A new model for predicting critical gas rate in horizontal and deviated wells

Results using 67 wells from literature show that the new model is capable of predicting the critical gas flow rates in horizontal wells within 15.8% of the actual values, 6% improvement over the currently available horizontal well models, and 8-21% improvement over the currently available vertical well models. Experimental results from two horizontal wells tend to support the finding from literature comparison. The new model accounts for the effect of geometry on flow especially particle impact with the flow conduit wall as a result of change in geometry present in horizontal wells. When this effect is accounted for, as in the new model, the estimation of the critical gas rate is more accurate and yields optimized production performance from horizontal wells. The new model yields best results for gas rates less than 10,000 Mscf/d and for buildup rates between 3 and 30°/100 ft.