Method for determining vertical permeability in horizontal wells

Vertical permeability is an important characteristic of oil and gas reservoirs, significantly impacting the distribution of fluid and gas flows within the reservoir.

 Information about this parameter is essential for addressing various challenges in both scientific and industrial practice. Specifically, it facilitates assessments of the anisotropy of filtration properties of the porous medium normal to the plane of the reservoir, aids in predicting the formation of gas or formation water cones, calculates flow rates in horizontal wells, and develops filtration models for hydrocarbon feed extraction, among other applications.

For horizontal wells, the traditional sources of information on the values of this rock property are laboratory studies of core material and the interpretation of Well tests. However, in certain situations, such as when natural core samples are unavailable or when initial bottom-hole pressure measurements are distorted, these conventional methods may not be feasible. In these cases, algorithms that utilize indirect indicators from alternative sources become valuable.

The aim of this article is to demonstrate a developed method for determining vertical permeability in horizontal wells. This method employs dimensionless criteria for calculations, which are set of quantities reflecting the combination of the geometric features of the wellbore and the physicogeological properties of the reservoir. The required solution is achieved by processing input data using statistical methods and graphical analysis. 

It is shown that this methodological approach allows for the rapid assessment of vertical permeability in situations where conventional data collection is not possible. This method can be applied to any well where the necessary parameters for calculations are known and accessible. It allows for obtaining data on vertical permeability with an acceptable degree of accuracy compared to similar definitions from pressure recovery curve. 

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