolation imaged by CATView software, compared with production logging experimental flow patterns suggest that gas-water flow patterns can be recognition even more intuitively by CAT 3D plots of phase profile. Combined with additional recognition method that mentioned above, more reliable flow pattern recognition results will be concluded for horizontal gas wells.