Mathematical modeling and optimization of gas-condensate field development

• A new technique to optimizing gas-condensate development is proposed.
• An algorithm for efficient development of gas-condensate fields (GCFs) is worked out.
• A mathematical base to the algorithm (the boundary problem and its solution) is shown.
• The proposed technique was validated based on the real Kotelevskoye GCF in Ukraine.
• Over 12% increase in gas-condensate recovery is possible, if the technique is applied.

Based on the mathematical model for diphasic multicomponent filtration of mixed hydrocarbons, a boundary problem has been composed and solved for optimizing flowrate distribution among wells to maximize the condensate recovery from natural gas-condensate fields (GCFs). In contrast to the described in science literature prototypes, the boundary problem takes into account the phase transformation for individual components of a hydrocarbon mixture. An algorithm for efficient development of natural GCFs has been elaborated, in which the flowrate limitations of individual wells as well as their shutoffs for remedial maintenance are considered. The suggested model was validated on the experimental data from the Kotelevskoye GCF (Ukraine). Over 12% increase in condensate recovery was demonstrated to be possible, if the best performance had been achieved. This can be arranged by reducing intrastratal flows and preventing the consequent extra formation of condensate (in the depletion mode) or premature «dry gas» breakthrough in producing wells (in the cycling mode).