Pseudo-relative permeability for well modeling

Several authors have described the use of pseudo-relative-permeability curves for modeling the vertical performance of formation flow in areal reservoir simulators. The pseudo curves are usually determined from small cross section or 3-dimensional models and then incorportated into large-scale areal models. The concept of pseudo-relative permeability also can be extended to the vertical performance of individual wells by a technique analogous to that for formation flow. Pseudo-relative-permeability curves can be obtained for each well by running a cross section model through the expected range of pressure and production in the same way that interblock pseudo-relative permeability is derived. At each time step, the equations given yield one point on the pseudo curve. An example shows a 7-layer cross section model with 4 producing wells.