MBAL Complete

Petroleum Experts
MBAL
Reservoir Engineering Toolkit
Version 8.1
December 2005
USER GUIDE
The information in this document is subject to change as major improvements and/or

amendments to the program are generated. When necessary, Petroleum Experts will
issue the proper documentation.
The software described in this manual is furnished under a licence agreement. The
software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the agreement. It
is against the law to copy the software on any medium except as specifically allowed in
the licence agreement. No part of this documentation may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval systems for any purpose
other than the purchaser's personal use, unless express written consent has been
given by Petroleum Experts Limited.
All names of companies, wells, persons or products contained in this documentation
are part of a fictitious scenario or scenarios and are used solely to document the use of
a Petroleum Experts product.
Address:
Petroleum Experts Limited
Spectrum House
2 Powderhall Road
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH7 4GB
Tel: (44 131) 474 7030
Fax: (44 131) 474 7031
email: edinburgh@petex.com
Internet: www.petex.com
Registered Office:
Petroleum Experts Limited
Spectrum House
2 Powderhall Road
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH7 4GB
MBAL
Introduction..............................................................................................................................1
Brief Tool descriptions.............................................................................................................2
About this guide.......................................................................................................................3
How to use this guide ..............................................................................................................3
Using the MBAL application...................................................................................................1
2.1 File Management.....................................................................................................................1
2.1.1
Opening and Saving Files .............................................................................................1
2.1.2
Append ..........................................................................................................................2
2.1.3
Defining the Working Directory......................................................................................3
2.1.4
Preferences ...................................................................................................................3
2.1.5
Viewing the Software Key .............................................................................................5
2.1.6
Selecting Printers and Plotters ......................................................................................5
2.1.7
The Windows Clipboard ................................................................................................5
2.1.8
Windows Notepad .........................................................................................................6
2.2 Setting the Units ......................................................................................................................6
2.2.1
Defining System Units ...................................................................................................7
2.2.2
Defining the Global Unit System ...................................................................................7
2.2.3
Changing individual variable units.................................................................................7
2.2.4
Minimum and Maximum Limits......................................................................................9
2.2.5
Conversion Details ......................................................................................................10
2.2.6
Resetting the Units ......................................................................................................11
2.2.7
Generating a Units Report...........................................................................................12
2.3 Getting Help...........................................................................................................................12
2.3.1
Accessing Help............................................................................................................12
2.3.2
Help through the menu................................................................................................12
2.3.3
Getting help using the mouse and keyboard...............................................................13
2.3.4
Minimising Help ...........................................................................................................13
Data Import...............................................................................................................................1
3.1 Importing Data in MBAL ..........................................................................................................1
3.1.1
Importing an ASCII File .................................................................................................2
3.1.2
Importing data from an ODBC Datasource ...................................................................4
3.2 Static Import Filter ...................................................................................................................5
3.3 ASCII File Import .....................................................................................................................6
3.3.1
Import Set-up.................................................................................................................6
3.3.2
Line Filter.......................................................................................................................7
3.3.3
Import Filter ...................................................................................................................8
3.4 ODBC Database Import ........................................................................................................10
3.4.1
Filter Set-up .................................................................................................................10
3.4.2
Choose Table & Fields ................................................................................................11
Plots, Reports ..........................................................................................................................1
4.1 The Plot Screen.......................................................................................................................1
4.1.1
Leaving the plot screen .................................................................................................1
4.1.2
Resizing the display ......................................................................................................1
4.1.3
Modifying the plot display ..............................................................................................2
4.1.3.1
Plot scales (New!!!)..................................................................................................2
4.1.3.2
Display menu...........................................................................................................3
4.1.3.2.1
Labels ..................................................................................................................4
4.1.3.2.2
Colours ................................................................................................................4
4.1.3.2.3
Plot line widths.....................................................................................................5
4.1.3.2.4
Fonts....................................................................................................................6
4.1.3.2.5
Plot Legends........................................................................................................6
4.2 Output......................................................................................................................................6
4.2.1
Selecting a printer or plotter ..........................................................................................6
4.2.2
Making a hard copy of the plot ......................................................................................7
4.3 Changing the plotted variables................................................................................................7
4.4 Reporting .................................................................................................................................8
4.4.1
Selecting sections to include in the report.....................................................................8
4.4.2
Solving printing problems ............................................................................................11
Defining the system ................................................................................................................1
1.1
1.2
1.3
PETROLEUM EXPERTS LTD
MBAL
5.1 Reservoir Analysis Tools.........................................................................................................1

5.2 System options ........................................................................................................................2
5.2.1
Tool options ...................................................................................................................3
5.2.2
User information ............................................................................................................3
5.2.3
User comments and date stamp ...................................................................................3
6
Describing the PVT .................................................................................................................1
6.1 Selecting the PVT method.......................................................................................................2
6.2
Black Oil PVT Descriptions ...........................................................................................5
6.2.1
PVT for Oil .....................................................................................................................5
6.2.2
Controlled Miscibility Option ..........................................................................................6
6.2.3
Matching correlations ....................................................................................................7
6.2.4
Using PVT tables.........................................................................................................10
6.2.5
PVT Tables for Controlled Miscibility...........................................................................11
6.2.6
Variable PVT for Oil Reservoir ....................................................................................12
6.2.7
PVT for Gas.................................................................................................................13
6.2.8
Water Vapour Option...................................................................................................14
6.2.9
Black Oil PVT for Retrograde Condensate .................................................................16
6.2.10
Black Oil Condensate model validation procedure .....................................................18
6.2.11
PVT for General Model................................................................................................27
6.2.12
Multiple PVT Definitions ..............................................................................................29
6.2.13
Checking the PVT calculations....................................................................................31
6.3 Compositional Modelling .......................................................................................................34
6.3.1
EOS Model Setup........................................................................................................35
6.3.2
Compositional Tracking...............................................................................................40
6.3.3
Fully Compositional fluid description ...........................................................................45
7
Quick Start Guide on Material Balance tool .........................................................................1
7.1 Data Available .........................................................................................................................1
7.2 Setting up the Basic Model......................................................................................................2
7.3 Matching to Production History data in MBAL.........................................................................8
7.3.1
Using Simulation Option to Quality Check the History Matched Model ......................13
7.4 Forecasting............................................................................................................................14
7.4.1
Rel Perm Matching ......................................................................................................14
7.4.2
Confirming the validity of the rel perms.......................................................................17
7.5 Predicting reservoir pressure decline without a well .............................................................25
7.6 Predicting production and reservoir pressure decline with a well model ..............................27
8
The Material Balance Tool ......................................................................................................1
8.1 Material Balance Tank Model..................................................................................................2
8.1.1
Recommended Workflow ..............................................................................................4
8.2 MBAL Graphical Interface .......................................................................................................5
8.2.1
Manipulating Objects.....................................................................................................5
8.2.2
Viewing Objects.............................................................................................................8
8.2.3
Validating Object Data...................................................................................................8
8.3 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................9
8.4 Input.......................................................................................................................................12
8.4.1
Wells Data ...................................................................................................................12
8.4.1.1
Setup .....................................................................................................................12
8.4.1.2
Production / Injection History.................................................................................13
8.4.1.3
Production Allocation.............................................................................................14
8.4.2
Tank Input Data ...........................................................................................................15
8.4.3
Tank Parameters .........................................................................................................15
8.4.3.1
Water Influx ...........................................................................................................20
8.4.3.2
Rock Compressibility .............................................................................................21
8.4.3.3
Rock Compaction ..................................................................................................23
8.4.3.4
Pore Volume vs. Depth .........................................................................................24
8.4.3.5
Relative Permeability.............................................................................................28
8.4.3.5.1
Relative Permeability Hysteresis.......................................................................30
8.4.3.5.2
Calculate Tables from Corey Functions ............................................................31
8.4.3.5.3
Production History .............................................................................................31
8.4.3.5.4
Entering the Tank Production History................................................................31
8.4.3.5.5
Calculating the Tank Production History and Pressure.....................................33
MBAL
8.4.3.5.6
Calculating the Tank Production History Rate Only .................................. ........34
8.4.3.5.7
Plotting Tank Production History ............................................................... ........34
8.4.3.5.8
Production Allocation................................................................................. ........35
8.4.4
Transmissibility Data ...................................................................................................36
8.4.4.1 Transmissibility Parameters ...................................................................................... ..36
8.4.4.2
Transmissibility Production History .................................................................... ...40
8.4.4.3
Transmissibility Matching .................................................................................. ....41
8.4.5
Transfer from Reservoir Allocation......................................................................... .....42
8.4.6
Input Summary .................................................................................................... ........42
8.4.7
Input Reports .................................................................................................... ...........42
8.5 History Matching................................................................................................................... .43
8.5.1
History Setup ............................................................................................................. ..44
8.5.2
Analytical Method ................................................................................................... .....45
8.5.2.1
Regressing on Production History...................................................................... ...47
8.5.2.2
History Points Sampling .................................................................................... ....49
8.5.2.3
Changing the Weighting of History Points in the Regression .......................... .....50
8.5.3
Graphical Method .................................................................................................. ......52
8.5.3.1
Changing the Reservoir and Aquifer Parameters ........................................ .........54
8.5.3.2
Straight Line Tool ........................................................................................ ..........54
8.5.3.3
The Best Fit Option..................................................................................... ...........55
8.5.3.4
Locating the Straight Line tool................................................................... ............55
8.5.3.5
Graphical method results ........................................................................... ...........55
8.5.4
Energy Plot ........................................................................................................ ..........56
8.5.5
WD Function Plot............................................................................................... ..........57
8.5.6
Abnormally pressured gas reservoirs...................................................................... ....57
8.5.7
Simulation.................................................................................................................... 60
8.5.8
Fw / Fg / Fo Matching................................................................................................. . 64
8.5.8.1
Running a Fractional Flow Matching ..................................................................... 66
8.5.9
Sensitivity Analysis ..................................................................................................... .67
8.5.9.1
Running a Sensitivity ............................................................................................ .67
8.6 Production Prediction .................................................................................................................. 69
8.6.1 Prediction Setup ................................................................................................................. 71
8.6.2 Production and Constraints ................................................................................................ 75
- Voidage Replacement and Injection ..................................................................................... .79
8.6.3 DCQ Swing Factor (Gas reservoirs only)......................................................................... ..80
8.6.4 DCQ Schedule ................................................................................................................ ...81
8.6.5 Well Type Definitions....................................................................................................... ...81
8.6.5.1 Well Type Setup ........................................................................................................ ..82
8.6.5.2 Well Inflow Performance ......................................................................................... ....83
8.6.5.3 More Well Inflow Performance ............................................................................... .....85
8.6.5.4 Inflow Performance (IPR) Models ............................................................................. ..87
8.6.5.5. Multirate Inflow Performance.................................................................................... ..90
8.6.5.6 Gas and Water Coning Matching ............................................................................. ...91
8.6.5.6.1 Gas Coning Matching............................................................................................ .91
8.6.5.6.5 Water Coning Matching....................................................................................... ...93
8.6.5.7 Well Outflow Performance.......................................................................................... .94
8.6.5.8 Tubing Performance.................................................................................................. ..96
8.6.5.8.1 Constant Bottom Hole pressure ........................................................................... ..96
8.6.5.8.2 Tubing Performance Curves .................................................................................. 96
- Cullender Smith correlation ...................................................................................................99
8.6.5.8.3 Witley correlation ...................................................................................................100
8.6.6 Testing the Well Performance ...........................................................................................101
8.6.7 The Well Schedule ........................................................................................................... 102
8.6.8 The Reporting Schedule....................................................................................................103
8.6.9 Running a Prediction .........................................................................................................105
8.6.9.1 Saving Prediction Results ..........................................................................................106
8.6.9.2 Plotting a Production Prediction .................................................................................107
8.6.10 Displaying the Tank Results............................................................................................108
8.6.11 Displaying the Well Results.............................................................................................108
9
Monte-Carlo Technique ..........................................................................................................1
MBAL
9.1 Program Functions ..................................................................................................................1

9.2 Technical Background.............................................................................................................1
9.3 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................3
9.4 Distributions.............................................................................................................................4
10 Decline Curve Analysis..................................................................................................................1
10.1 Programme Functions ...............................................................................................................1
10.2 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................1
10.3 Production History ...................................................................................................................2
10.4 Matching the Decline Curve ....................................................................................................5
10.5 Prediction Set-up.....................................................................................................................7
10.6 Reporting Schedule.................................................................................................................8
10.7 Running a Production Prediction.............................................................................................9
11 1D Model .........................................................................................................................................1
11.1 Program Functions ....................................................................................................................1
11.2.1
Simultaneous Flow ........................................................................................................2
11.2.2
Fractional Flow ..............................................................................................................2
11.3 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................3
11.4 Reservoir and Fluids Properties ..............................................................................................4
11.5 Relative Permeability...............................................................................................................6
11.6 Running a Simulation ..............................................................................................................7
11.6.1
Plotting a Simulation......................................................................................................8
12 Multi Layer Tool..............................................................................................................................1
12.1 Programme Functions ...............................................................................................................1
12.3 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................4
12.4 Layer Properties ......................................................................................................................5
12.4.1
Relative Permeability.....................................................................................................6
12.5 Running a Calculation .............................................................................................................7
13 Reservoir Allocation Tool..............................................................................................................1
13.1 Background .............................................................................................................................1
13.2 Reservoir Allocation Tool Capabilities.....................................................................................4
13.3 Graphical Interface ..................................................................................................................4
13.4 Tool Options ............................................................................................................................5
13.5 Input Data ................................................................................................................................6
13.5.1
Tank Input Data .............................................................................................................6
13.5.2
Well Input Data ..............................................................................................................7
13.5.3
Transfer from Material Balance .....................................................................................8
13.6 Calculations .............................................................................................................................9
13.6.1
Setup ...........................................................................................................................10
13.6.2
Run Allocation .............................................................................................................10
13.6.3
Tank Results................................................................................................................11
13.6.4
Well/Layer Results.......................................................................................................12
Appendix A ............................................................................................................. Examples
1
A1
Water Drive Oil Reservoir........................................................................................................1
A1.1
Setting up the Problem..................................................................................................1
A1.2
PVT Menu......................................................................................................................2
A1.3
Reservoir Input ..............................................................................................................5
A1.4
Rock Properties .............................................................................................................5
A1.5
Relative Permeability.....................................................................................................5
A1.6
Production History .........................................................................................................6
A1.7
History Matching............................................................................................................7
A2
Well by Well History Matching...............................................................................................12
A3
Multitank modelling................................................................................................................27
Other Example Files........................................................................................................................40
Appendix B - References....................................................................................................................1
Appendix C -MBAL Equations ...........................................................................................................1
C1 Material Balance Equations.....................................................................................................1
C1.1
OIL.................................................................................................................................1
MBAL
C1.2
GAS ...............................................................................................................................2
C1.3
OGIP Calculations .........................................................................................................2
C1.4
Natural Depletion Reservoirs ........................................................................................2
C1.5
Abnormally Pressured Reservoirs.................................................................................2
C1.6
Water Drive Reservoirs .................................................................................................3
C2 Aquifer Models.........................................................................................................................3
C2.1
Small Pot .......................................................................................................................3
C2.2
Schilthuis Steady State .................................................................................................3
C2.3
Hurst Steady State ........................................................................................................4
C2.4
Hurst-van Everdingen-Dake ..........................................................................................5
C2.5
Hurst-van Everdingen-Odeh..........................................................................................7
C2.6
Vogt-Wang.....................................................................................................................8
C2.7
Fetkovitch Semi Steady State .......................................................................................8
C2.8
Fetkovitch Steady State ..............................................................................................10
C2.9
Hurst-van Everdingen Modified ...................................................................................11
C2.10
Carter-Tracy ................................................................................................................12
C3 Relative Permeability.............................................................................................................13
C3.1
Corey Relative Permeability Function .........................................................................13
C3.2
Stone method 1 modification to the Relative Permeability Function...........................13
C3.3
Stone method 2 modification to the Relative Permeability Function...........................14
C4 Nomenclature ........................................................................................................................15
C4.1
Subscripts....................................................................................................................17
Appendix D-Fluid Contacts Calculation details ...............................................................................1
D-1 Pore Volume vs. Depth...............................................................................................................1
D-2 Standard Fluid Contact Calculations ..........................................................................................4
D-3 Trapped Saturation Fluid Contact Calculations..........................................................................9
D-4 Trapped Saturation Fluid Contact Calculations........................................................................15
Appendix E- Trouble Shooting Guide ...............................................................................................1
E-1 Prediction not Meeting Constraints.............................................................................................1
E-2 Production Prediction Fails .........................................................................................................1
E-3 Pressures in the Prediction are increasing (With No Injection) ..................................................2
E-4 Reversal in the Analytic Plot.......................................................................................................2
E-5 Difference between History Simulation and Analytic Plot...........................................................2
E-6 Dialogs Are Not Displayed Correctly ..........................................................................................3
1 Introduction
This user guide gives an introduction to the key features available in the MBAL
program developed by Petroleum Experts.
MBAL is in a package made up of various tools designed to help the engineer to gain a
better understanding of reservoir behaviour and perform prediction run. So far, the
various tools available in MBAL are:
Figure 1.1:
Tools in MBAL
Material Balance,
Reservoir Allocation
Monte Carlo volumetrics,
Decline Curve Analysis,
1-D Model (Buckley-Leverett) and
Multi-Layer
This document explains the basic procedures to follow in order to set-up a MBAL model
using the examples provided. This user guide focuses on how to use the various
program features as analytical tools to solve engineering problems. The appendix B at
the end of this manual gives a list of the references for the various models implemented
in the MBAL software package. The User is encouraged to consult the appropriate
references for more details.
2-3
1.1
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Brief Tool descriptions
Material Balance:
This incorporates the classical use of Material Balance calculations for history matching
through graphical methods (like Havlena-Odeh, Campbell, Cole etc.). Detailed PVT
models can be constructed (both black oil and compositional) for oils, gases and
condensates. Furthermore, predictions can be made with or without well models and
using relative permeabilities to predict the amount of associated phase productions.
MBAL can also be tied into GAP for integrated production modelling studies, providing
an accurate and fast reservoir model as long as the assumptions of material balance
are valid for the real situation to be modelled.
Reservoir Allocation:
When a well is producing from multiple layers, it is essential for an engineer to know
how much each layer has contributed to the total production. Traditionally, this reservoir
allocation has been done based on the kh of each layer. This approach does not take
the IPR of the layers into account and also ignores the rate of depletion of the layers.
The Reservoir Allocation tool in MBAL improves the allocation by allowing the user to
enter IPRs for each layer and calculates the allocation by taking the rate of depletion
into account as well. Crossflow is also accounted for in the model, as well as different
start/finish times for the wells. Impurities are also tracked and can provide an effective
measure of the quality of the underlying assumptions in the case where few data is
available.
Monte Carlo Simulation:
This tool enables the user to perform statistical evaluation of reserves. Distributions can
be assigned to variables like porosity or thickness of the reservoir and the program will
generate the range of probabilities associated with a reserves range.
Decline Curve Analysis:
Production data can be fitted to Hyperbolic, Exponential or Harmonic declines. These
can be then extrapolated into the future for generation of forecasts.
1D Model:
This is the classic Buckley Leverett tool for predicting breakthrough times and
saturations in a water flooding scenario.
Multi Layer:
Relative Permeability averaging for different layers can be done using this tool, based
on a variety of methods (like Stiles for instance). There rel perms can then be used in
MBAL or the Buckley Leverett tool for further analysis.
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 1 - Introduction 3-3
1.2
About this guide
MBAL is Windows based software. Chapter 2 of this guide gives a brief summary of the
basic Windows features needed to run MBAL.
The screen displays used in this guide are taken from the examples provided with the
software. On occasion, the data files may vary from the examples shown as updates to
the program are issued. Where major amendments or changes to the program require
further explanation, the corresponding documentation will be provided.
Before a modelling exercise, the objectives of the exercise should be defined. Once the
objectives are defined, the chapters in this document are organised to correspond with
the steps one might follow to set-up an MBAL model in order to achieve the objectives.
1.3
How to use this guide
Depending on your needs and the amount of time available to become familiar with the
program, this guide may be used in different ways. The step by step examples of the
Quick Start Guide as well as Appendix A provide a detailed account of building Material
Balance models and performing predictions. If more details on any of the options are
required, then the various chapters relevant to the options in question can be consulted.
If you are new to Windows applications, we recommend you read this guide to the end
to become familiar with the program features, menus, and options.
This is the slow approach, but will cover all you need to know about the program and
might be in the end more beneficial as the Windows basics would have been clearly
understood.
Use this approach only if you are already familiar with the facilities available in the
program, or if you only wish to use a particular analysis tool (e.g. Monte-Carlo).
If you are limited with time and want to sample the program features quickly, follow the
instructions provided with the examples in Appendix A or the Quick Start Guide. These
will show how to run a quick analysis trying each feature for a particular case.
MBAL User Guide
2 Using the MBAL

application
For first time users, this chapter covers the essential features of data management. In
addition to the MBAL procedures used to open files save and print files, this chapter
also describes the procedures to establish links to other Windows programs, define the
system units and getting help. The options and procedures discussed in the following
sections are found under the File, Units, and Help menus.
2.1 File Management

The following sections describe the File menu commands:
Figure 2.1:
File Menu
2.1.1 Opening and Saving Files

When you first start MBAL, the program automatically opens the last file accessed. If
you do not want to work with this file, other data files can be opened quickly and easily
at any time during the current working session. To open a file, choose File - Open, or
press Ctrl+O. The following screen is displayed:
2-13
Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application
Figure 2.2:
MBAL- Open File
A dialog box appears listing in alphabetical order. The files in the default data directory
are automatically shown first. A file can be opened as for any Windows application.
The standard MBAL file type is the *.MBI file. This type is displayed by default. The only
other file type available is the MBR file. The only use of this type of file is as an output
file from GAP which stores the results from a GAP prediction that can be read by
MBAL.
Saving files can be done as for any Windows application.
2.1.2 Append
This option allows the user to merge different MBAL files:
Figure 2.3:
Append
This can be useful in the case where users created MBAL files for reservoirs
independently and would like to have all reservoir models in the same MBAL file.
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 3-13
2.1.3 Defining the Working Directory

The Data Directory option specifies the default working directory where files will be
saved in and picked up from. This facility makes it more efficient to access data files.
Whenever you open, close or create new files, the program automatically selects the
files or saves to the directory defined in this option.
2.1.4 Preferences
The preferences option allows setting various MBAL preferences.
Figure 2.4:
Preferences Menu
These include:
Compress Data Files
Select yes to compress (zip) data files when saving to disk. This facility is useful
for managing very large data files.
Dialog Font
This changes the screen display, font type and size. Only fonts installed under
Windows are displayed. Refer to your Windows manual for more information on
installing fonts.
Format Numerical Input Fields

This option specifies how the numerical input fields are displayed.
If this is set to Yes, numbers will be displayed with a fixed number of digits e.g.
0.3000 or 12.00. Also the number is centred within the field.
If this option is set to No, numbers will be displayed with as few digits as
necessary e.g. 0.3 or 12. Also the number is left justified within the field.
Reload Last File Used at Startup

If you select Yes, MBAL will load the file that was in use the last time you ran
MBAL. If No is selected, MBAL will not load any file when it starts.
File History List Length
MBAL User Guide
4-13
The file menu normally keeps a list of the last files that were accessed by MBAL.
This entry allows you to control the number of files which appears in this list. The
maximum number of files is 10.
Display Results during Calcs.

If No is selected, MBAL will not update the dialogs with the results until the end
of the prediction and simulation calculations. This will mean that the calculation
progress will not be visible. However, it will speed up the calculations by up to
25%.
Include Well Downtime in Constraints

Normally system constraints should be applied to the instantaneous rate i.e. the
rate without factoring by the well downtime. However you may switch this option
on to make MBAL include the well downtime in the constraints. Note that prior to
V7.0 this option was always switched on.
IPR/VLP Tolerance
This value can be used to control the tolerance used in calculation of VLP/IPR
intersections. The tolerance used in the calculation is the average layer pressure
multiplied by the value displayed in this field. For example, if you enter 0.001
then the tolerance used will be 0.1% of the average layer pressure.
The default value of 0.001 will handle calculate most intersections accurately
and keep calculation times at a reasonable level. However some cases
(particularly with high PIs) may give poor results - in these cases a smaller
tolerance may give better results although the calculations will be slower.
Negative VLP Tolerance (Liquid)

This value can be used to control if IPR/VLP solutions are allowed at rates where
the VLP is negative (and therefore the rate is unstable). This value is used for
any oil or water well but it is not applied to injectors.
If any negative values are entered (such as the default of -1) then MBAL will
calculate its own tolerance, which is a
Petroleum Experts
2.1.5 Viewing the Software Key

The Software Protection command activates the REMOTE software utility program that
allows access to the software protection key. The REMOTE facility indicates what
programs are enabled on the key, the program expiration date, and the key and client
number. This utility is also used to activate the key when the program licence has date
has expired, or update the key when more program modules are acquired.
Figure 2.5:
Remote utility
2.1.6 Selecting Printers and Plotters

Use these menu options to select the output (printer or plotter) devices.
2.1.7 The Windows Clipboard

The Clipboard command provides access to the Windows clipboard where data can be
viewed, saved, retrieved or deleted. This command option can be used to view data
from MBAL calculations that are not intended for printing.
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2.1.8 Windows Notepad

The Notepad command provides direct access to the Windows text editor. This
application is useful to make notes of current analysis for later inclusion in reports. This
option can also be used view the results of calculations that have been saved to a file.
2.2 Setting the Units

Use the Units menu to define the measurement units that are used in dialog boxes,
calculation output, reports and plots. This can be accessed as shown below:
Figure 2.6:
Accessing
dialog
the
units
The following screen will appear:

Figure 2.7:
MBAL Units System
2.2.1 Defining System Units

In MBAL, the units can be changed / selected at two levels. These are at the MBAL
global level or at an individual variable level.
Petroleum Experts
2.2.2 Defining the Global Unit System

A particular unit system can be selected from the drop-down list boxes at the top of the
unit columns. This will change the default units for all variables in GAP. The options
available are shown below:
Figure 2.8:
MBAL
Global
System
Units
2.2.3 Changing individual variable units

It is also possible to change the units of individual variables in MBAL to generate a user
specific set of units that can be saved and picked up later in other MBAL models.
To change units of individual variables and create a mixed set of units follow the steps
below:
To view and select the variables, move the scroll bar thumb in any direction, up or
down, until you locate the variable.
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Figure 2.9:
MBAL Individual Units
System
The corresponding input and output unit categories will scroll simultaneously. From the
appropriate unit category (Input/Output), select the preferred measurement unit for the
unit selected. To view the list of units click the arrow to the right of the field. To select a
unit, click the name to highlight the item:
Figure 2.10:
MBAL Individual Units
System
To view the conversion between the currently selected unit and the base (default) unit
for the variable in question, click the blank button to the right of the units drop down list.
Note that a change to the input or output units in the unit database is global with
respect to that variable, and will affect entries made in the variable database (accessed
from the Controls button). For example, a change in the input unit of Pressure will
affect, among others, the Layer Pressure in the Well IPR Input screen.
Once all the changes have been made Press on save button and it will prompt you for a
name to be given to the mixed set of units.
Petroleum Experts
Figure 2.11:
Saving a Units system
This system will then appear in the Global Units Systems:

Figure 2.12:
Saved Units system
2.2.4 Minimum and Maximum Limits

When a dialog is accessed and data entered, the program checks that each input value
is within a range of values defined by a minimum and maximum value. This is to avoid
obviously erroneous values being used as input to the calculations. Each measurement
type has its own set of limits:
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Figure 2.13:
Limits
The program provides a default set of limits but the units dialog allows changing these
values. Note that the minimum and maximum fields are displayed in the current input
units.
2.2.5 Conversion Details

You can also change the precision for each measurement unit. Depending on you
program format settings, the precision controls how many decimal places are used
when a value is displayed by the program.
Click on the details button for the measurement type that you wish to change:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 2.14:
Details
This displays a dialog that allows changing the precision.

Figure 2.15:
Details
Please note that there is a different precision for each possible unit.
2.2.6 Resetting the Units

Click the Reset button to reset the units to their original state (after the first installation
on this PC). This will reset all unit selections, minimum/maximum values and
precisions. It will also delete all user defined unit system.
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2.2.7 Generating a Units Report

A report of the system units can be printed either directly to the printer, to an ASCII text
file, or the Windows clipboard. To print a units report choose the Report command.
You will be prompted to specify the output device and appropriate format. Click Report
again to start the report. When printing to a file, the program prompts you to enter a
name for the report. The .TXT extension is automatically given by the program.
2.3 Getting Help

MBAL has an on-line help facility that allows quick access to information about a menu
option, input field or function command without leaving the MBAL screen.
Figure 2.16:
Help Menu
The help facility offers function buttons and jump terms to move around the Help
system. The function buttons are found at the top of the window and are useful in
finding general information about Windows help. If a feature is not available, the button
associated with that function is dimmed. Jump terms are words marked with a solid
underline that appear in green if you use a colour VDU. Clicking a jump term, moves
you directly to the topic associated with the underlined word(s).
2.3.1 Accessing Help

To get information quickly in MBAL, the following methods display the on-line help.
2.3.2 Help through the menu

From the menu bar, choose HelpIndex or ALT H I, and select the subject you want
from the list of help topics provided.
Petroleum Experts
2.3.3 Getting help using the mouse and keyboard

To get help through the mouse, Press SHIFT+F1. The mouse pointer changes to a
question mark. Next, choose the menu command or option to view. An alternative way
is to click the menu command or option to view, and holding the mouse button down,
press F1. To get help using the keyboard press the ALT key followed by the first letter
of the menu name or option and press F1.
2.3.4 Minimising Help

If you want to close the help Window, but not exit the help facility, click the minimise
button in the upper-right corner of the help window. If you prefer using the keyboard,
press ALT Spacebar N.
MBAL User Guide
3 Data Import
This chapter describes the MBAL program import facilities. These allow data to be
imported into MBAL from external files or databases.
3.1
Importing Data in MBAL
This facility enables you import tabular data from a wide variety of files and databases.
MBAL uses the idea of a filter template for defining the format of a file or database to
be imported and how the data in the import file maps to the data in MBAL. These filters
can be configured visually and can be saved to disk for future use. They can also be
distributed easily to other users.
Wherever the
button is available, data can be imported directly into the
program tables. In some cases, the program provides the user with permanent (or hardcoded filters) such as tubing performance curves imports or imports from the binary
files of other Petroleum Experts products. In most cases, user defined filters can also
be created and saved to disk. These software filters can be created and used once
(Temporary Filter), or they can be stored for future use (Static Filters).
Temporary filter:
A temporary filter is created by using the Temporary Filter file type. A temporary filter
can only be used once. After the data has been imported, the filter script is destroyed
immediately afterwards.
Static filter:
If a filter is built as a Static Filter, the script of the filter can be stored on the disk and
retrieved to be re-used or re-edited. It can also be distributed to other users of MBAL.
Static filter are stored in on disk into binary files with the MBQ extension.
Once the filter has been stored it will appear automatically in the File Type combo box.
To create a static filter, click on the Static Filter and then click on New (see the Static
Filter topic below).
Warning: Static filters only appear in the File Type combo box if the corresponding
MBQ file has been stored in the default data directory.
The data import dialogue is used to import data from the 2 sources currently supported
by MBAL:
ASCII files
Open Database Connectivity sources (ODBC).
Depending on the type of data being imported, only some of the data sources may be
available.
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Chapter 3 - Data Import

Figure 3.1:
Data import
Once a data source has been selected using the Import Type combo box, the dialog
will display only the fields relevant to that data source.
Command Buttons Data Import Dialogue
Done
Runs the selected filter and imports data into table
Static
Filter
Calls the static filter dialogue. If the current Import Type is ASCII file, an
ASCII file filters will be displayed. If it is ODBC, then an ODBC filter will be
created
ODBC Calls the ODBC administration program, which should reside in your
windows system directory if you have ODBC installed on your machine. The
program is used to set up data sources so that they may work with ODBC.
(ODBC option only)
The following two sections describe the method of importing data from the various data
sources.
3.1.1
Importing an ASCII File
This facility enables you import tabular data from a wide variety of files and databases.
You may select hard coded filters or build a static filter to import your data. A filter is
configured visually and can be distributed easily to other users. Each column of
numbers can be modified if the correct unit does no appear in the program. Once
configured the import static filters appear on the import dialogues together with any
hard coded import file types in the program.
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Chapter 3 - Data Import 3-11
Figure 3.2:
Data import - ASCII files
Input Fields for ASCII file

File Name
The full path name of the file to import may be entered in this field. When you press
done the file will be imported using the currently selected File Type. If a segment of a
path is entered into this field the dialog will be updated to show the contents of the new
directory.
File Type
This combo box displays the relevant import filters. These include the hard coded
filters and any static filters which have been created for this particular section of the
program (i.e. filters displayed when the import dialog is called from the PVT table will be
different to those shown when the import dialogue is called from the Production History
table. If the Temporary Filter option is left selected, the program will create a
temporary filter that is deleted once the data has been imported.
Browse
Click this button to select a file from your hard disk or network drive.
For more information on the set-up of the ASCII file import filter, see the ASCII File
Import section below.
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3.1.2
Importing data from an ODBC Datasource
This feature has been designed around the Open Data Base Connectivity standard to
present the user with a common interface to a wide variety of data sources. The ODBC
drivers which currently exist can support such diverse sources as dBase files and
Oracle 7. At present data can be imported from 1 table at a time and supported with
additional SQL to filter the data set.
ODBC is an addition to the operating system (i.e. WinXP, NT 4.0) and as such is not
supplied by Petroleum Experts Ltd.
Figure 3.3:
Data import - ODBC
Datasource
Input Fields for ODBC Database

Run Filter
This combo box shows the import filters which are relevant. The filters run by this tool
are similar to queries run on a database. If you have temporary filter selected a
temporary filter is created, but it deleted after the data has been imported. When a
filter, other than Temporary, has been selected you cannot select a data source from
the list box.
Available Data Sources
This list box can be used to select any of the databases which have been set up with
ODBC tools on your computer. Once selected, you can build a temporary filter to
import the data. This filter is destroyed after it has been run. To save a filter click the
static filter button to set up a permanent filter.
For more information on the set-up of the ODBC Database import filter see the ODBC
Database Import section below.
Petroleum Experts
3.2
Static Import Filter
This feature allows you to build filters which can be re-used or even distributed to other
users of the program. Any filters that are built as static filters will be listed on the data
import dialogue. If it is an ASCII filter it will be in the list of filter types, and if it is for an
ODBC data source it will appear in the list of filters to run. The temporary filter option
displayed in these lists is a static filter which is run once, then destroyed.
Static filters are administered with the Static Filter dialog shown below. This dialog will
list the filters for the current import type, i.e. if it is ASCII File only files which contain
ASCII filters will be listed. Consequently when the New, Copy or Edit buttons are
clicked you are given the options relevant to the import type.
Figure 3.4:
Static Filters
This screen is accessed by the Static Filter button on the file import dialogs which
appear throughout the program. It is from here that the import filters can be managed.
The list box is used to select a filter whose details are then displayed at the bottom of
the screen.
Command Buttons:
New
Creates a new filter then displays the Import Set-up screen.
Copy
Copies the currently selected filter then displays the File Import Filter
screen.
Edit
Reads the currently selected filter then displays the File Import Filter screen
Delete Deletes the currently selected filter.
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3.3
ASCII File Import
This facility is designed to let you import tabular data from a wide variety of files and
databases. A filter is configured visually and can be distributed easily to other users.
Each column of numbers can be modified if the correct unit does not appear in the
program. Once configured the import filters appear on the import dialogs together with
any hard coded import file types in the program. The following screens are only used to
modify these filters.
3.3.1
Import Set-up
On this dialog you can specify the name and description of the filter to be created or
edited. It is also used to define the example file to be used when defining the filter.
Figure 3.5:
Import Set-up (ASCII file)
Input Fields
ASCII File
The full path name of the example file to be used for the definition of the filter must be
entered in this field.
File Format
Select the format of the example file specified above. This defines how MBAL
separates the columns of data in the example file.
Name
A name for the filter type must be entered here. This will appear in the file type field of
an import dialog.
Description
Up to 120 characters may be entered here to give a more comprehensive reminder of
the operation of the filter. The description only appears in the bottom section of the
Details field on the Import Filters dialog.
Column Width
Enter the number of characters in which you wish each data column to be displayed in
the next filter definition dialog.
Command Buttons
Petroleum Experts
Browse Calls up a file selection dialogue. The selected file and path is entered into
the ASCII file input field.
3.3.2
Line Filter
On this screen the user can define the area of the file, which contains the data to
import. The check boxes may be used in together to build up complex rules. There is a
hierarchy to the rules to prevent duplication.
The First n lines and Last n lines options can be used to remove sections of the file
which are always of a fixed length. These two options define the area of the file within
which the rest of the options work.
The Before string and After string can be used to ignore parts of the file which may
vary in length. The string can be any pattern of characters which appear somewhere
on the boundary line.
The Table End section only has one option, Stop at First Blank line, which will cause
the import filter to stop reading data from the file at the first occurrence of a blank line.
All of the options above are processed in the order in which they are described.
Together they describe an area of the file in which the following options can remove
further lines from the data import.
The Lines starting with non numeric option will ignore all lines whose first character
(not including spaces) is non numeric.
The Lines starting with string option allows you to enter a pattern (up to... characters)
which will then exclude lines from the import.
Figure 3.6:
Import Set-up (Line Filter)
Input Fields
All of these fields are only available if the option is checked.
First n lines
Enter the number of lines, starting from the top of the file, to be ignored.
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Last n lines
Enter the number of lines, starting from the bottom of the file, to be ignored.
Lines starting
Enter the pattern which occurs at the start of lines to be ignored.
Before
Enter the pattern which occurs somewhere in the last line which is to be ignored (from
the start of the file).
After
Enter the pattern which occurs somewhere in the first line to be ignored (after reading
has started).
3.3.3
Import Filter
On this page you can define how the filter reads each line from the file. A text window
displays the ASCII file or database, which is completely greyed except for the data area
the first time this screen is displayed. From this screen data can be matched with the
variable names and the data units can be set.
If you are defining a new filter you should call up the Import Filter dialogue to define the
data area. Once this is done you may select columns of data for each field in the list
box. Once defined, this column will be blue. If the selection in the Field Names list box
changes the column will turn red.
In the Field Format area you can set the units of the data in the import file. The Shift
and Multiplier fields can be used to modify the data before it is converted into the units
set for the program.
The graphical selections are echoed into the files in the Data Area section.
Alternatively the column number of line section may be entered here.
Figure 3.7:
Import Filter
Input Fields
Unit
A combo box can be used to list the units defined for the measurement in the MBAL
program.
Petroleum Experts
If the measurement is of time and the unit is date:

Format
A date format can be entered here using the characters Y, M & D separated by an /.
When no day is included in the date you are prompted for the day of the month on
which the measurements regularly occur. If the date in this field is to be the end of the
month any number greater than 30 can be entered. If the data in the file contains no
delimiters the format defines the number of characters read as the day, month & year.
For example:
data:
data:
data:
data:
8901
8901
8901
89/01
format : YYMM
format : YYM
format : MYY
format : M/Y
result is January 1989

result in an error
results is August 1990
results is January 1989
MBAL picks up the default date format from the Windows International settings.
Otherwise:
Multiplier
The data read from the file is multiplied by this number.
Shift
This number is added to the product of the Multiplier and the data read
from the file.
If less than
This field can be used to handle entries below this value in a special way.
If the carry over radio button is set, the last valid value read is copied to
this entry in the table. When the ignore radio button is set the value will
be set to a blank in the table.
If the file type is delimited:

Column
Enter the column of numbers displayed on the screen which contains the
data. Any valid graphical selection will be echoed in this field.
If the file type is fixed format:

Start Enter the column in which the data starts.
End
Enter the column in which the data ends.
These fields will echo any valid graphical selection and must contain the longest
number in the column of data.
Command Buttons:
Reset Prompts the user to confirm the resetting of the data in the filter.
Filter
Displays the Import Filter dialogue.
Set-up Displays the Import Set-up dialogue.

Done
When the user is defining a new filter a file selection dialogue is displayed
for you to enter a file name. If you are editing an existing filter it will be
saved automatically when this button is pressed.
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3.4
ODBC Database Import
This facility is designed to let you import data from a database. The ODBC (Open
Database Connectivity) standard has been used as it allows the users to work in the
same manner with a wide variety of data sources. Note that you must have ODBC
drivers already installed on you PC to use these features. ODBC drivers are not part of
MBAL and must be purchased separately.
The ODBC filter operated in the same way as the ASCII filter (described above) with
the exception of the 2 dialogues used to define the data set.
3.4.1
Filter Set-up
This dialog is used to select the data source on which the filter is to be based. When
building a static filter you are required to enter a name for the filter which will appear in
the Run Filter combo box of the Data Import dialogue.
Figure 3.8:
Filter Set-up (ODBC)
Input Fields
Name
A name for the filter type can be entered here. This will appear in the file type
field of an import dialogue.
Description
Up to 120 characters may be entered here to give a more comprehensive
reminder of the operation of the filter. The description only appears in the
bottom section of the Details field on the Import Filters dialogue.
Available Data Sources
Data sources which have been configured to communicate with ODBC
Command Buttons:
Done
Calls the Table/Fields dialogue
ODBC
Calls the ODBC administrator program.
Petroleum Experts
3.4.2
Choose Table & Fields
Once a data source has been chosen you can select the table and fields to include in
your filter. Data can be imported from one table at a time with the current system.
Figure 3.9:
Import Filter
*
Input Fields
Tables
Select the table from which you want to retrieve data.
Fields
Select the fields that contain the data you want to import.
Additional SQL
Additional Structured Query Language can be entered here to filter the data set.
This section is designed for use with one shot filters (i.e. Temporary) and is not
saved in the static filter file.
MBAL User Guide
4 Plots, Reports
This chapter describes the MBAL program plot and report facilities. It explains how to
modify a plot, change plot colours and print a plot display. This chapter also describes
the report dialogue box and explains how to set up a report and export it.
4.1
The Plot Screen
Plot screens can be accessed directly through the relevant dialogue box using the Plot
command button. Where data has been saved, the program also gives you the facility
of accessing a plot through the relevant menu. Throughout MBAL, the menu
command, or command button to access a graphic display will always be Plot. A
screen similar to the following appears:
Figure 4.1:
MBAL plot screen
4.1.1 Leaving the plot screen

The plot screen's Finish menu command will exit the current plot screen and return you
to the previous dialogue box.
4.1.2 Resizing the display

A plot display can be enlarged to view a particular section of the display more closely.
This is done by zooming in on any portion of the screen. To magnify an area:
First place the plot cross-hairs near the area of interest. (Imagine drawing a box over
the area to view and position the cross-hairs on any corner of the box.)
Holding down the LEFT mouse button, drag the pointer diagonally across the area of
interest. A rectangle will temporarily be drawn over the area to magnify. Release the
mouse button.
The screen display will automatically enlarge or magnify the area you have selected.
After zooming, double-clicking the grid area or choosing the Redraw menu command
will reset the plot display to its original scales.
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Chapter 4 - Plots, Reports
4.1.3 Modifying the plot display

Options are available in the Display menu to change the plot scales, axes labels and
plot colours. Displays can also be modified to exclude (or include) the plot legend,
cross-hair status information or curve data points.
Any change made to a plot display applies only to the current active plot. That is,
changes to a plot display are plot specific.
4.1.3.1 Plot scales (New!!!)

To change or save the plot display scales, choose the Scales option from the menu.
The following menu box will appear:
Figure 4.2:
Scales Menu
The Edit screen allows the user to edit the scale options.
Figure 4.3:
Scales options
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Entering the new minimum and maximum values for the X and Y axis, and pressing
Done will return to the plot display with the updated axis and grids.
Normally when a plot is displayed, the program will automatically calculate the scales
required to view all the data to plot.
Some plots allow the user to save the plot scales for each variable (e.g. tank pressure,
oil rate). This will mean that the same scales are always displayed when a particular
variable is displayed rather than being recalculated. These scales are saved to disk.
For example, if you have a plot displaying oil rate, there will be three menu options:Save Oil Rate Scale
Select this option to save the current oil rate scale.
Restore Oil Rate Scale
Select this option to redisplay the plot with the saved oil rate scales.
Reset Oil Rate Scale
Select this option to delete any saved scales. This will return the program to normal
behavior where the scales are recalculated each time we enter the plot.
There will be similar menu options for each displayed variable.
There will also be similar menu options to save/restore/reset all displayed variables.
4.1.3.2
Display menu
The display menu allows the user to view and alter the plot labels, colours etc, as
shown in the screenshot below:
Figure 4.4:
Plot Display - Labels option
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4.1.3.2.1 Labels
The labels menu allows changing the default labels to the ones preferred by the user:
Figure 4.5:
Plot Display - Labels option
4.1.3.2.2 Colours
MBAL uses a palette of colours that allows the user to customise the plot display to suit
personal preferences. The colour settings can be customised at any time. The colours
chosen can be saved so they become defaults for all plots, and/or modified temporarily
for a single plot. To access the plot colour options, choose:
Figure 4.6:
Plot Display - Colours Option
The following screen appears:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 4.7:
Plot Display
Option
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Colours
The plot colour screen is generally sectioned into three parts: plot elements, plot
variables, and colour scheme. Every item in the lists displayed can be selected, and
each will accept any of the defined colours. Changing a colour involves the following
steps:
First select the desired colour scheme: colour, grey scale or monochrome; colour
schemes affect entire plots.
Next select the plot item to modify. To select a plot item, highlight the item name.
Lastly choose the desired shade from the colour bar available for the scheme selected.
Separate colour schemes can be defined for the screen and hardcopy plots.
4.1.3.2.3 Plot line widths

This dialog allows the user to change the width of lines on the plots. Enter a line width
between 1 and 9:
Figure 4.8:
Display - Line Widths
Once a change has been made to the line width, it will stay in force until exiting the
program. However, if you wish to keep the line width setting the next time you run the
program, click the Save button. This will store the line width setting in the INI file.
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4.1.3.2.4 Fonts
This dialog allows the user to change the fonts that appear on the plot. Note that the
fonts selected are also used when outputting the plot to a printer or plotter.
4.1.3.2.5 Plot Legends

The Display menu provides additional options for excluding (or including) the plot
legend, mouse status information and curve data points. To activate the appropriate
option click the menu item, or use the key combination indicated to the right of the
menu item. Where the option is active, a tick will appear to the left of the menu item.
Legend Off excludes the legend indicating the plot input data. (Shift+F6)
Cursor Off excludes the grey status bar located at the bottom of the plot screen
displaying the X and Y co-ordinates of the plot cross-hairs. (Shift+F7)
Symbol Off excludes the data points of the displayed plot curves. (Shift+F8)
4.2
Output
The Output option in the plot menu allows the user to send the plot to a printer, the
clipboard or create a windows metafile with the plot (*.wmf file):
Figure 4.9:
Output Options
4.2.1 Selecting a printer or plotter

On starting MBAL, the printer used is the default printer as specified by Windows.
However you can change to another printer within MBAL by clicking on the File/Printer
Options button. This will also allow selecting additional settings appropriate to the
printer.
Figure 4.10:
Printer selection
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4.2.2 Making a hard copy of the plot

The Output menu command enables you to make or send copies of the plot display to
include in your reports. You are given the choice of selecting one on the following
output media:
Hardcopy sends the plot display directly to the attached printer or plotter in the
format and layout specified in the Printer setup.
Clipboard sends a copy to the Windows clipboard. The contents of the
clipboard are deleted and replaced whenever a new plot is sent to the clipboard.
If you want to keep the plot in the clipboard, start your preferred Windows draw
program and open a new document. Next, select the program's Edit menu and
choose the Paste command.
Windows Metafile, generates a *.WMF that can be imported into most Windows
graphics programs (e.g. Freelance). A dialogue box appears promoting you
name the plot file. The extension is automatically given by the program.
All the above output options allow you to generate different types of colour plots:
-
4.3
Colour outputs the plot in the colours selected. This format is best if you
have a high quality colour laser printer/plotter.
Grey Scale outputs the plot is varying shades or grey. This plot is useful
for displaying plots on LCD monitor or black and white screens.
Monochrome outputs the plot display is black and white only. This type
is best used with non-colour printers.
Changing the plotted variables
If you want to change the variables that are currently on the plot to display another set
of variables, choose the Variables menu command.
Figure 4.11:
Variables
The variable selection dialogue box that appears will vary with the type of plot selected
and the variable items that can be displayed. To select a variable item, simply click the
variable name:
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Figure 4.12:
Variables selection
The plots can include one or two Y axis variables plotted against the same X axis.
4.4
Reporting
This section describes the options relevant for printing or viewing a report. All the main
menu items in MBAL have a reporting option with default report options ready for
commercial reports:
Figure 4.13:
Reporting
The PVT, Input and Production Prediction options have similar reporting options that
work on the same principles as described below.
4.4.1 Selecting sections to include in the report

Selecting the Reports option shown above will display the following screen:
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Figure 4.14:
Reporting
The information available for reporting is displayed in the sections menu and the user
can then select which of these to include in the report. For example, if all the
information is required, first select all of the options by clicking on the boxes next to
them:
Figure 4.15:
Selecting sections
include in the report
to
Then the information relevant to each option can be selected by clicking on the extend
buttons shown above:
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Figure 4.16:
Selecting sections
include in report
to
As soon as these options are chosen, then the output method can be selected from the
main report screen:
Figure 4.17:
Selecting where to send
the report
Clicking the Report button now will create the report in the relevant format:
Petroleum Experts
11-11
Figure 4.18:
Report
4.4.2 Solving printing problems

If your printed output does not look like the format you see on screen, check the
following:
Make sure you have sufficient space on disk to create a printer file.
Check your printer is connected properly, it is ON and on-line.
Check you have selected the correct printer and port from the Printer Set Up. If
can't read the printer file, check the appropriate printer port is selected (usually
'LPT1').
Check you have installed the correct fonts and printer fonts for your driver.
When Windows cannot find the appropriate fonts, it substitutes another font.
Check that the latest version of your printer driver has been installed. If you
have an old printer driver, the document may not print or will compress to form
an unreadable file
MBAL User Guide
5 Defining the system

This chapter describes the program Tool and Options menus.
The selections made in these screens set the scope of the MBAL program. They
establish the inputs required and specify the nature of the calculations that will
performed. The parameters selected are global for the current active file.
On selecting the analysis tool, you may immediately notice the options on the menu bar
change. This is the effect of MBAL's smart data input feature. The menu bar changes
when a tool is selected. The options displayed will correspond to the analysis tool
selected and are different between tools. This smart menu feature simplifies the
process of data entry by displaying only those options, fields and input parameters that
are relevant to the chosen application.
The tool selection can be changed at any time. It should be noted however, that new
choices may require more or different data to be supplied and in some cases
recalculated.
5.1
Reservoir Analysis Tools
The function of the Tool menu is to define the reservoir engineering analysis tool. The
menu lists the current Reservoir Engineering tools available in MBAL.
Figure 5.1:
MBAL- System Options
To access this menu, click the menu name or press ALT T. The following analytical
tools are displayed:
2-3
Chapter 5 - Defining the System
Material Balance
This model enables the user to perform the classical history matching to determine fluid
originally in place as well as aquifer influx. Predictions can also be made using relative
permeabilities and well performances (IPR, VLP) to evaluate future reservoir
performance based on different production strategies. The material balance models can
also be used in GAP for full system modelling and optimisation.
This tool allocates reserves in a multilayer system if only cumulative production per well
is known. It takes into account the IPR of each layer as well as the rate of depletion and
is an improvement to the classical kh technique.
Monte Carlo Statistical Modelling
Statistical tool for estimating Oil and Gas in place.
Decline Curve Analysis
This is the classical decline curve analysis tool whereby production history is fitted to
curves that are then extrapolated in an attempt to predict future performance.
1D Model
Analysis of water flooding in an oil reservoir (Buckley-Leveret analysis)
Multi Layer
Calculation of average pseudo-relative permeabilities for a multi-layer reservoir.
5.2
System options
Once the analysis tool has been selected, the Options menu can be invoked:
This dialogue box has three main sections:
Tool Options
Where the different options available for the tool selected in the Tool menu can be
chosen.
User Information
These fields may be used to identify the reservoir and analyst working on the model.
The information entered here will appear on the report and screen plots.
User Comments
This is a space where a log of the updates/changes to the file can be kept.
To access the Options menu, click the menu name or press ALT O. A dialogue similar
to the following appears:
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 5 - Defining the System 3-3
Figure 5.2:
Material
Balance
System Options
5.2.1
tool-
Tool options
To select an option, click the arrow to the right of the field to display the current choices.
To move to the next entry field, click the field to highlight the entry, or use the TAB
button. The options displayed are determined by the analysis tool selected in the Tool
menu. For more information on these fields, refer to the relevant analysis tool chapter.
5.2.2
User information
The information for these fields is optional. The details entered here provide the
banner/header header information that identifies the reservoir in the reports and plots
generated by the program.
5.2.3
User comments and date stamp
This box is used to keep a history log of events on the system or modifications made to
the file since you started. An unlimited amount of text is allowed. Press Ctrl+Enter to
start a new paragraph. The comments window can be viewed by either dragging the
scroll bar thumb or using the and directional arrow keys. The Date Stamp
command adds the current date and time to the user comments box.
MBAL User Guide
6 Describing the PVT

In order to accurately predict both pressure and saturation changes throughout the
reservoir, it is important that the properties of the fluid are accurately described. The
ideal situation would be to have data from laboratory studies done on fluid samples. As
this is not always possible, MBAL offers several options for calculating the required
fluid properties:
- Correlations: Where only basic PVT data is available, the program uses traditional
black oil correlations, such as Glaso, Beal, and Petrosky etc. A unique black oil model
is available for condensates and details of this can be found later in this guide as well
as the PROSPER manual.
- Matching: Where both basic fluid data and some PVT laboratory measurements are
available, the program can modify the black oil correlations to best-fit the measured
data using a non-linear regression technique.
- Tables: Where detailed PVT laboratory data is provided, MBAL uses this data instead
of the calculated properties. This data is entered in table format (PVT tables), and can
be supplied either manually or imported from an outside source. So called black oil
tables can be generated from an EOS model and then be imported and used in MBAL.
- Compositional: Where the full Equation of State description of the fluid is available
and all the PVT can be obtained from a Peng-Robinson or an SRK description of the
fluid phase behaviour.
Note with regards to the PVT definitions:

Use of Tables: Tables are usually generated using one fluid composition which
implies a single GOR for the fluid. This will therefore not provide the right fluid
description when we have injection of hydrocarbons in the reservoir or when the
reservoir pressure drops below the bubble/dew point.
Use of EOS: The basic equations of state are not predictive unless matched to
measured lab data. Care has to be taken in order to make sure that the EOS has
been matched and is applicable for the range of Pressures and Temperatures to
be investigated.
2-47
6.1
Chapter 6 - Describing the PVT
Selecting the PVT method
The following paragraphs summarise the steps to be taken based on the amount of
PVT information available.
Under the system Options:
Figure 6.1:
Accessing the Options
Here the fluid can be selected, as well as the method with respect to compositional
modelling.
Figure 6.2:
Selection of Fluid Method
Reservoir Fluid
Oil
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 6 - Describing the PVT 3-47
This option uses oil as the primary fluid in the reservoir. Any gas cap properties
will be treated as dry gas
Gas (Dry and Wet Gas)
Wet gas is handled under the assumption that all liquid condensation occurs at
the separator. The liquid is put back into the gas as an equivalent gas quantity.
The pressure drop is therefore calculated on the basis of a single phase gas,
unless water is present.
Retrograde Condensate
MBAL uses the Retrograde Condensate Black Oil model. These models take
into account liquid dropout in the reservoir at different pressures and
temperatures.
General
This option allows a tank to be treated as an oil leg with a gas cap containing a
condensate rather than dry gas. In other words, a tank can be treated as an oil
tank with an initial condensate gas cap or as a condensate tank with an initial oil
leg.
This means that the user can enter a full black oil description of the oil (as would
be done for the old oil case) and a full black oil description for the gascondensate (as would be done for the old retrograde condensate case). This
allows modelling of solution gas bubbling out of the oil in the tank, as well as
liquid drop out in the tank from the gas.
The user may still choose to only enter one model i.e. oil or condensate. This will
give compatibility with old MBAL files.
If we have a full oil and gas model, we can calculate oil properties above the dew
point and gas properties above the bubble point. This allows modelling of supercritical fluids.
We still have to define a tank to either be predominately oil or condensate. There
are two main reasons:-
It is convenient to define a tank fluid type from a display point of view. The
tank type controls how we input the fluid in place i.e. OOIP and gas cap
fraction of OGIP and oil leg fraction. It also defines the predominant fluid in
the history matching e.g. gas or oil graphical plots. However these should not
affect the results (apart from that mentioned below). We should get the same
results if we analyze as an oil tank with a gas cap or a condensate tank with
an oil leg.
The tank type defines the wetting phase. This may have an effect on the
calculation of the maximum saturation of the oil or gas phase. For example,
the maximum gas saturation is 1.0-Swc for a condensate tank but is 1.0-SroSwc for an oil tank. This may effect the calculations of the relative
permeabilities.
If you switch from oil to condensate tank, MBAL will automatically recalculate the
input fluid volumes and pore volume vs. depth tables assuming that there is both
initial oil and gas.
Whether the tank is defined as oil or condensate, both oil and gas wells can be
defined for a tank. Suitable relative permeabilitys can be used to allow
production only from an oil leg or from the gas cap.
MBAL User Guide
4-47
Another feature of this method is the full tracking of gas injection in the tank. The
main benefit is that production of injected gas can now be controlled by use of
recirculation breakthroughs. Previously, gas production always contained a
mixture of original gas and injected gas based on a volumetric average. Thus as
soon as gas injection started, the produced CGR would start to drop. If no
breakthroughs are entered, this will still be the case. However we are now able
to enter a recirculation breakthrough. Whilst the gas injection saturation is below
this breakthrough, none of the injection gas will be recirculated. This will mean
that injection gas will remain in the tank. The user may also enter a gas injection
saturation at which full recirculation takes place. At this saturation, only injected
gas is produced. Between the breakthrough and full recirculation saturation, a
linear interpolation of the two boundary conditions is used.
Once the relevant options are selected, then the PVT screen can be accessed:
Figure 6.3:
Accessing the PVT screen
This will allow entry of the relevant data to describe the fluid behaviour. The following
sections will describe the PVT definition and validation procedures depending on the
fluid to be modelled.
This chapter will be split into two main categories:
Section 6.2 will be a description of the Black Oil models
Section 6.3 will be a description of the Compositional Options
Petroleum Experts
6.2
Black Oil PVT Descriptions
In this section, all the options with regards to the Black Oil model for PVT descriptions
will be described. The definition Black Oil means that the fluid will be treated as two
phases, Oil and Gas, so it can be applied to condensates as well for example.
In MBAL there is a unique condensate model that can describe the properties of
retrograde condensate fluids but needs to be validated first. This validation will also be
explained.
6.2.1 PVT for Oil

If Oil is defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the following PVT dialog box is
displayed.
Figure 6.4:
PVT for Oil: Data input
Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.
- The Formation GOR is the Solution GOR at the bubble point and should
not include free gas production.
- The Mole Percent, CO2, N2 and H2S are from gas stream composition.
Select the appropriate Separator (Single or Two Stage)

Select the black oil correlations to apply.
If PVT Tables have been entered, and a decision was made to use the
matched or unmatched black oil correlations instead of the tables, the Use
Tables box can be un-checked.
If the black-oil correlations have been matched, and a decision was made to
use the original (unmatched) black oil correlations instead, then the Use
Matching box can be unchecked.
Where additional PVT data can be provided, continue with the 'Matching Correlations...'
and 'Using the PVT Tables' sections. If no further data is available, click Done to exit
the PVT menu.
MBAL User Guide
6-47
6.2.2 Controlled Miscibility Option

This option is used to control how free gas redissolves into the oil if the pressure of the
fluid increases.
Figure 6.5:
Controlled Miscibility
Option
Firstly it is worth reviewing how gas re-dissolving was handled in older versions of
MBAL (and how it is still handled if this option is not selected).
Consider a fluid that starts above the initial bubble point. As the pressure drops, the oil
is still under saturated so no gas bubbles out of the oil. If the fluid continues to drop to
below the initial bubble point, gas will start to bubble out of the oil. The amount of gas is
described by the saturated part of the Rs vs. Pressure curve as defined by the PVT
model.
Now if the pressure of the fluid starts to increase, MBAL simply backtracks up the Rs
vs. Pressure curve. In other words, we assume that the gas re-dissolves back into the
oil at exactly the same rate as it bubbled out. If the pressure increases further, back
above the initial bubble point pressure, MBAL still keeps to the original Rs vs. Pressure
curve. Therefore the amount of gas that can be re-dissolved back into the oil is limited
to the initial Rs. So even if we have injected gas into the sample, it can still not be
dissolved into the oil above the initial Rs - no matter how high the pressure reaches.
So what are the changes if the controlled miscibility option is selected? In fact, as the
pressure drops from the initial pressure, there is no change in the PVT model from
before. The Rs will stay constant until the tank drops below the initial bubble point
pressure - it will then decrease as specified by the saturated Rs vs. P curve. It is only if
the pressure starts to increase
ilable and the gas

has infinite time to dissolve. It then calculates the maximum Rs available in the system
i.e. the available gas to available oil ratio. It then sets the potential Rs (RsPot) to the
minimum of these two values i.e. we are either limited by the available gas or the
maximum gas that can dissolve. We then calculate the actual Rs to be:-
Rs = (1 x) RsLast + xRsPot
RsLast is the Rs at the last time step. x is adjusted to be the remixing given the length
of the time step. x is limited to a maximum of 1.0. If you wish all the gas to be
redissolved at each time step, then simply enter a very large number for the remixing
e.g. 1.0e08. A value of 0.0 will mean that no remixing will occur.
Note that each time we calculate a new Rs, we also recalculate the corresponding new
bubble point.
Secondly, if the pressure rises above the initial pressure, MBAL will allow the Rs to rise
above the initial Rs, assuming that the remixing factor is large enough, enough gas is
available from injection and the oil can dissolve more gas. Note that if the pressure
keeps rising, but the available gas runs out so the oil becomes under saturated again,
MBAL will use fluid properties based on under saturated properties calculated from the
new bubble point.
6.2.3 Matching correlations

The matching facility is used to adjust the empirical fluid property correlations to fit
measured PVT laboratory data. Correlations are modified using a non-linear regression
technique to best fit the measured data. You access this facility by clicking the Match
command in the 'Fluid Properties' dialogue box:
Figure 6.6:
Accessing the PVT Match
Data Input Screen
The following screen will appear:
MBAL User Guide
8-47
Figure 6.7:
PVT Match Data Input
screen
Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered which are sorted by temperature.

The available match data can be entered manually or imported using the Import
button in this screen (from a file of PVTP for instance).
data entered for matching should be from a CCE experiment in order to
The
ensure mass balance consistency in the data
Once all the data has been entered, click Match as shown above in order to match the
correlations to the available data.
Figure 6.8:
Matching measured PVT
to the correlations
Petroleum Experts
Click Calc to start the match process. The regression technique applies a multiplier
(Parameter 1), and a shift (Parameter 2) to the correlation. The Standard Deviation
displays the overall match quality. The lower the standard deviation, the better the
match.
When the calculations are done, the match coefficients for the selected correlations and
fluid properties are displayed under Match Parameters:
Figure 6.9:
Selection of Correlation
that most closely
resembles the properties
of the fluid
From these tables, the best correlation (the one requiring the least correction) can be
selected. This should have parameter 1 as close to 1 as possible and parameter 2 as
close to 0 as possible.
correlations, click Reset. All matching parameters will be reset
toTo1unmatch
and 0 respectively.
The correlations selected can then be applied in the program from the main PVT
screen:
MBAL User Guide
10-47
Figure 6.10:
Making sure that the
selected correlations are
used by MBAL
6.2.4 Using PVT tables

If detailed PVT laboratory data is available it can be entered in the tables provided. The
program will use the data in the PVT tables in all further calculations only if the 'Use
Tables' option in the 'Fluid Properties' data entry screen is enabled.
Note on Use of Tables: Tables are usually generated using one fluid composition
which implies a single GOR for the fluid. This will therefore not provide the right
fluid description when we have injection of hydrocarbons in the reservoir (for
pressure support for instance).
Up to 50 PVT tables can be entered, and each table may use a different temperature if
desired. Tables are sorted by temperature. Where the program requires data that is not
entered in the tables it will calculate it using the selected correlations. To access the
PVT tables:
Enter the information required in the input dialog box. Check the 'Use Tables'
option in the data input screen, and click Tables. A 'User Table' dialog box
similar to the following will appear.
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.11:
PVT Tables Input screen
Enter the measured PVT data in the columns provided. To select the next PVT
table, scroll to the next free table from the up/down button shown above.
The Import facility is an alternative method of entering data. The option is open to any
user who would like to use data from their own programs. As file formats vary across
programs, this option is user specific. The general file import facility is described in
Chapter 4, Section 3.
the material balance tool, if a fixed value for water compressibility has
For
been entered in the tank data, it will ignore any values entered for Bw in the
PVT tables.
If no further data is available, click Done to exit the PVT menu.
6.2.5 PVT Tables for Controlled Miscibility

If controlled miscibility has been selected, the table entry has some differences. As
before, one can enter up to 50 tables with a different temperature for each set. However
for each temperature one must enter a single saturated table and up to 50 under
saturated tables. Each under saturated table corresponds to different bubble point.
MBAL User Guide
12-47
Figure 6.12:
Tables for Controlled
Miscibility
6.2.6 Variable PVT for Oil Reservoir

In order to take into account the change of black oil properties versus depth
(compositional gradient), a Variable PVT tank model has been implemented. To
enable this tank model, select Variable PVT as the tank model in the Options menu:
Figure 6.13:
Selecting the Variable
PVT model
Petroleum Experts
In this model, the tank is divided into several layers having different PVT properties.
The basic PVT properties of each layer can be entered and if measured data is
available, the PVT correlations can be matched by clicking on the Match Data button.
Figure 6.14:
Variable PVT model data
input
Note that a '*' will appear on the Match Data button if the match process
has already been performed on a layer
The depths entered here must match the depths entered in the reservoir pore volume
versus depth table (see Tank Data Input). If a primary gas cap exists, the Datum Depth
must be the depth of the initial Gas/Oil contact. The Datum Depth must correspond to
the 0 pore volume versus depth and the bottom depth of the last layer must correspond
to the 1 pore volume versus depth.
datum depth defines the top of the top layer, so all layer bottom depths
The
must be greater than the datum depth. MBAL will sort the layers in the table
by the layer bottom depth. MBAL will also stop you entering layers less
than one foot thick.
6.2.7 PVT for Gas

When Gas is defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the following PVT dialog
box is displayed.
The Dry Gas model assumes all liquid dropout occurs at the separator. In the
calculations, an equivalent gas rate is used (based on the CGR entered) that allows for
condensate production to ensure that a mass balance is observed.
MBAL User Guide
14-47
Figure 6.14
PVT for Gas: Data Input
Enter the required fluid data in the fields provided.

The Mole Percent, CO2, N2 and H2S are from gas stream composition.
Enter the required separator data in the fields provided.
Select the Gas Viscosity correlation to apply.
6.2.8 Water Vapour Option

The Model Water Vapour Option is available for Gas reservoirs and serves in
providing the amount of water (from the vaporised water) that will drop out as pressure
depletes in the reservoir.
Figure 6.15
PVT for Gas: Data Input
The following plot is taken from PROSPER and shows the vaporised water curves the
program will use when this option is activated:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.16
Vaporised water content
in Gas plots
In tests we have performed, the condensed water shows no major impact in the
material balance calculations. However, when a reservoir is used as part of an IPM
model, then this water will cause loading for low rates and will result in the well dyeing
sooner in the prediction (more realistic forecast).
The properties of gas (Z factor, density etc) will be calculated with the gas equation of
state PV = ZnRT and the Standing-Katz model with corrections for impurities.
As with the Black Oil model for Oils, the PVT properties can be matched using the
same procedure.
MBAL User Guide
16-47
6.2.9 Black Oil PVT for Retrograde Condensate

If Retrograde Condensate is defined as the fluid type in the Options menu, the
following PVT dialog box is displayed.
Figure 6.17:
PVT Retrograde
Condensate: Input
The required data can be entered in the fields provided and the best source of these is
a matched equation of state in PVTP. If a separator calculation is done in PVTP:
Figure 6.18:
Performing separator
calculations in PVTP
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.19:
Analysis results from
the separator
experiment
The Analysis screen will provide all the data needed to enter in the BO Condensate
model in MBAL.
MBAL User Guide
18-47
6.2.10
Black Oil Condensate model validation procedure
The formulation of the Black Oil model for condensates is described in the PROSPER
manual and it can be used to model most but not all Condensates. The shape of the
CGR curve is difficult to predict from the basic data and this is why this particular model
needs to be validated before use.
The Condensate model in MBAL needs to be matched to CCE data (honouring mass
balance). However, the process that MBAL will follow is one of depletion by removing
gas from the reservoir, which resembles a depletion experiment.
The objective of the validation procedure is to cross check that the BLACK OIL
model reasonably reproduces the drop out and recovery results as predicted by
laboratory experiments and/or fully compositional models.
.To perform the validation, the following steps are taken:
1. Use an Equation of State (EOS) package (e.g. PVTP) to calibrate an EOS to the
represent the fluid compositionally.
Figure 6.20:
Phase envelope for
condensate
2. Simulate a depletion experiment with this tool using a given separation scheme and
an initial Gas in Place of 100 MMSCF.
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.21:
Depletion experiment
in PVTP
As soon as the calculations are finished:

Figure 6.22:
Results from
Depletion Experiment
in PVTP
MBAL User Guide
20-47
3. As soon as the calculations are finished, transfer the following results to a package
like EXCEL
i)
ii)
iii)
Produced GOR i.e. yield

Liquid Drop Out
Gas recovery
4. Simulate a Constant Composition Experiment (CCE) with the compositional tool

(PVTP) and create an export file with the match data MBAL will need to match the
BO model to:
Figure 6.23:
Selecting the export
options from PVTP
Figure 6.24:
Exporting the CCE
tables from PVTP
At this point, export and save the .ptb file.
Petroleum Experts
5. Go to MBAL PVT section and enter the separator data and dew point under the
PVT input section as shown earlier.
6. Transfer this drop out and gas property data generated with CCE to the match data
in PVT screens of MBAL. Perform the match, so that the black oil model is tuned.
Figure 6.25:
Importing the CCE
tables previously
generated from
PVTP into MBAL
Figure 6.26:
Selecting the
correct import
format
MBAL User Guide
22-47
Figure 6.27:
Data imported
Figure 6.28:
Condensate model
Matching
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.29:
Setting up Tank
Parameters for the
comparison
This will ensure that no support comes from connate water expansion and the gas in
place is the same as the Depletion experiment in PVTP (since we want to compare the
two).
8. Set water influx to None.
9. Set the tank rock compressibility to 1E-20, i.e. no energy will come from the rock
itself.
Figure 6.30:
Preventing drive from
rock compressibility
MBAL User Guide
24-47
10. Set the relative permeability in such a manner that oil is blocked, i.e. oil relative
permeability is zero:
Figure 6.31:
Preventing oil from
escaping the
reservoir.
11. Go to Prediction | Prediction Setup and set the model to Reservoir Pressure
only from Production Schedule
Figure 6.32:
Setting up the
prediction
12. In Prediction | Production and Constraints set the average gas production rate to
a very small value as shown:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.33:
Setting up the
prediction
13. Run the prediction and save the model.

Figure 6.34:
Prediction Done
14. Once the prediction is finished, export the following from the model to EXCEL
i)
The GOR
ii)
The oil saturation which is the equivalent of liquid drop out
iii)
Gas recovery
15. Once done on the EXCEL spread sheet, you can plot the following variables versus
pressure for both the situation i.e. MBAL results and the compositional results
i)
Produced GOR
MBAL User Guide
26-47
ii)
iii)
Liquid dropout
Gas recovery
Note that the liquid drop out in MBAL is oil saturation in the tank, which is a fraction and
needs to be converted to a % value.
The results of this validation for one case are shown below:
12
10
ResLiq Dropout from fluid characterization
Predicted Oil Sat from MBAL
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
Pressure in bara
Liquid Drop out Comparison.
90
80
GAS RECOVERY
70
MBAL Results
60
50
EOS Results
40
30
20
10
0
0
100
200
300
400
PRESSURE
Gas Recovery Curve
Petroleum Experts
500
600
Results of Validation:
On basis of these three graphs, we can conclude that for this particular case, the Black
Oil model is able to replicate the behaviour of a fully compositional model and as such
we can use the MBAL tool to study this reservoir.
Note that this may always not be the case. We recommend that all users should
go through the validation procedure before the MBAL is used for condensates.
6.2.11
PVT for General Model
In MBAL if the Oil, Gas or condensate options are selected, the material balance
equations are solved specifically for the type of fluid selected. So, in an oil reservoir
with a gas cap, there is no problem in describing the PVT as oil with the gas cap
defined as the m value. The properties of the gas will be defined by the gas gravity
entered in the PVT screen.
However, when the situation to be modelled is that of a condensate with an oil leg, then
the above PVT definitions are not adequate. This is why the General description was
added to the program in order to accommodate this situation and be able to solve the
material balance equations for any type of fluid.
If the General fluid model has been selected in Options menu:
Figure 6.35:
Selecting the General
Model
MBAL User Guide
28-47
The following screen will appear in the PVT definition for the fluid:
Figure 6.36:
General Model PVT
screen
There are three tabs on the above screen:-
Oil: This tab will display the same fields as on the standard oil or variable PVT
dialog. The only difference is that the water inputs and the gas impurities are
not displayed.
Gas: This tab will display the same fields as on the standard retrograde
condensate dialog. The only difference is that the water inputs are not
displayed.
Water: This tab displays the water inputs that normally appear on the oil or
retrograde condensate.
In this case, the oil properties are calculated from the model entered in the oil tab, the
gas properties are calculated from the model entered in the gas tab and the water
properties are calculated from the model entered in the water tab.
The Import, Match, Table and Match Param buttons on each tab will operate on each
phase model separately. For example, each phase can be matched separately.
However the results calculated from the Calc button will always be from the
combination of the three models.
It is also possible to exclude use of the full model for either the oil or gas phase. This
allows compatibility with old oil or retrograde condensate models. For example, if you
do not have a full model for the gas phase, you may switch the Use Full Gas Model
option off. In this case, the gas properties will be calculated from the oil model i.e. the
same as the standard oil model. Note that the water properties will still be calculated
from the data in the water tab.
Petroleum Experts
6.2.12
Multiple PVT Definitions
In MBAL, it is possible to have more than one tanks described, with transmissibility
between them that would simulate different regions of a reservoir. If the fluid in these
segments is different, then MBAL allows the creation of different PVT models for each
one of these tanks.
Figure 6.37:
Selecting Multiple
Tank Model
In the PVT section now, the following screen will appear:

Figure 6.38:
Multiple PVT
definitions screen
The buttons shown above will allow the user to add (+), delete (-) and copy (x) streams
of different PVT definitions.
MBAL User Guide
30-47
So, it the (x) button is clicked 5 times, then the streams will be created accordingly (with
the same properties as the original):
Figure 6.39:
Multiple PVT
definitions screen
These definitions can then be selected accordingly in the reservoir screen:

Figure 6.40:
Multiple PVT
definitions screen
Petroleum Experts
6.2.13
Checking the PVT calculations
To check the quality of the PVT data entered, click Calc in the 'Fluid Properties' screen
or choose PVTCalculator.
Figure 6.41:
PVT Calculator
The same screen can also be accessed from inside the Fluid Properties screen:
Figure 6.42:
PVT Calculator
The following dialogue box will be prompted:
MBAL User Guide
32-47
Figure 6.43:
PVT Automatic
Calculation
Select the correlations to apply. These default from the Fluid Properties input
screen, and can be changed to test the other correlations.
Check the method of calculation (Automatic or User Selected)

Automatic
Enter a range of pressures and temperatures, and the number of

steps to calculate for each.
User selected A separate input screen appears that allows you to enter up to 10
specific pressure and temperature points to check.
If the controlled miscibility option has been selected then the bubble point is not
fixed. So you will also need to enter the bubble point Pb at which you wish the
calculations to be done.
Click Calc. A calculation screen showing the results of the previous calculation
appears.
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.44:
PVT properties calculated
Click Calc again to start the calculation.
To view the calculation results graphically, click Plot. A graphics screen similar
to the following appears:
Figure 6.45:
PVT Plot
screen.
You can view other PVT variables by choosing the Variables menu option. The
program allows you to modify much of the plot display. You can change the plot
colours, labels and scales or the variables displayed on the X and Y axes. To change a
plot display, use any of the following menu options on the menu bar.
Finish
Closes the plot.
Redraw
Cancels any zoom and redraws the original plot.
Display
Use this option to access the facilities for changing the plot scales,
plot labels and plot colours.
MBAL User Guide
34-47
Output
Use this option to make a copy of the plot display. The plot can be
sent directly to 'the printer, the Windows clipboard or into a
Windows Metafile.
Variables
Use this option to select different display variables for the X and Y
axes.
Next Variable
Use this option to select the next PVT variable to plot.
Versus
Set the x-axis i.e. pressure or temperature.
Help Display the appropriate help topic.
6.3
Compositional Modelling
In MBAL there are two ways to model the fluid considering its equation of state. One
option will use the Black Oil model for the PVT properties (Bo, GOR etc) and simply
track the compositions by flashing the fluid at the different resulting pressures during a
forecast (Compositional Tracking). The second option will calculate all the PVT
properties using the Equation of State as well as tracking the compositions (Full
Calculation). These can be selected from the Options screen as shown below:
Figure 6.46:
Selecting compositional
Options.
The following sections will describe the data entry in the relevant screens in order to set
up the models for both compositional tracking and the Full EOS Calculation.
Petroleum Experts
6.3.1
EOS Model Setup
Once either the tracking or full calculation methods are selected from the options menu:
Figure 6.47:
Options.
The EOS Model Setup button will be activated. Accessing this screen will show the
different options for the EOS:
Figure 6.48:
Options.
These options should reflect the EOS available for the fluid (from PVTP for
example) and the process (path) the fluid follows to standard conditions (which
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6.3.1.1
EOS Model
This can be set up to Peng Robinson or SRK:
Figure 6.49:
Options.
6.3.1.2
Optimisation Mode
Figure 6.50:
Selecting Optimisation
mode
Over the past few years, our PVT experts have been working on ways to speed up the
calculation of properties from an EOS model. Speed is one of the main issues with fully
compositional models and the options in this section will define the speed of
calculations.
The fastest calculations will be done by the default Medium option and this should be
left as is unless any problems are detected in the calculations.
Petroleum Experts
6.3.1.3
Separator Calc Method
Figure 6.51:
Selecting fluid path to
standard conditions
There are three options in this section of which the first two are self explanatory. Of
course, the amount of gas and liquid resulting from the calculations will be different,
depending on the path the fluid will take to standard conditions.
Figure 6.52:
Importing K-Values
The Use K Values option is an addition to the compositional modelling that allows
modelling the process based on K values (equilibrium ratios). This can allow process
calculations from systems more complex than separation to be represented as
Pseudo separators and can be obtained from process simulators.
In PVTP, these values can be easily exported by doing a separator calculation:
MBAL User Guide
38-47
Figure 6.53:
PVTP separator
calculations
And once the calculations are done, under the Analysis tab the Export K Values button
can be used:
Figure 6.54:
Exporting K-Values
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.55:
Exporting K-Values from
PVTP
Now the program will allow the user to export a *.pks file than can be imported in
MBAL, containing all the information with regards to separator stages and K values.
Figure 6.56:
Importing K-Values in
MBAL
MBAL User Guide
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6.3.1.4
Injection Gas Source
These options define the properties of the gas to be possibly injected in the reservoir:
Figure 6.57:
Injection Gas Options
The three available options will either use a fixed composition which can be defined
later, the gas resulting from a given separation process or the gas which can be picked
from a selected number of separator stages.
6.3.2
Compositional Tracking
Once the compositional tracking option is selected and the EOS setup complete, the
PVT button will show an option to enter the compositions for tracking:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.58:
Tracking Compositions
In this screen:
Figure 6.59:
Importing EOS
compositions
The Edit Composition will allow importing the EOS for this fluid:
MBAL User Guide
42-47
Figure 6.60:
Importing a *.prp file
(generated by PVTP)
Figure 6.61:
EOS import completed
Once a prediction is done now, one extra button will appear in the results screen (the
Analysis button), that will allow us to see the variation of composition in time:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.62:
Analysis of results
Figure 6.63:
Viewing the resulting
composition
Of course the results can also be seen and plotted from the results screen itself:
MBAL User Guide
44-47
Figure 6.64:
Compositional variation
in time
Petroleum Experts
6.3.3
Fully Compositional fluid description
Unlike standard Material Balance, using this method the model tracks the number of
moles in the reservoir rather than surface volumes. The process can be described as
follows:
-
Calculate the initial number of moles in the tank from the initial surface
volume, the gravities and molecular weights at surface calculated from
flashing the initial composition to surface.
At each time step
Calculate the well performance, the program will use the black oil
properties for this calculation, taken from flashing the current reservoir
composition.
Calculate the number of moles in the production over the time step
using the gravities and molecular weights at surface calculated from
the last flash.
Remove these moles from the tank.
Use flash to calculate the number of moles in each phase and the oil
and gas composition at the current pressure.
Calculate the downhole volume of each phase using the molecular

weight and density calculated from the flash at the current pressure.
Different compositions moving between tanks using transmissibilitys are also modelled,
at the same time different injection compositions are also taken in to account.
Graphical plots are based on CCE (constant Mass Expansion) theory; therefore it is
assumed this experiment only in the plots. Analytic plots, history regression and history
simulation respect the actual process.
Once the Fully Compositional option is selected and the EOS setup completed:
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46-47
Figure 6.65:
Selecting the Fully
Compositional option
The PVT button will show an option to enter the compositions for tracking:
Figure 6.66:
Fluid Properties
In this screen:
Petroleum Experts
Figure 6.67:
Entering Composition.
The equation of state for each fluid in the system can be entered separately:
Figure 6.68:
EOS for use in the Fully
Compositional PVT
model
The import can be done in the same way as shown earlier.

The results can be viewed in the same way as for the compositional tracking option.
MBAL User Guide
7 Quick Start Guide on

Material Balance tool
The objective of this example is to demonstrate the basic functionality of MBAL in terms
of history matching options and performing predictions. The following topics will be
described:
Quality-checking the data that is available. This quality check is based on what
is physically possible and focussed towards determining inconsistencies
between data and physical reality.
History matching procedure to determine the OOIP and possible aquifer size.
Prepare the history matched model for forecasts (Fractional Flow Matching)
Creating a well model in MBAL on which the forecast will be based
7.1
Data Available
PVT data
(@ 250 deg F)
Bubble point (Pb) = 2200 psig

Solution GOR = 500 SCF/STB
FVF@ Pb = 1.32 RB/STB
Oil Visc.@ Pb = 0.4 cP
Oil gravity = 39 API
Gas grav. = 0.798
Water Salinity = 100,000 PPM
Production data
This data is contained in an Excel file OILRES1.XLS. Later in this chapter a description
on how to transfer the data from Excel into MBAL will be provided.
Well Data
Once the history matching is finished, data (IPR and VLP) will be provided so that a
forecast can be made based on this information
note that a well model is not necessary for performing forecasts in
Please
MBAL. However, it provides a more realistic basis on which the forecasts
can be made compared to the simpler fixed withdrawal options. Of course,
the most realistic profile will be obtained if the effects of the surface
network is modelled by importing the MBAL model in GAP
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Chapter 7 - Quick Start Guide
7.2
Setting up the Basic Model
MBAL is set up in such a way so as to make it easy for the user to move through the
screens in a wizard like fashion. One can go from left to right on the options menu and
for each option, top to bottom:
Figure 7.1:
Working path
Start MBAL and select the menu option File | New.

On the menu bar go to Tools and click on Material Balance.
On the menu bar go to Options and following screen appears. The following
options can be selected:
Figure 7.2:
Setting
Options
the
In this screen, the fluid has been defined as oil. The production history will be entered
by tank.
Progressing to PVT | Fluid Properties the following data can be entered:
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Figure 7.3:
PVT data entry
In this section the Black oil properties of the oil have been defined. The water salinity
was also specified (allowing calculation of the water properties) and indicated that the
produced gas has no CO2, H2S or N2 in it.
Since laboratory measured data for this fluid at bubble point conditions are available,
these will be matched to the available correlations. The correlations that best match the
fluid (require the least correction) will then be selected for use in the model. In the PVT
Input dialog, press the Match button to invoke the screen where the match data can be
entered:
Figure 7.4:
PVT Match data
After the data has been entered, clicking on Match will lead to the screen where the
regression between correlations and measured data will be done:
MBAL User Guide
4-39
Figure 7.5:
PVT Match data
Once this is done, click the Match Param button to check the parameters of each of the
correlations and select the one which requires the least correction. In this case, Glaso
is selected for bubble point, GOR and FVF calculations; and Beggs for viscosity
(Parameter 1 as close to 1 as possible and Parameter 2 as close to 0 as possible).
Figure 7.6:
Match parameters
At this stage, specifying the PVT properties of the fluid is finished. The next step is
entering the initial data for the reservoir model.
In the main menu bar go to Input | Tank Data, and supply the following information:
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Figure 7.7:
Tank Parameters
The OOIP entered in this screen is only an estimate, obtained from geology for
example.
The next step is defining the aquifer support:
Figure 7.8:
Tank Parameters
MBAL User Guide
6-39
As there is yet no evidence to suggest the presence of an aquifer, this will be left to
None for the time being.
The rock compressibility options can be specified next:
Figure 7.9:
Rock
Compressibility
As soon as the compressibility is entered, the rel perm information can be specified:
Figure 7.10:
Rel Perms
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The last data that we have to supply is the production history of the reservoir as shown
in the following screen. Note that this can be copied from the Excel file OILRES1.XLS.
Figure 7.11:
Production History
This finishes our setting up of basic tank model. It is advisable to save the file at this
point. Next step would be to history match the model, in terms of identifying and
quantifying its various drive mechanisms and determining the OOIP and aquifer
support.
MBAL User Guide
8-39
7.3
Matching to Production History data in MBAL
The first thing to do is to see whether our production history data is consistent with our
PVT data. In the PVT section we indicated that the bubble point was 2200 psig and the
solution GOR was 500 Scf/STB. If we go to the production history screen in the tank
input data, we can click on the option Work with GOR at the bottom of the dialog and
the gas rates are converted into producing GOR values.
Figure 7.12:
Production History
From the production history table, it can be seen that the reservoir pressure is always
above 2200 psig. Since the pressure is always above the bubble point, there should be
no free gas and hence the producing GOR should be to the solution GOR. Indeed in
this case all the gas rates converted into GOR values which are 500 SCF/STB. Thus
the data is consistent with the PVT. If this was not the case, then there would be an
inconsistency between PVT and production data. The source of this inconsistency
would need to be identified before progressing with the history match.
Having determined that there is no inconsistency in the data, the history matching
process can begin:
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9-39
Figure 7.13:
History Matching
This will prompt the plots used for history matching as shown below:
Figure 7.14:
History
Matching
Plots
Three plots are available. The energy plot, showing the relative importance of each
drive mechanism currently in the model, the Graphical method where the diagnostics in
terms of drives can be done, and the Analytical method plot that shows the reservoir
pressure Vs Cum Production from the historical data and the model.
Note that in the graphical methods the plot shown in the screen above is the Campbell
plot.
MBAL User Guide
10-39
Based on the response of the Campbell plot, the presence of an aquifer is very likely
(source of energy). Therefore an aquifer model can be selected in the tank data
section:
Figure 7.15:
Initialising
aquifer model
an
Going back to History Matching/All, the WD function plot (for the aquifer) will now be
shown as well as the three plots seen originally:
Figure 7.16:
History
Matching
plots
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Look at the analytical method plot, it can be seen that with the current aquifer model,
the model is predicting production rates higher than those actually observed. The
aquifer parameters along with the OOIP can now be changed so that the Campbell plot
will become a straight horizontal line and the model matched the measured data in the
analytical method plot.
To activate the regression analysis button, the analytical plot has to be activated (by
clicking once on the title bar of this plot for example) and in the menu bar of the above
screen select the Regression option that will now appear:
Figure 7.17:
Regression Option
Selecting this option will prompt the Regression screen that will enable the selection of
parameters to regress on. This eliminates the manual change of parameters to get a
match between model and data which was done in the classical material balance
calculations.
Figure 7.18:
Regression
parameters
The parameters to select for regression will be the ones least trusted or the ones for
which values were assumed rather than measured. In this case, the OOIP and the least
trusted aquifer parameters were selected.
At the end of regression the values for which the best match is achieved are displayed.
If they are accepted, then the Best Fit button can be selected in order to transfer
these values into the model:
MBAL User Guide
12-39
Figure 7.19:
Regression
parameters
After transferring the data if we click on done we get the following plots:
Figure 7.20:
History
Matching plots
after regression
is done
The model obtained at this stage in terms of OOIP and various drive mechanisms
satisfies all the methods and is therefore acceptable.
This file can now be saved as Oilres.mbi.
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7.3.1
13-39
Using Simulation Option to Quality Check the

History Matched Model
At this stage it must be noted that in the regression analysis that was done in the
analytical plot, the tank pressure and non primary phase production was fixed and
production rate of the primary phase, oil in this case, was calculated based on the
material balance equations.
The simulation option will perform the opposite calculation. With the model now history
matched, the phase rates from the history are kept and the pressure is calculated from
the material balance equations. If the model has been properly history matched, there
should be no discrepancy between reservoir pressures predicted from simulation and
historical, measured reservoir pressures.
From the main menu the option History Matching | Run simulation | Calculate can
be selected. At the end of calculation, the Plot option can be selected and the following
plot will appear:
Figure 7.21:
Simulation
This plot has the pressure with time plotted both from simulation and production history
data. In this case both are identical and thus the match attained is good.
Note: The model is not ready at this stage to go ahead with predictions
and study various development alternatives. Fractional flow matching
should be done that will create pseudo relative permeability curves
based on history. This is the best way to ensure that WC and GOR
evolution in the future will be predicted correctly.
MBAL User Guide
14-39
7.4
Forecasting
In performing Forecasts with a history matched model, the amount of water and gas
production (water cut and GOR) needs to be predicted accurately. Traditionally, there
was no way to do this based on material balance principles, since there is no geological
model that would allow prediction of the water cut and GOR evolution.
In MBAL the use of Pseudo Rel Perms is employed in predicting the water cut and
GOR that would flow in the well along with the oil, which in this case is the main phase.
These Rel perm sets provide the basis on which fractional flow curves are built,
following the procedure outlined below.
7.4.1
Rel Perm Matching
The creation of the Fractional Flow curves is done from:
Figure 7.22:
Fw Matching
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Figure 7.23:
Fw plot
By selecting the Regress button on the menu bar of this screen, the program will
regress on the available historical data in order to fit the fractional flow curve to them.
This will in turn create a set of rel perm curves that will then be used to predict the
fractional flow (in this case) of water when saturation in the tank increases.
Figure 7.24:
Regressing on
available data
the
MBAL User Guide
16-39
Figure 7.25:
Regression progress
Figure 7.26:
Result of Fw Matching
The same can be done for the gas fractional flow. In this case however, this is not
possible as no free gas is available so the rel perms input in the reservoir data screen
will be accepted for the forecast.
Petroleum Experts
7.4.2
17-39
Confirming the validity of the rel perms
In cases where the match between the fractional flow curve and the historical points is
good, the model is expected to reproduce the historical water cuts well. However, I
reality, this match is not always perfect because of errors in the data and scatter in the
points. An example is shown below:
Figure 7.27:
Fw difference between
model and real input
data
In order to quantify exactly how much difference there is in terms of actual water cut in
the history and the match of the model, then a Prediction of History needs to be done,
where the historical production of oil will be fixed (as measured) but not the production
of water or gas. These will be calculated based on the fractional flow curves and then
compared to the historical production.
MBAL User Guide
18-39
In doing this forecast, this is the procedure to be followed:

Step 1: Under production prediction, the prediction setup option can be selected:
Figure 7.28:
Selecting
prediction
screen
the
setup
Step 2: The following options need to be selected:

Figure 7.29:
Selecting
prediction
screen
Petroleum Experts
the
setup
19-39
Step 3: Set the historical production volumes of oil to be extracted from the talk:
Figure 7.30:
Copying historical
production to impose
on the forecast
When the Copy button is selected, the program will prompt the following message:
Figure 7.31:
Accepting the data
MBAL User Guide
20-39
The historical rates will then be copied across:

Figure 7.32:
Historical production
transferred
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Step 4: Setting the Reporting Schedule:

Figure 7.33:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
In the following screen, the schedule is set to automatic:

Figure 7.34:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
MBAL User Guide
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Step 5: Running the prediction:

Figure 7.35:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
In the following screen, the Calc button will run the prediction:
Figure 7.36:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
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Step 6: Comparing the results.

In the prediction screen the Plot button will show a plot of the results in terms of
pressure Vs time:
Figure 7.37:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
If the Variables button is selected from the menu bar of the plot, the list of plot
variables will be shown:
Figure 7.38:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
MBAL User Guide
24-39
Figure 7.39:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
Select both the History, and prediction streams to be plotted together:

Figure 7.40:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
Where we can see a good agreement between the data and the forecast, this illustrates
that the model is ready for predictions.
Petroleum Experts
7.5
25-39
Predicting reservoir pressure decline without a well
In MBAL there are various options for performing a forecast. The two main sub-groups
for an oil system are:
Figure 7.41:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
The first option allows a forecast without a well whereas the second requires a forecast
with a well model. In this subsection we will look into a forecast without a well and in the
next subsection a forecast with a well model will be performed.
Having selected the relevant options:
Figure 7.42:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
MBAL User Guide
26-39
Then in the production and constraints screen the desired production of oil is entered:
Figure 7.43:
Selecting the prediction
setup screen
This production will be kept constant throughout the prediction, until the reservoir does
not have enough energy to support it.
Performing the forecast now:
Figure 7.44:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
The results indicate that the reservoir can only support this for approximately 4 years
only. The oil rate is, as specified earlier, 10000bbls/day.
Petroleum Experts
7.6
27-39
Predicting production and reservoir pressure decline

with a well model
In the Options menu, the relevant options are selected:

Figure 7.45:
Selecting the
prediction setup
screen
In the Production and Constraints screen, the well head pressure now needs to be
specified:
Figure 7.46:
Setting the well head
pressure
MBAL User Guide
28-39
The next option relates to the well type definition:

Figure 7.47:
Well Type definition
Selecting the + button will add a well in the model:

Figure 7.48:
Adding a well to the
model
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Figure 7.49:
Defining the well type
As shown in the screen above the type of well can now be defined, in this case a
naturally flowing oil producer. Having done this, then the inflow and outflow for this well
can be defined:
Figure 7.50:
Well inflow screen
MBAL User Guide
30-39
An IPR model can be created in PROSPER. Assuming that the PI of the well is not
known, PROSPER can export a *.mip file with all the inflow information needed for
MBAL to calculate the PI. Selecting the Match IPR button as shown above will prompt
the IPR matching screen. The MIP file can be then imported:
Figure 7.51:
IPR matching screen
Select the file from the relevant directory as shown below:

Figure 7.52:
Importing the
file
Petroleum Experts
*.mip
31-39
Selecting Done will allow MBAL to import the file. As soon as this is finished, the
following message will appear:
Figure 7.53:
Importing finished
The .mip file has allowed MBAL to pick up the reservoir pressure, WC and test data
from the PROSPER file. Clicking on the Calc button will match this data to a PI and
Vogel model:
Figure 7.54:
IPR matching screen
MBAL User Guide
32-39
Figure 7.55:
Regression
parameters
Selecting the Done button will allow the calculated PI onto the well model:
Figure 7.56:
Calculated
PI
transferred onto the
model
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Having populated the IPR screen with the relevant data, the More Inflow screen can
be selected now:
Figure 7.57:
More Inflow screen
Abandonment or breakthrough constraints can be added to the well model if necessary.

Figure 7.58:
Importing VLPs
MBAL User Guide
34-39
The lift curves have been previously generated with PROSPER and can be imported
using the Edit button shown above. Selecting this will prompt the following screen:
Figure 7.59:
Importing VLPs
The lift curves are stored as a *.tpd file and as soon as this imported, the following
message will appear:
Figure 7.60:
Importing
finished
message
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The VLP data can be seen in the screen below:
Figure 7.61:
Lift curves imported
The data can also be plotted using the Plot button in the screen above:
Figure 7.62:
VLPs and IPR plot
MBAL User Guide
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The well model is now completed and going back to the main screen of MBAL, the well
can be seen attached to the reservoir model:
Figure 7.63:
Reservoir Model with
Well
The well now needs to be scheduled to be active. This is done from the Well Schedule
option:
Figure 7.64:
Well Schedule Option
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In this screen, the well opening and/or closing times can be defined; along with any
possible downtime that this well will occur during the forecast period:
Figure 7.65:
Adding well schedule
As soon as this is finished, the reporting schedule can be set (to automatic):
Figure 7.66:
Reporting Schedule
MBAL User Guide
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The model is then ready for the forecast:

Figure 7.67:
Selecting
prediction
screen
the
setup
In the calculation screen, selecting Calc will generate the forecast:

Figure 7.68:
Selecting
prediction
screen
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the
setup
39-39
Of course, the results can be plotted as in previous cases:

Figure 7.69:
Selecting
prediction
screen
the
setup
This concludes the example. The completed MBAL file along with the constituting files
can be found in the MBAL samples directory.
MBAL User Guide
8 The Material Balance Tool

Quotation by Muskat, taken from an expert in the 'Reservoir Engineering News Letter',
September 1974:
The Material Balance method is by no means a universal tool for estimating reserves. In
some cases it is excellent. In others it may be grossly misleading. It is always instructive
to try it, if only to find out that it does not work, and why. It should be a part of the 'stock in
trade' of all reservoir engineers. It will boomerang if applied blindly as a mystic hocuspocus to evade the admission of ignorance. The algebraic symbolism may impress the
'old timer' and help convince a Corporation Commission, but it will not fool the reservoir.
Reservoirs pay little heed to either wishful thinking or libellous misinterpretation.
Reservoirs always do what they 'ought' to do. They continually unfold a past with an
inevitability that defies all 'man-made' laws. To predict this past while it is still the future is
the business of the reservoir engineer. But whether the engineer is clever or stupid,
honest or dishonest, right or wrong, the reservoir is always 'right'.
Overview:
The material balance is based on the principle of the conservation of mass:
Mass of fluids originally in place = Fluids produced + Remaining fluids in place.
The material balance program uses a conceptual model of the reservoir to predict the
reservoir behaviour based on the effects of reservoir fluids production and gas to water
injection.
The material balance equation is zero-dimensional, meaning that it is based on a tank
model and does not take into account the geometry of the reservoir, the drainage areas,
the position and orientation of the wells, etc.
However, the material balance approach can be a very useful tool to:
-
Quantify different parameters of a reservoir such as hydrocarbon in place, gas

cap size, etc.
Determine the presence, the type and size of an aquifer, encroachment angle,
etc.
Estimate the depth of the Gas/Oil, Water/Oil, Gas/Water contacts.
Predict the reservoir pressure for a given production and/or injection schedule,
Predict the reservoir performance and manifold back pressures for a given
production schedule.
Predict the reservoir performance and well production for a given manifold
pressure schedule.
2 110 Chapter 8 - The Material Balance Tool
8.1
Material Balance Tank Model
Assumptions:
The Material Balance calculations are based on a tank model as pictured below:Figure 8.1:
Material Balance
Tool Tank Model
Assumptions
Throughout the reservoir the following assumptions apply:

Homogeneous pore volume, gas cap and aquifers,
Constant temperature,
Uniform pressure distribution,
Uniform hydrocarbon saturation distribution,
Gas injection in the gas cap,

The Material Balance Program can handle:
Oil, gas or condensate reservoirs,
Linear, radial and bottom drive reservoir and aquifer systems,
Naturally flowing, gas lifted, ESP, gas or water injector wells,
In predictive mode, automatic shut-in of well based on production or injection

constraints,
The use of tubing performance curves to predict well production,
The use of relative permeability tables or curves.

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Chapter 8 - The Material Balance Tool
3 - 110
Multiple tanks with transmissibilities between them.

Oil tanks with variable PVT vs. Depth.
The Material Balance Tool is divided into three main sections:

1. The INPUT section, where the following information can be entered:
- Known and estimated reservoir parameters,
- Known or estimated aquifer type and properties,
- Pore volume fraction versus depth (optional),
- Relative permeability curves,
- transmissibility parameters (optional),
- Production and injection history on a well to well basis or total tank production.
2. The HISTORY MATCHING section, where:
- A graphical method (P/Z, Havlena Odeh ...) is used to quantify the missing
reservoir and aquifer properties.
- An iterative non linear regression is used to automatically find the best
mathematical fit for a given model.
- A simulation of production can be run to check the validity of the results of the
above two techniques.
- Gas, oil and water relative permeabilities can be estimated from historical
GOR, WC or WGR.
3. The PRODUCTION PREDICTION section,
Where reservoir performances can be simulated assuming:
- Production and constraint schedules,
- Gas contracts,
- Relative permeabilities,
- Well performance definitions,
- A well schedule or drilling program.
Note:
It isn't necessary to enter the reservoir production history to run a Production
Prediction.
It is highly recommended to tune the reservoir & aquifer models if any production
history data is available.
If data are not available to match the models, the 'Production History' section of
the Input menu, and History Matching menu can be left blank.
Relative permeability curves are used for tanks, transmissibilities and wells in
prediction however their use in history matching is limited for calculation of
transmissibility rates.
MBAL User Guide
8.1.1
Recommended Workflow
The following steps should be followed in a Material Balance study. For more details,
please refer to the tutorials in Appendix A or the Quick Start guide for MBAL.
1. Make certain you have the following data available:
PVT,
Production history,
Reservoir average pressure history, and
All available reservoir and aquifer data.
2. Enter the data. At every step check the validity and consistency of the data (PVT,
Pressure History, Production, etc.) * This is the most important step. *
3. If you choose to enter the production history well by well, make sure that all wells
belong to the same tank. * This is the most common mistake. *
4. Find the best possible match using the program's non-linear regression the
'Analytical Method'.
5. Confirm the quality and correctness of the match, using the 'Graphical Method'.
6. Run a simulation to test the validity of the match.
7. Then and only then, go to Production Prediction.
best way to use the program is from left to right on the options menu
The
and for each option, top to bottom as shown in the Figure below.
Figure 8.2:
Working path
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MBAL Graphical Interface
8.2
MBAL uses a graphical interface to facilitate the modelling of the reservoir system. All the
reservoir components such as tanks, wells and transmissibilities (communication between
tanks) are represented by unique graphical objects which may be easily manipulated on
the screen. As components are added, the relevant input screens and fields are displayed
prompting screens in which the appropriate data can be entered.
Figure 8.3:
Graphical
Interface
When an existing file is opened, the program will place the reservoir components in the
same position as when the file was last saved. This sketch may be altered to suit personal
preferences. The following sections provide an explanation on adding, moving and deleting
a graphical object. Newer versions of MBAL are fully backward compatible.
8.2.1
Manipulating Objects
When the Material Balance tool is selected, a reservoir model will appear on the screen as
shown below:
Figure 8.4:
Graphical
Interface
MBAL User Guide
If the options are set up to allow multiple tanks and/or history wells, these can be added to
the system by using the component buttons shown below:
Figure 8.5:
Component
Buttons
The objects that can be added in the graphical plot include:
Tanks
History Wells these are wells that include production data which can then be
allocated to tanks on a fractional basis.
Prediction Wells these are wells that can be used in a production prediction
(calculate rates using VLPs and IPRs for example)
Transmissibilities used to model the interface between tanks
To add a new component in the model:

Click the appropriate component button to the left of the main screen. (E.g.: Add
Tank). The cursor should change to the shape of the object on top of a cross-hair.
Next, place the cursor anywhere on the screen and click again. Each component
object has a different shape. MBAL currently uses squares to represent tanks,
diamonds to represent transmissibilities, and circles to represent the wells. The
data input screen for the selected component will appear. Enter the appropriate
information and click Done. If you click Cancel, MBAL will discard the new
object.
options will be explored further in the form of examples later on.
These
Refer to the Multi-Tank example in Appendix A for instance. This illustrates
how more than one reservoirs or wells are added to the system, based on
the requirements for modelling a situation
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Moving Objects
To move an object, press the Shift key and click on the object to move. Holding down the
Shift key and dragging the object, will place it on a different position on the screen.
Alternatively, click on the Move button as shown below:
Figure 8.6:
Component
Buttons
The cursor will change to a shape with four arrows directed to the points of a compass.
Place the cursor over the object to move, click the left mouse button and drag the object to
a new position (keeping the left mouse button down). Release mouse button when the
object is moved to the new position.
Enabling / Disabling Objects
Objects can be very simply disabled from the screen by right-clicking on an object. This will
prompt a menu on which the Disable option can be selected:
Figure 8.7:
Disabling an
object
This object will now be greyed-out from the screen and will be excluded from further
calculations.
MBAL User Guide
The same pop-up menu can also be used to delete or Edit items by selecting the relevant
option.
8.2.2
Viewing Objects
In the unusual situation where you may have a large number of components and data to
manipulate, MBAL has a facility that allows you to view and handle the data more
efficiently. These editing facilities are located under the View menu:
Figure 8.8:
Disabling an
object
These options are self-explanatory and no further details will be provided here.
8.2.3
Validating Object Data
The MBAL smart data validation system allows the user to move freely within the input
section of the program, even if the data entered are invalid. As long as input data remain
invalid, no calculations can be done of course.
If data entered in any particular screen are invalid, then the title of this screen will appear in
red:
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Figure 8.9:
Invalid screen
If the Validate button is selected, then a message with the cause of the validation error will
appear:
Figure 8.10:
Validation error
message
sheet titles highlighted in MAGENTA are empty but not invalid - this is
Data
only a warning
8.3
Tool Options
Once the Material Balance is chosen from the Tool menu, go the Options menu to define
the system setup. This section describes the 'Tool Options' section of the System Options
dialogue box.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.11:
Options menu
To move to the next entry field, click the field to highlight the entry, or use the TAB button.
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
These options are listed and explained in Chapter 6 of the manual.
Tank Model
Simple
Multi Tank
In this mode, the MBAL runs a single tank reservoir model. If

this model is selected when more than one tank exists, the
currently selected tank will be modelled.
In this mode, the MBAL runs a multiple tank reservoir model
with potentially different PVT per tank.
PVT Model
The options relating to the PVT models in MBAL have been described in Chapter 6.
Abnormally Pressured (only available if reservoir fluid is set to Gas)

No
Normal method using fixed, correlated or table of rock compressibilities.
Yes
Select this method if you wish to use the Abnormally Pressured Method to model the
rock compaction.
This model is as described in A Semianalytical p/z Technique for the Analysis of
Reservoir Performance from Abnormally Pressured Gas Reservoirs, Ronald
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Gunawan Gan, SPE, Vico Indonesia, and T.A. Blasingame, SPE, Texas A&M
University, SPE 71514. It is recommended that you read this paper before using this
method.
To summarize, this method is based on the pattern of two straight lines often seen
in the P/Z plot for abnormally pressured reservoirs. The early straight line is due to
the rock compaction. At a certain pressure the reservoir stops compacting. Below
this pressure a second straight line develops which is due only to the gas
expansion.
The compressibility function Ce(Pi-P) that is developed from this theory is defined
by three parameters: OGIP Apparent
OGIP Actual
P/Z Inflection
The OGIP apparent is the OGIP calculated from the early line on the P/Z plot. The
OGIP actual is the OGIP calculated from the late line on the P/Z plot. The P/Z
inflection is the pressure at which the two lines intersect.
The value of the Ce(Pi-P) function increases as the pressure drops to the P/Z
Inflection value. Below this pressure this Ce(Pi-P) remains at a constant value.
If this method is selected then the normal history matching plots are replaced by two
plots, a P/Z Plot and a Type Curve Plot.
The P/Z plot allows two straight lines to be drawn to make a first estimate of the
three input parameters.
The Type Curve Plot displays the data as Ce(Pi-P) vs (P/Z)/(P/Z)i. A number of type
curves are displayed to guide you to the best match. There is also an automatic
regression calculation to find the best fit for the three input parameters.
Once you have defined the Ce(Pi-P) model using the history methods, the material
balance calculations in the history simulation production prediction are performed
exactly as before. The only difference is that the calculation of the pore volume at
each pressure uses the new Ce(Pi-P) function rather than the input rock
compressibility.
Production History
By Tank This option requires you enter the production history for the each tank.
The tank production history can then be used for history matching.
By Well This option should be used if you have production history per well and
the wells either take production from more than one tank or more than
one well takes production from a single tank. In this case, you will
have to enter the production history for each well and also the
allocation factor to each tank MBAL will then calculate the
production history for each tank which can then be used in history
matching.
Compositional Model
These options are listed and explained in Chapter 6 of the manual.
Reference Date
MBAL User Guide
The format that time data is displayed in MBAL can be of two types:
Date
A calendar date displayed in the format defined by Windows e.g.

23/12/2001 or 02/28/98.
Time
A decimal number of days, weeks, months or years since a reference

date.
The format is selected for the time unit type in the Units dialog.
If you have selected days, weeks, months or years (rather than date format) then
this field allows entering the reference date.
8.4
Input
The following sections describe the MBAL program Input menu.

Figure 8.12:
Options menu
8.4.1
Wells Data
This option is enabled only if the By Well option is chosen of the Production History field
in the Options menu. The Well Parameters dialog box is used to enter the pressure and
the cumulative production or injection history for a well or group of wells.
8.4.1.1
Setup
To access the Well Parameters dialog, select the Input - Wells Data menu and click on
the Setup tab. A screen similar to the following will appear:
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Figure 8.13:
Well Input Data - Setup
A well can be creating by clicking on the + button shown above. Similarly, a well can be
deleted or copied by using the or x buttons.
Input Fields
Well Type
Define the flow type of the well selected in the Setup data sheet.
Perforation Top (for Variable PVT only)
Defines the depth of the top of the perforation where the well perforates the
tanks. Note that for the current release we assume the same perforation
heights for all the tanks that intersect this well.
Perforation Bottom (for Variable PVT only)
Defines the depth of the bottom of the perforation where the well perforates
the tanks. Note that for the current release we assume the same perforation
heights for all the tanks that intersect this well.
8.4.1.2
Production / Injection History
To access the production/injection history, choose the Input - Wells Data menu and select
the Production History tab. For existing wells, enter the cumulative production plus the
static pressure in each wells drainage volume where available. Production data can be
entered even when no pressures are available.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.14:
Well Input Data Production History
production/injection, GOR and CGR entered must be cumulative. Note

The
that Cumulative GOR = Cum Gas / Cum Oil.
8.4.1.3
Production Allocation
This screen is used to allocate the well production to the different tanks if the well is
producing from more than one reservoir (multi-layer system). This enables the program to
consolidate the tank production history on which history matching will be done. To access
the production allocation, choose the Input | Wells Data menu and select the Production
Allocation tab. A screen similar to the following will appear.
Figure 8.15:
Well Input Data Production
Allocation
First select the producing tanks:

The Producing From list shows which tanks are connected to the current history well. You
can connect/disconnect tanks to the current well by selecting or deselecting the tank in the
Producing From list. The tank will be added to the allocation table.
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Next allocate a production fraction to each well:

Allocation Fraction
The fraction of the well production or the injection history to be allocated to
the tank. This defines the multiplying coefficient to use for this well when the
well histories are consolidated. Any value between 0 and 1 is valid. 1.0
allocates the complete well production/injection to a particular reservoir.
If this fraction changes over time, enter more than one row in the table. Each
row should define the time at which the allocation factor takes effect.
(See 'Reservoir Production History'.)
Use the Normalise button to automatically change the allocation factors to obtain a
total allocation of 1.0. This is done by raising or lowering all the factors by the same
proportion as required.
allocation factor requires the user to decide the fraction of production
The
that came from each layer. The Reservoir Allocation tool can also be used to
determine reservoir production allocation, taking into account the IPR of each
layer as well as the rate of depletion.
8.4.2
Tank Input Data
This section describes the options under:

Figure 8.16:
Well Input Data Production History
8.4.3
Tank Parameters
This input data sheet screen is used to define the different tank parameters that are
applied in the calculations.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.17:
Tank
Parameters
Input Fields
Tank type
For the General fluid model, this option can be used to specify the tank as
predominantly oil or condensate. This will effect how the input data is
specified and define the wetting phase used in the relative permeability
calculations.
If necessary, this option allows the definition of a water tank. A water tank
can be used to connect several hydrocarbon tanks to the same aquifer.
Temperature
The reservoir models are isothermal. Although each reservoir model can
have a different temperature from the others, the temperature will remain
constant throughout the calculations.
Initial Pressure
Defines the original pressure of the reservoir and is the starting point of all
the calculations.
tank with an initial gas cap, make sure the initial pressure of the
Intankan oilequals
the Bubble Point pressure calculated at reservoir
temperature in the PVT section of this program. The Calculate Pb
button will display the bubble point of the fluid for the reservoir
temperature entered.
Porosity
The porosity entered here will be used in the rock compressibility calculations
if the correlation option is selected the compressibility page.
Connate Water Saturation
This parameter is used in the pore volume and compressibility calculations.
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Water Compressibility (This parameter is optional)

The user has the choice of entering water compressibility or let the program
use internal correlations. The same is used for the aquifer model connected
to this reservoir model.
If a number is entered, the program will assume the water compressibility
does not change with pressure.
the water compressibility is specified, the program back
When
calculates the water FVF from the compressibility. In this case, the water
FVF correlation used and displayed in the PVT section is ignored. This
is to avoid inconsistencies between different computations in the
program, some using the water compressibility (Graphical and
Analytical Methods); the others using the rate of change of water FVF
(Simulation and Prediction).
If left blank, a 'Use Corr' message is displayed which indicates the program
will do one of the following during the calculations:-:

- If the PVT Tables are in use, and if some values have been entered in the
Water FVF column of the PVT Tables, the program will
interpolate/extrapolate from the PVT tables.
- If the PVT Tables are not used, or if there is no data for this parameter in
the PVT tables, the program will use an internal correlation to evaluate the
water compressibility as a function of temperature, pressure and salinity.
The correlation results can be read in the calculation screens or reports.
Initial Gas Cap (OIL Tanks Only)

Defines the original ratio of the volumes occupied by gas and oil at tank
conditions. It can be defined as m = (G * Bgi) / (N * Boi) where G and N are
volume at surface.
This parameter will be disabled if the Initial Pressure is above the Bubble
Point Pressure calculated by the PVT section at Tank Temperature.
Initial Oil Leg (CONDENSATE Tanks Only)
Defines the original ratio of the volumes occupied by the gas and oil at tank
conditions. It can be defined as n = (N * Boi) / (G * Bgi) where G and N are
volume at surface. Note that an initial oil leg can only be used if the General
fluid model has been selected in the Options menu.
Original Oil/Gas in Place
This is usually the parameter you are interested in. If you do not plan to use
the History Matching facility of this program, a value, as accurate as possible,
must be entered. If you plan to use the History Matching section, enter an
approximate value as every Aquifer Influx model will give a different value for
this parameter.
Start of Production
The point in time when production started.
MBAL User Guide
Permeability (Gas/Water Coning Only)

This is only required if the gas coning option for oil tanks is switched on. This
is simply the average radial permeability of the tank.
Anisotropy (Gas/Water Coning Only)
This is only required if the gas coning option for oil tanks is switched on. This
is ratio of the vertical permeability and the average radial permeability of the
tank.
Monitor Fluid Contacts
Select this option if the program is to calculate the depth of the Gas/Oil, Oil/Water
or Gas/Water contacts. A check indicates the option is On. If this option is
selected, you will be required to fill in the table in the 'Pore Volume Fraction Vs
Depth' tab of the Tank Input dialog.
In predictive mode, this table allows the triggering of gas/water breakthrough on
the depth of the fluid contacts instead of the phase saturations. (See the Well
Type Definition dialogue box).
De-select the option, if no fluid contact depth calculation is to be performed or the
required data is not available.
See section below on the method of calculation of fluid contacts.
Dry Gas Producers (oil fields only)

This option is only available if you read old data files. For all new files the option is
always switched on.
Select this option, if the primary gas cap is being produced by dry gas producer
wells. It must also be selected if you also wish to select the Use Total
Saturations option - see below for more information on this option.
When this option is selected, the initial pore volume is considered to be the gas
cap + the oil leg. Therefore the initial gas saturation in the pore volume is
(1-Swc) *m / (1 + m) with m = (G*Bgi) / (N*Boi).
MBAL is therefore applying material balance to the total pore volume (oil leg plus
gas cap) so it can successfully model oil being pushed into the initial gas cap. If
oil never encroaches into the initial gas cap, this option will make no difference to
the results.
Gas Coning (oil fields only)
This option can only be selected if Use Total Saturations and Monitor Contacts
are also selected. If selected, you will be able to select gas coning for any of the
layers connected to this tank in the Production Prediction - Well Definition
dialog. If gas coning is used, the production prediction will calculate the GOR for
a layer using a gas coning model rather than using the relative permeability.
Water cut will still be calculated from the relative permeability curves. The gas
coning model can be matched for each layer in the Production Prediction - Well
Definition dialog. The gas coning model is based on reference 32, see Appendix
B.
Water Coning (oil fields only)
If selected, you will be able to select water coning for any of the layers connected
to this tank in the Production Prediction - Well Definition dialog. If water coning
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is used, the production prediction will calculate the Wc for each layer using a
water coning model rather than using the relative permeability. GOR will still be
calculated from the relative permeability curves. The water coning model can be
matched for each layer in the Water Coning Matching Dialog. The water coning
model is based on "Bournazel-Jeanson, Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME,
1971". The time to breakthrough is proportional to the rate. For low rates the
breakthrough may never occur. After breakthrough the Wc develops roughly
proportionally to the log of the Np, to a maximum water cut.
Gas Storage (gas fields only)
Select this option, to model gas injection into a tank containing water (and gas if
specified). A check indicates the option is On. In addition you must specify the
Total Pore Volume for the gas storage tank. If there is no gas originally in the
tank, then leave the gas in place field at zero otherwise enter the amount but
ensure that the down-hole GIP is not greater than the total pore volume.
In prediction you may setup a scheme of injection and production to simulate the
injection of gas for storage and its later retrieval. MBAL will the total saturations
to determine the relative permeabilitys. So it is likely that water breakthroughs
will be required on any production wells, particularly if the amount of gas injected
is small compared with the total pore volume.
Model water pressure gradient (gas fields only)
Select this option, to model the effect of changing pressure on the residual gas
saturation trapped behind the advancing water front.
We calculate a gas FVF for the residual gas saturation. This is done by taking
the tank pressure to be the pressure at the current GWC. We then calculate the
pressure from the current GWC down to the initial GWC using the density of the
water. The changing pressure is then used to give the gas FVF of the trapped
gas.
Within the material balance calculations we take into account the gas trapped
behind the water as a separate phase using the Bg as calculated above.
We assume a constant Sgr so we assume that if the pressure drops within the
water zone, any gas that expands beyond the Sgr will immediately move back to
the gas cap. Monitor contacts must also be selected if you wish to use this option
as we need the GWC.
Total Pore Volume (Gas Storage Only)
Enter the total pore volume for gas storage reservoirs as described above.
PVT Definition (Multiple Tank Model Only)
Select the PVT definition to use for this tank. If different PVT definitions are used
for different tanks, MBAL treats them in a simple manner. When oil/gas/water
moves from one tank to another, it immediately takes on the properties of the PVT
definition associated with the tank into which the fluid is flowing. This method
obviously has limitations if the fluid in the different PVT definitions is significantly
different.
Calculate Pb (Oil tank only)
Click this button to display a dialog that allows you to calculate the bubble point
pressure.
MBAL User Guide
8.4.3.1
Water Influx
This screen is used to define the type and properties of the aquifer, if any. To access the
water influx screen, choose Input - Tank Data and select the Water Influx tab. A dialog
box similar to the following is displayed:
Figure 8.18:
Tank Input Data Water Influx
Input Fields
The particular input variables depend of the model, system and boundary type
selected. A description of each variable is only listed if there is some useful
additional explanation. Otherwise please refer to Appendix C which describes the
use of each variable within the Aquifer Functions.
Model
Select one of the different aquifer models available with this program. Choose none
if no water influx is to be included. The remainder of the screen will change with
respect to the aquifer model selected.
System
Defines the type of flow prevailing in the reservoir and aquifer system.
Boundary
Defines the boundary for linear and bottom drive aquifers. Constant pressure
means that the boundary between the hydrocarbon volume and the aquifer is
maintained at a constant pressure. Sealed boundary means that the aquifer
has only a finite extent as the aquifer boundary (not in contact with the
hydrocarbon volume) is sealed. Infinite acting means that the aquifer is
effectively infinite in extent.
Radial Aquifers
Reservoir Thickness
This parameter is used to calculate the surface of encroachment of the
aquifer by multiplying it with the radius and encroachment angle.
Reservoir Radius
aquifer by multiplying it with the thickness and encroachment angle.
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Outer/Inner Radius Ratio

Defines the ratio of the outside radius to the inside radius of the aquifer
model.
Encroachment Angle
Defines the portion of the reservoir boundary through which the aquifer
invades the reservoir.
Linear Aquifers
Reservoir Thickness
aquifer by multiplying it with the reservoir width.
Aquifer Volume
Defines the amount of fluid in the aquifer. It is used to calculate the aquifer
fluid expansion when reservoir pressure declines.
Reservoir Width
aquifer by multiplying it with the reservoir thickness.
Bottom Drive Aquifers
Aquifer Volume
Defines the amount of fluid in the aquifer. It is used to calculate the aquifer
fluid expansion when reservoir pressure declines.
Vertical Permeability
Defines the aquifer vertical permeability.
Enter, or modify the data as required. Then go to the next tab or press done to
accept the changes or Cancel to quit the screen and ignore any changes.
See appendix C for details of the water influx equations.
8.4.3.2
Rock Compressibility
This screen is used to define the Rock properties. To access this screen, choose Input Tank Data and select the Rock Compressibility tab. A dialog box similar to the following
is displayed:
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.19:
Rock
Compressibility
screen
Input Fields
From Correlation
If this option is selected, the program will use an internal correlation to
evaluate the compressibility as a function of the porosity. The internal
correlation used is expressed as:
if porosity > 0.3 then Cf = 2.6e-6
if porosity < 0.3 then Cf = 2.6e-6 + (0.3 - porosity) 2.415 * 7.8e-05
Variable vs Pressure
If this option is selected, you may enter rock compressibilities that vary with
pressure. There are two ways of defining the compressibility; on original
volume and on tangent.
On Original Volume:The Cf at pressure P and V is defined using the formula,
1 (V Vi )
Cf =
Vi (P Pi )
Where Vi and Pi are the pore volume and pressure at initial conditions. This
formulation means that the results are not dependant on the time steps
selected.
On Tangent:The Cf at pressure P and V is defined using the formula:1 dV
Cf =
V dP
where dV/dP is the derivative at pressure P.
The program ALWAYS uses the original volume Cf so this column must be
entered to make the dataset valid. However if you only have the Cf based on
tangents, you may enter this column instead and then use the Calculate
button to calculate the Cf based on original volume.
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User Defined
If this option is selected, the user must enter the formation compressibility
and the program will assume that the compressibility does not change with
pressure.
8.4.3.3
Rock Compaction
Use this tab to define the Rock Compaction.
This model can be used to help match to reservoir simulator data.
Input Fields
Enable
Select this option to enable the model.
Reversible
Select this option to make the model reversible. If you do not select this
option, the pore volume will not increase back to the original volume if the
reservoir re-pressurises.
Enter the P vs compaction factor. The pore volume at each pressure will then
be calculated using PV = PVi * Compaction Factor(P)
See Table Data Entry for more information on entering the compaction data.
WARNING: The program will allow both the rock compaction and rock
compressibility model at the same time. If both models are used the program
calculates the PV using:PV = PVi *(1.0 - Cf(Pi-P))*Compaction Factor(P)
Tank Control Fields
See Tank Control Fields for more information.
Command Buttons
Plot This option is available if Variable v Pressure is selected. It will display
a plot of the table data entered.
Calculate
This option is available if Variable v Pressure is selected. It can
be used to calculate the Cf based on original volume from the Cf based on
tangents (and visa-versa).
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.20:
Rock
Compaction
8.4.3.4
Pore Volume vs. Depth
This screen is used to define the Pore Volume vs. Depth. To access this screen, choose
Input - Tank Data and select the Pore Volume vs. Depth tab. A dialog box similar to the
following is displayed:
Figure 8.20:
Pore Volume vs
Depth
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Material Balance analysis for reservoirs is based on treating the system as a

dimensionless tank. The traditional approach does not allow modelling of contact
movements, either gas oil contact or oil water contact, as no geology is provided.
In MBAL the addition of Pore Volume vs. Depth table introduces a means of allowing
contact movements. Pore volume is directly related to saturations of phases in the
reservoir and these in turn are related to a given depth through this table.
Let us assume a situation where an aquifer is providing support to an oil reservoir. The
aquifer will provide water that will encroach in the tank, thus increasing the water
saturation. In classical material balance calculations, the water saturation in the tank will
increase as a single number (no variation of Sw in the reservoir). However, if the increase
in water saturation is related to a pore volume fraction, then the increase in the OWC can
be calculated based on the PV vs. Depth table.
This tab is enabled only if the Monitor Contacts option in the Tank Parameters data sheet
has been activated. The table displayed is used to calculate the depth of the different fluid
contacts. This table must be entered for variable PVT tanks.
The definitions for entering Pore Volume fractions are displayed in the Definitions section
in this page as shown above. The definitions will automatically change depending on the
fluids present in the tank at initial conditions. Some details are provided below:
Pore Volume vs. Depth for Oil Reservoirs:
Below GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = (pore volume from top of oil leg to the depth of interest)/ (total oil
leg pore volume)
Above GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = - (pore volume from top of oil leg to depth of interest)/ (total gas
cap volume)
For example, for the case below:
MBAL User Guide
Total gas cap pore volume = 5 MMRB

Total oil leg pore volume = 2 MMRB
Oil pore volume fraction at 8200' = 0.0
Oil pore volume fraction at 8350' from GOC = 0.5 / 2 = 0.25
Oil pore volume fraction at 8600' from GOC = 2 / 2 = 1.0
Gas pore volume fraction at 8000' = - 5 / 5 = -1.0
So enter PV vs. Depth table:PV
TVD
-1.0
8000
0.0
8200
0.25
8350
1.0
8600
For Gas/condensate Reservoirs:Above GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = (pore volume from top of gas cap to the depth of interest)/ (total
gas cap pore volume)
Below GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = 1.0 + (pore volume from top of oil leg to depth of interest)/ (total oil
leg volume)
For example, for the case below:-
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Total oil leg pore volume = 0.5 MMRB
Gas pore volume fraction at 8000' = 0.0
Gas pore volume fraction at 8120' from GOC = 2 / 5 = 0.4
Oil pore volume fraction at 8600' = 1 + 0.5 / 0.5 = 2.0
So the PV vs. Depth table can be entered as:
PV
0.0
0.4
1.0
2.0
TVD
8000
8120
8500
8600
There are three calculation methods related to this option:

Figure 8.21:
Calculation
Type
Normal:
The method of calculating the fluid contacts depends on the fluid type of the reservoir. In
each case we calculate the pore volume swept by the appropriate phase. We then use the
pore volume vs. depth table to calculate the corresponding depth.
Model Saturation trapped when phase moves out of original zone:
This method uses the same rules as the old method for the residual saturations of the
phases in their original locations i.e. the Sgr in the original gas cap and the Sor in the
original oil leg. However, when a phase invades Pore Volume originally occupied by
another phase, then a given saturation can be set as trapped, i.e. left behind. This can
MBAL User Guide
effectively be seen as sweep efficiency with a lot of flexibility in specifying the saturations
trapped by each phase invading the pore volume originally occupied by a different phase:
Figure 8.22:
Trapped
Saturation entry
Residual Gas saturation trapped in oil zone (oil tank only):

In the normal calculations, as soon as the pressure drops below the bubble point, the gas
saturation starts increasing immediately. If this option is activated, then the gas will remain
in the oil pore volume until the critical gas saturation is reached. Any further gas evolving
out of the oil will create a gas cap.
8.4.3.5
Relative Permeability
Relative permeabilities are required for production prediction and multi-tank history
matching. This screen defines the Residual Saturations and the different phase Relative
Permeabilities.
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Figure 8.23:
Relative
Permeabilities
Input Fields
Water Sweep Efficiency
The Water Sweep Efficiency is used in the calculation of the depth of the
Oil/Water contact or Gas/Water contact. This parameter is only used in the
calculation of the water contact and can be adjusted to match the measured
depth when the production simulation does not reproduce the observations.
Gas Sweep Efficiency (oil reservoir only)
The Gas Sweep Efficiency is used in the calculation of the depth of the Gas/Oil
contact. This parameter is only used in the calculation of the gas contact and
can be adjusted to match the measured depth when the production simulation
does not reproduce the observations.
Rel Perm From
Select whether the relative permeabilities are to come from
- Corey Functions, or
- User Defined input tables.
Modified
Select from No, Stone 1 or Stone 2 modification. See Appendix C.2 for details
of these modifications.
Hysteresis
Select this option if you wish to apply hysteresis. See section on Relative
Permeability Hysteresis below for more information.
Corey Functions
Residual Saturations
Defines respectively:
- The connate saturation for the water phase,
- The residual saturation of the oil phase for water and gas flooding,
- The critical saturation for the gas phase.
MBAL User Guide
These saturations are used to calculate the amount of oil or gas by-passed
during a gas or water flooding.
End Points
Defines for each phase the relative permeability at its saturation maximum. For
example for the oil, it corresponds to its relative permeability at So = (1-Swc).
Corey Exponents
Defines the shape of the rel perm curve between zero and the end point. A
value of 1.0 will give a straight line. A value less than one will give a shape
which curves above the straight line. A value greater than one will give a shape
that curves below the straight line.
Table Entry
Enter the table data as requested.
The program will interpret the residual saturation as the highest saturation with a
relative permeability of zero.
Maximum Residual Saturations
Enter the residual saturation that the system will return to if the reservoir
reaches the maximum saturation. See section on Relative Permeability
Hysteresis below for more information.
8.4.3.5.1
Relative Permeability Hysteresis
The normal model assumes that the relative permeability curve follows the same path
when the saturation increases as it does when the saturation decreases. However if the
hysteresis option is activated, then a different relative permeability curve will be used as
the saturation drops.
Consider the following relative permeability diagram:
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The normal curve we enter begins at S=Sr where Kr=0.0 and rises to Kr=KrMax when
S=SMax. If we had no hysteresis then the Kr would follow the same path when the
saturation starts to fall.
However with hysteresis on, we also enter the SrMax value. As before, when the saturation
starts to rise it follows the normal curve from Sr to SMax. Now if the saturation drops from
SMax it will follow a different path. The curve it follows has the same shape as the normal
path but is transformed so that the Kr=0.0 when S=SrMax.
Of course, in reality we rarely encounter a situation where the saturation increases to the
maximum possible saturation before dropping again. It is more likely it will increase part of
the way to the maximum possible saturation before dropping again. In this case we scale
the SrMax by comparing the maximum possible saturation and the actual maximum
saturation so far in the reservoir. This case is shown by the broken curve. If the saturation
starts to rise again, it will follow the broken curve back to the normal curve and then
continue up the normal curve.
8.4.3.5.2
Calculate Tables from Corey Functions
This feature can be used to calculate the equivalent relative permeability tables from the
Corey functions.
You must specify the saturations of each phase at which the tables should be calculated.
There are two ways to specify the input saturations:Automatic:Enter the start and end of the range of saturations you require and the number of steps
into which the range should be divided. Note that if you click the Reset button the start and
end steps will be reinitialised to the residual saturations and maximum saturations.
User Selected:Enter a list of the saturations that you require to be calculated. Note that if you click the
Reset button all the user selected values will be removed.
Then click Done to calculate the corresponding table. After completing the calculation,
MBAL will display the calculated table.
The calculation will automatically insert the residual saturation and maximum saturation
into the table if they are not already specified in the input. Similarly the calculation will
exclude calculation of any saturations below the residual saturation or any saturation
above the maximum saturation.
8.4.3.5.3
Production History
This tab is used to enter the pressure and cumulative production/injection history of the
tank. It can also be calculated from the well production and allocation data entered in the
Well Data Section using the Production Allocation table described below.
8.4.3.5.4
Entering the Tank Production History
To access the tank production history, choose InputTank Data and select the Production
History tab:
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.24:
Tank Input Data Production History
Input Fields
Work with GOR (OIL and CONDENSATE Tanks Only)
Check this box if you want to enter the cumulative GOR instead of the gas
cumulative production. When you supply the GOR, the program automatically
calculates the gas cumulative production.
Work with CGR (GAS Tanks Only)
Check this box if you want to enter the cumulative CGR instead of the
condensate cumulative production. When you supply the CGR, the program
automatically calculates the condensate cumulative production.
reservoir pressure fields can left be blank if no data are available.
Some
These points can optionally be included in the Graphical and Analytical
Methods - in this case the pressure value will be interpolated.
Command Buttons:
Calc
Calculates the tank production history rate and pressure. Active only
for By Well production history entries only.
Calc Rate Calculates the tank production history rate only. Active only for By Well
production history entries only.
Plot
Displays the different production / injection, GOR and CGR data points
versus Time. Click on 'Variable' to select another data column to plot.
Report
Allows creation of reports of production history data.
Import
Accesses Data Import (Chapter 4) facilities.
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Calc and Calc Rate buttons are not available if the variable PVT model
The
has been selected. This is because we can not calculate the consolidated
pressure without knowing which wells are producing from which PVT layer and we do not know the PVT layer depths over time until we have done a full
material balance.
8.4.3.5.5 Calculating
Pressure
the
Tank
Production
History
and
Clicking Calc will consolidate the different well production tables entered in the Well Data
Production History tabs. The program will combine the input tables using the allocation
factor defined for each well. After the calculations, the old production history table will be
destroyed and the new calculated one will be displayed.
At each time step, the cumulative productions are consolidated by adding the cumulative
production/injection of each well corrected for its allocation factor. Refer to Well DataProduction History above for the definition of the allocation factor.
To calculate an average pressure, a detailed description of the geology is required.
However if we assume an isotropic reservoir and all the wells start and stop at the same
time, we can estimate a drainage volume proportional to the rate. The average tank
pressure is calculated from the static pressure of each well assuming that:
p *V
p=
V
i
The Vi is calculated from production history and PVT evaluated at the current reservoir
pressure.
these assumptions are in any way invalid, then the calculation will yield
Ifincorrect
answers. In this case the calculations must be done outside of
MBAL or with the Reservoir Allocation tool in MBAL.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.25:
Tank Input Data Tank Production History
Calculate
8.4.3.5.6
Calculating the Tank Production History Rate Only
Clicking Calc Rate will consolidate the different well production tables entered in the Well
Data Production History tabs. There are two differences between the Calc button and the
Calc Rate. Firstly, it does not calculate the tank pressures. Secondly it does not delete the
existing tank production history table but uses the existing times and pressure at which to
recalculate the rates. The purpose of two buttons is to allow different well allocations to be
used when calculating pressures and rates.
8.4.3.5.7
Plotting Tank Production History
Clicking Plot displays the production data from the different wells.
Figure 8.26:
Tank Input Data Plotting Tank
Production History
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8.4.3.5.8
35 - 110
This tab is visible only if the by Well option of the Production History field in the Options
Menu is selected. To access, choose InputTank Data and select the Well Production
Allocation tab. The Well Production Allocation tab is used to enter the allocation
factors for each tank. These can then be used to calculate the tank production history from
the Well Production History. You may enter allocation factors that change over time.
This tab simply shows a different view of the data entered in the Production Allocation
data page in the Wells Data dialogue. In the Wells Data dialog each table shown is per
well - each column in the table is for one of the tanks connected to the current well. In this
tab, each table shown is per tank - each column in the table is for one of the wells
connected to the current tank.
Figure 8.27:
First select the producing wells:

The Wells list shows which history wells are connected to the current tank. You can
connect/disconnect wells to the current tank by selecting or deselecting the well in the
Wells list. To connect a well, highlight the well in the Wells list. The well will be added to
the allocation table. To disconnect a well, de-select the well name in the list. This will
remove the well from the table.
Next allocate a production fraction to each well:
Allocation Fraction
The fraction of the well production or injection history to be allocated to the
tank.
Defines the multiplying coefficient to use for this well, when the well histories
are consolidated. Any value between 0 and 1 is valid. 1.0 allocates the
MBAL User Guide
complete well production /injection to the tank. 0.0 switches this well off
completely.
(See 'Reservoir Production History'.)
If this fraction changes over time, enter more than one row in the table. Each
row should define the time at which the allocation factor takes effect.
8.4.4
Transmissibility Data
This option is enabled only if the Multi Tanks option is chosen in the Options menu. The
Transmissibility Parameters dialog box described in the following section is used to
establish the different communication links between tanks.
Figure 8.28:
Transmissibility
Data
8.4.4.1
Transmissibility Parameters
To access the Transmissibility Parameters tab, choose Input Transmissibility Data and
select the Setup tab:
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Figure 8.29:
Transmissibility
Input Data Setup
Select transmissibility from the list to the right of your dialog. Data sheets containing
invalid information for the connection selected will automatically be highlighted RED. Data
sheets containing missing but not invalid data will be highlighted MAGENTA. This is only a
warning. Press Validate to run the validation procedure and pinpoint any possible errors.
Input Fields
Tank Connection
Defines the tanks connected through this transmissibility. Two tanks must be
specified. The connection between the tanks can also be created on the main
plot (see Manipulating Object section above)
Transmissibility
This parameter defines the transmissibility between the
transmissibility model implemented in MBAL is the following.
Kr
Qt = C * i i * P
tanks.
The
where: Qt is the total downhole flow rate,

C is the transmissibility constant,
Kri is the relative permeability of phase i,
i is the viscosity permeability of phase i,
P is the pressure difference between the two tanks.
Qt is then split into Qo, Qg and Qw using the relative permeability curves. If
relative permeability curves have been entered for the transmissibility, it will use
those belonging to the transmissibility. Otherwise it will use the relative
permeability curves from the producing tank this will depend on the sign of the
P.
Certain phases can be prevented from flow by using the Breakthrough
Constraints described below. The relative permeability curves can be corrected
to maintain their shape but starting from the breakthrough saturation.
Permeability Correction of Transmissibility
MBAL User Guide
This factor can be used to correct the transmissibility for changing permeability
in the tank as the pressure decreases. The formula used is:-
k = k i (1.0 + C f (P Pi ))
Where N is the entered value. The permeability decrease is proportional to the

ratio of the current pore volume to the initial pore volume raised to a power.
Breakthrough Constraints
In an attempt to take into account the geometry of the reservoir, one or two
phases can be prevented from flowing until the corresponding phase saturation
reaches a pre-set value. If no breakthrough constraints are required, enter an
asterix in these fields (*).
If a value is entered, it will tell the program that the corresponding phase will not
flow until the phase saturation in the upstream tank reaches this value. When
the saturation reaches the breakthrough value, the relative permeability will
jump from zero to the value at the breakthrough saturation. If you wish the
relative permeability to increase smoothly after reaching the breakthrough
saturation, select the Shift Relative Permeability to Breakthrough option. This
will shift the relative permeability curve so that it starts at the breakthrough
saturation but maintains the shape of the original curve.
Rel Perms
Used to select which set of relative permeabilitys should be used. If Use Tank is
selected then the relative permeabilitys are taken from the tank from which the
fluid is flowing. If Use Own is selected then the user must click 'Edit' and enter a
set of relative permeabilitys specifically for the transmissibility.
Pressure Threshold
No Threshold
Tanks which are joined by transmissibilities are assumed to have equal
potentials. In other words there is no flow between tanks when they are at their
initial pressures. If the two tanks have different pressures, it is assumed that
this was caused by the tanks being at different depths and the pressure
difference is purely due to hydrostatic effects. As a simulation or prediction
progresses and the tank pressures change from their initial values, MBAL
always subtracts the initial pressure difference to remove the effect of
hydrostatic pressure differences.
A transmissibility is assumed to allow flow between tanks as soon as the
pressure difference changed from the initial pressure difference. In other words
the transmissibility does not require a significant pressure difference before it
allows fluid to flow.
Use Threshold with Equal Potentials
This option allows the user to specify a pressure threshold. As the prediction or
simulation progresses, MBAL checks if the pressure difference across the
transmissibility is above the threshold pressure. If not, the transmissibility is
modelled as not allowing flow between the tanks. As soon as the pressure
difference increases to above the threshold pressure, the transmissibility is
assumed to have started to flow and we model it as for 'No Threshold' above.
Three important points:Once the pressure difference increases above the threshold and the
transmissibility starts to flow, it will never close again for a particular
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simulation/prediction. This is true even if the pressure difference drops below

the threshold pressure.
MBAL assumes that the pressure threshold works in both directions so it
always checks the absolute pressure difference being above the pressure
threshold.
Once the transmissibility has started to flow we do all transmissibility
calculations on the normal pressure difference i.e. we do not subtract the
pressure threshold.
Note that for this case, MBAL still obeys the rule that tanks are initially at equal
potentials. So any pressure difference is always the current pressure
difference minus the original pressure difference.
Use Threshold with Unequal Potentials
This option is exactly the same as the Use Threshold with Equal Potentials
except for the following difference:MBAL now assumes that the initial pressure difference in the tanks was not
due to hydrostatic differences but due an actual potential difference which was
supported by the pressure threshold in the transmissibility.
This means that any pressure difference calculated is simply the difference
between the current tank pressures and it does NOT subtract the initial
pressure difference.
Use Production History
If need be, flow rates between tank can be obtained from a look-up rather
than computed using the above equation. To do so check the From History
check box and fill in the Production History tab described below. The
transmissibility production history will then be used for a history simulation
and any history simulation at the beginning of the production prediction. It can
also be used to calculate an equivalent transmissibility which can be used in
prediction. This option can be useful if the fluxes between the tanks have
been calculated in a reservoir simulator.
MBAL User Guide
8.4.4.2
Transmissibility Production History
To access the Transmissibilities Production History

Transmissibility Data and select the Production History tab.
tab,
choose
Input
Figure 8.30:
Transmissibility Input
Data - Production
History
If the fluxes between the tanks are known, for example from a reservoir simulation run,
such fluxes can be entered in this screen. This data may be used in two different places.
1. If the Use Production History check box is checked on the Transmissibility
Parameter screen, the program will use this table as a lookup table to estimate
the fluxes between tanks rather than using the correlation. This can be used in a
history simulation and also in the history simulation part of a prediction.
2. This data can be used to calculate an equivalent transmissibility. The matching
is performed after the MBAL history simulation run.
Select a transmissibility from the list to the right of your dialog. Enter the time and
cumulative rates. Although the table has columns for Delta Pressure and the pressure of
the two adjoining tanks, these values are calculated internally by MBAL so there is no
need to enter anything in these columns. When this screen is re-entered, the columns will
be updated automatically.
Match: This option allows you to calculate a transmissibility equivalent to the production
history. As inputs it uses the production history, the relative permeability curves of the
producing tank and the PVT. See Transmissibility Matching below for more information.
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8.4.4.3
41 - 110
Transmissibility Matching
This plot can be used to calculate C by matching on production history for that
transmissibility. Note that only transmissibility production history can be used which is
normally only available from reservoir simulators.
The transmissibility can be matched on a transmissibility-by-transmissibility basis.
The following must be performed before matching can take place:Enter the PVT.
Enter the relative permeability curves. Either enter curves for the
transmissibility in the Setup tab or enter the rel perm curves for both tanks
connected to the transmissibility.
Enter a set of production history points in the Transmissibility Data dialog.
For each point in the transmissibility production history data, MBAL plots the total
downhole rate versus the delta pressure between the two tanks. It also calculates the total
mobility for each point. If you click on the Regression menu item, MBAL calculates the
transmissibility factor (C) which best matches the data. This is done simply by minimising
the error in the basic transmissibility equation:k
k rg
k
Qtot = CP ro + rw +
w
g
o
In this process, the total rate and delta pressure can be simply calculated from the
production history. However the relative permeabilities are more complex. It is done as
follows:-
Calculate the Fw/Fg/Fo from the production history

Fw/Fg/Fo can also be expressed as a ratio of relative permeabilities e.g.
k rw
Fw =
w
k rw k ro
+
w o
Since relative permeabilities for different phases have opposite trends, there is
always a unique saturation for which such a ratio has a particular value, and thus
a unique set of Kr values.
If you wish to increase/decrease the weighting on a data point then double click the point to
display the Match Point Status dialogue. To set the weighting for a group of points at
once, select a range of data points whilst holding down the right mouse button. The Match
Point Status dialogue will be displayed on releasing the mouse button and the new setting
will be assigned to all the points within the area selected.
This method of transmissibility matching does
breakthroughs
on fluid contact depths have been used.
not
work
if
MBAL User Guide
8.4.5
Transfer from Reservoir Allocation
If an initial analysis was done with the Reservoir Allocation tool in MBAL, the model and
results can be directly transferred to the Material Balance tool. This avoids re-entering the
same data for the reservoir models and the wells in the system.
Figure 8.31:
Transfer from
For details on the reservoir allocation tool, please refer to Chapter 13 of this manual.
8.4.6
Input Summary
This menu option displays the results table of the validation procedure. The table indicates
each object entered in the data set by name. Invalid data sheets and sections in error are
highlighted. For easy identification, data sheets that contain errors are highlighted in RED.
Data sheets highlighted in MAGENTA are empty but not invalid - this is only a warning.
8.4.7
Input Reports
Please refer to Chapter 5, Plots and Reports for an explanation on generating reports.
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43 - 110
History Matching
The following sections describe the MBAL program History Matching menu.
Figure 8.32:
History Matching Options
menu
Overview
MBAL provides four separate plots to determine the reservoir and aquifer parameters:
Graphical Method
Analytical Method
Energy Plot
Dimensionless Aquifer Function (WD) Plot
However if the abnormally pressured gas reservoir option is used, MBAL provides two
different plots:
P/Z Graphical Method
Type Curve Plot
All four plots can be displayed individually or simultaneously.
Individually
To open one plot, select the appropriate plot option from the History Matching menu.
Simultaneously
To open all the plots, select the All option from the History Matching menu.
The Dimensionless Aquifer Function Plot is only available if an aquifer
model
has been activated in the model.
MBAL User Guide
Simultaneous Plot Display

When more than one plot is open is displayed at a time, the following applies:
1. Only one plot is active at a time, i.e. has the input focus. This plot will normally have a
blue title bar whereas the inactive plots will have a grey title bar.
2. The menu bar always displays the enabled options of the current active plot. The menu
options vary between plots.
3. Clicking on an inactive plot, will make it active. New menu bar options will be displayed
to reflect the current active plot.
4. By default all plots (active and inactive) are synchronised. That is, any change to the
reservoir or aquifer properties will automatically be reflected on all plots.
5. Plots can be de-synchronised by choosing the WindowsSynchronize Plots menu
from the display menu. De-synchronising plots can be useful when the calculations are
too slow (due to the number of data points for example), and the updating of all plots is
taking too long. If this case, only the current active plot needs to be updated. When
the calculations are finished, simply clicking an inactive plot will refresh / update it.
6. Plots may be tiled or cascaded for an alternate display arrangement.
8.5.1
History Setup
This dialog is used to set various general inputs for the history matching section of the
material balance tool:
Figure 8.33:
History Matching
screen
Setup
History Step Size

During a history matching calculation, MBAL will always perform simulation calculations at
each production history point to be included in the calculation. However, it may also
perform calculations at intermediate steps to ensure that aquifer responses are correctly
modelled. This is particularly important if production history data points are far apart. The
history step size controls these intermediate steps.
If the automatic option is selected, MBAL will perform calculation steps at least every 15
days (more often if production history points occur more frequently). If the User Defined
method is selected, then the calculation step is controlled by the user.
If you are running a multi-tank model you will quickly be aware of the fact that calculations
are slower compared to single tank models. This is due to the complications caused by the
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transmissibility calculations. If no strong aquifers exist in the model, the calculations can be
significantly speeded by increasing the calculation step size. In fact if a very large number
is entered (e.g. 1000 days) the calculations will only be done at the times of the production
history data points.
This step size applies to calculation of all the history matching plots, the analytic regression
and the history simulation.
History Matching Plots
Exclude Data Points with Estimated Pressures
This option allows you to exclude any history production data points that have no pressure
values and normally have the pressure value estimated by MBAL.
If this option is selected then the estimated points are excluded from all display and
calculations. If the estimated points are to be included in the calculations then the following
rules apply:
In the plot display it will use the estimated pressure points exactly as if they were
normal points. Also for multi-tank cases it will also use the estimated points in the
initial history simulation to calculate the transmissibility rates.
In the analytical plot regression the rules are somewhat different. Since the
pressures are estimated, we do not include them in the regression. However for the
multi-tank option we still use the estimated points in the history simulations that are
run every iteration (we only use the rates for the history simulation anyway) - but
they are still not included in the actual regression algorithm.
Include transmissibility rates in graphical plots
This option allows adding the transmissibility rates to the various rates (e.g. F, Qg)
displayed on the graphical plots. Note that the leak rates are always added to the analytic
plot.
8.5.2
Analytical Method
The analytical method uses a non-linear regression engine to assist in estimating the
unknown reservoir and aquifer parameters. This method is plot based, i.e. the response of
the model is plotted against historical data.
To access the analytical method plot, choose the History MatchingAnalytical Method
option.
Figure 8.34:
Selecting the Analytical Method
MBAL User Guide
The following is a typical analytical method plot:

Figure 8.35:
Analytical
Method plot
On this plot, the program calculates the production of primary fluid based on the tank
pressure and the production of secondary fluids from the history entered. The calculation is
done this way because it for a given pressure, the PVT is determined directly and
calculations are considerably faster than it would be to calculate the pressure from all the
rates this is particularly important when doing regression.
Oil Reservoir
Tank Pressure
Gas production
Water production
Gas injection
Water injection
Calculated Oil production
Values
Water Influx
Inputs
Gas Reservoir
Tank Pressure
Water production
Condensate Reservoir
Tank Pressure
Condensate Production
Water production
Gas injection
Water injection
Gas Equivalent production Gas production
Water Influx
Water Influx
The plot always displays at least one curve and the history data points. This curve is:
-
The calculated cumulative production using the reservoir & aquifer parameters of
the last regression (a solid line).
If the tank has an aquifer then a second curve will also be displayed. This curve is:-
The calculated cumulative production of the reservoir without aquifer (by default
this is a blue line although the colour can be changed)
red line (calculated production of the reservoir without aquifer) is

The
plotted as a safeguard to ensure the validity of the PVT and other reservoir
properties. This line should always under-estimate the production and
should always be located on the left hand side of the historical data points.
If it is not the case, check the PVT properties or tables.
If using a multitank system, another curve will also be displayed. This curve is the
calculated cumulative production of the reservoir with aquifer (if present) but without the
effect of the transmissibilities (by default this is a red dotted line although the colour can be
changed)
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However for generalised material balance we do something different. We calculate the

equivalent of a history simulation where the pressures are calculated for the input oil, gas
and water rates. We then plot the calculated pressure and input pressure both versus the
main phase cumulative production (i.e. cumulative oil for an oil tank and cumulative gas for
a gas tank). Since we have to run a full simulation for each calculated line, we do not
display the line without the effect of the aquifer or the transmissibilities.
The data displayed on the plot is for one tank at a time. If you wish to change the tank that
is plotted, use the Tanks, Previous Tank or Next Tank menu items.
a multi-tank model, the plot displays one tank at a time. Before plotting
For
the data, MBAL first runs a history simulation with the current model to
calculate the transmissibility rates. These rates are then added
to/subtracted from the tank production history as if it was real production.
The tank response can then be calculated as for a single tank model. Note
however that during a regression the complete multi-tank model is
calculated for each new estimate.
Menu Commands
Tanks
Only for multi-tank option. The analytic plot only shows the response for one
tank at a time. Use this menu to select the tank that you wish to view.
Similarly the Next and Previous menu items can be used to change the tank
that is currently plotted.
Input
Access the standard tank and transmissibility edit dialogs. This allows you to
change the input data directly. If any data is changed, then for the single tank
case the plot is recalculated immediately. As the multi-tank calculation can be
very slow, we do not recalculate immediately - when you are ready to
recalculate the plot to show any changes to the tank/transmissibility data,
select the Calculate menu item.
Regression Run the regression calculation.

Sampling
8.5.2.1
This menu contains various items for changing the data on which the plot and
the regression work.
Enable All, Disable All act on all points in the current tanks production
history. Disable Estimated Points will disable any points that do not have
any pressure entered and therefore would normally have the pressure
estimated.
On Time, On Reservoir Pressure and On Production History is used to
automatically enable only 10 points in the production history. The sampling
will be equally spaced on the quantity in the menu selected.
Show Estimated Pressure Points affects the display only. It is used switch
on/off the display of points with no pressure value.
Exclude Data Points with Estimated Pressures is the same as described
in the History Matching Setup section.
Regressing on Production History
To access the Regression dialog box, click the Regression plot menu option. The content
of this dialogue box depends on the type of reservoir and aquifer selected the existence of
a gas cap, etc.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.36:
Regression Option
When this option is selected, the following screen will appear, allowing selection of
parameters to regress on and to perform the regression:
Figure 8.37:
Analytical Method
Regressing on
Production History
Running a Regression:
Select the parameters you want to regress. For single tank cases, this is done by
selecting the tick box to the left of the parameters. For multi-tank cases, click on
the Yes/No button to the left of the Start column. If you wish to remove (filter) all
unselected parameters from the regression dialog, press the Filter button - press
it again to display them again.
Enter the starting value of the regression in the centre column. If necessary,
these values can be reset to the values entered in the 'Reservoir Parameters'
and 'Water Influx' dialogue boxes by clicking the Reset command button.
Click Calc.
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The program regresses on the So + Sg + Sw = 1 equation. After a few iterations

(maximum 500) the program will stop, and display in the right hand column the set of
parameters giving the best mathematical fit.
note that the 'best mathematical fit' may not necessarily be the best
Please
solution. Some of the parameters may seem probable, others will not.
The regression can be stopped at any time by clicking the Abort command
button. The program will display in the right hand column the best set of
parameters found up to that point.
For single tanks, the standard deviation shows the error on the material balance
equation re-written
(F - We) / (N*E) - 1 = 0 for oil reservoirs

(F - We) / (G*E) - 1 = 0 for gas or condensate reservoirs
To obtain a dimensionless error term. A value less than 0.1 usually indicates an
acceptable match.
For the multi-tank case the standard deviation is the total error in pressure
divided by the number of points in the regression.
To use the regression results for one of the parameters as a starting point for the
next regression, click the button (for single tanks) or the
button (for multitanks) in the centre column between the values. The program will copy the value
across.
To transfer all the parameters at once, click the button (for single tanks) or the
button (for multi-tanks) between 'Start' and 'Best fit'.
Start a new regression by clicking Calc.
Return to the plot by closing the current dialog box. The program will
automatically copy the values in the centre column into the fields of 'Reservoir
Parameters' and 'Water Influx' dialogue boxes. The program will then
immediately recalculate the new production. The plot now shows the production
calculated using the latest set of parameters.
Command Buttons
Calc
Start the regression calculation.
Reset
This button re-initialises the regression starting values to the original

set of reservoir and aquifer parameters entered in the Reservoir
Parameters and Water Influx dialogue boxes.
8.5.2.2
History Points Sampling
It is sometime an advantage in the first stages of a study to reduce the number of history
data points used in the regression. MBAL offers a simple tool of automatically reducing to
10 the number points used in the regression. Depending on the menu option selected, the
program will sample the data based on 'equal' time, cumulative production or pressure
steps.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.38:
Sampling
Select the Sampling menu option followed by one of the sub-options available, as shown
above. The Enable All option cancels any sampling previously performed and resets the
weighting of all the points to 'medium' (see below).
8.5.2.3
Changing the Weighting of History Points in the

Regression
Each data point can be given a different weighting in the Regression. Data points
considered to be more accurate than others can be set to HIGH to force the regression to
go through these points. Secondary or doubtful data points can be set to LOW or switched
OFF completely.
Figure 8.39:
Analytical Method - Set
Match Point Status (Single
Point)
Using the LEFT mouse button, double-click the history point to be changed. The above
dialogue box appears, displaying the point number selected. Choose as required, the point
weighting (High / Medium / Low) and/or status (Off/On). Points that are switched off will
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not be taken into account in the regression or production calculations. Click Done to
confirm the changes.
Using the RIGHT mouse button and dragging the mouse, draw a dotted rectangle over the
points you want to modify as shown below:
Figure 8.40:
Selecting multiple points
When the mouse button is released, a dialogue box similar to the above will appear,
displaying the number of points selected.
Figure 8.40:
Analytical Method Set
Match Point Status
(Multiple Point)
All the history points included in the 'drawn' box will be affected by the operation. Choose
the points' weighting (High / Medium / Low) and/or status (Off / On) as desired. Click Done
to confirm the changes. If points are switched off, they will appear as shown in the diagram
below:
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.41:
Point status on or off
Points ON
Points OFF
8.5.3
Graphical Method
This graphical method plot is used to visually determine the different Reservoir and Aquifer
parameters. To access the graphical method plot, choose History MatchingGraphical
Method:
Figure 8.42:
Selecting the Graphical
Method
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The following is a typical Graphical Method plot:

Figure 8.43:
Campbell Graphical
Method
The following different methods are available:

For Oil reservoirs
For Gas/Condensate reservoirs
- Havlena-Odeh,
- P/Z
- F/E versus We/Et.
- P/Z (over pressured)
- (F-We)/Et versus F (Campbell)
- Havlena - Odeh (over -pressured)
- F-We versus Et
- Havlena - Odeh (water drive)
-(F-We)/(Eo+Efw) vs Eg/(Eo+Efw) - Cole ((F-We)/Et)
- Roach (unknown compressibility)
For a more detailed description of each method, please refer to the appendices and
relevant literature. The examples (quick start or Appendix A also provide some detail with
regards to Campbell or Cole plots in particular)
The different plots can be selected from the Graphical Plot menu as shown below:
Figure 8.44:
Campbell Graphical
Method
The aim of most graphical methods is to align all the data points on a straight line. The
intersection of this straight line with one of the axes (and, in some cases the slope of the
straight line) gives some information about the hydrocarbons in place.
For this purpose, a 'straight line tool' is provided to attain this information. This line 'tool'
can be moved or placed anywhere on the plot. Depending on the method selected, the
MBAL User Guide
slope of the line (when relevant) and its intersection with either the X axis or Y axis is
displayed at the bottom part of the screen.
8.5.3.1
Changing the Reservoir and Aquifer Parameters
Reservoir, Transmissibility and Aquifer parameters can be changed without exiting the plot
by clicking on the Input... menu options:
Figure 8.45:
Access to Input Data
On closing the dialog box, the program will automatically refresh/update the plot(s).
8.5.3.2
Straight Line Tool
The Graphical Method straight line tool is composed of 4 elements: a straight line, and
squares which are used to move the line around the screen:
Figure 8.46:
Straight line tool for
Campbell plot
The line can be moved by dragging the square in the middle of the line. Depending on the
method chosen, squares may also be seen at the ends of the line which can be moved as
well to get a manual fit to the data.
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should be taken when moving the line 'tool'. Moving the line 'tool' also
Care
changes the Oil or Gas in place value in the InputReservoir Parameters
dialogue box.
8.5.3.3
The Best Fit Option
The 'Best Fit' menu option will automatically find the best fit for the line 'tool', depending on
the Graphical Method used.
8.5.3.4
Locating the Straight Line tool
If the straight line 'tool' disappears or becomes to small due to a change of scales, doubleclicking the centre of the plot will re-scale the line and place it across the plot.
8.5.3.5
Graphical method results
The calculations related to this plot can be viewed or printed by clicking Output | Results
from the plot menu.
Only portions of the results can be shown at one time because of the huge
amount of data to be displayed.
To browse through the results, use the horizontal and vertical scroll bars.
Click the Report button to send the results directly to the printer, the Windows
clipboard or save the results to file.
Figure 8.45:
Graphical Method
Results
The Results screen shows the Expansion, Underground Withdrawal, Aquifer influx etc.
values for each match point:
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.46:
Graphical Method
Results
8.5.4
Energy Plot
This plot shows the relative contributions of the main source of energy in the reservoir and
aquifer system. It does not in itself provide the user with detailed information, but indicates
very clearly which parameters and properties should be focused on. (I.e. PVT, Formation
Compressibility, Water Influx.). Consider the following plot:
Figure 8.47:
Energy plot
At the beginning of history, some energy comes from the expansion of the fluid in place,
whereas towards the end of history, a negligible drive comes from the hydrocarbon
expansion. Therefore, when trying to history match and get the OOIP, one should
concentrate on the initial production points and not the ones at the end of history.
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8.5.5
57 - 110
WD Function Plot
The WD plot shows the dimensionless aquifer function versus dimensionless time type
curves. This plot also indicates the location of the history data points in dimensionless coordinates.
This plot is only available with some aquifer types. A Small Pot aquifer
model
for example does not have such a plot because of the simplicity of
its formulation.
A typical plot will look like this:
Figure 8.48:
Aquifer function
plot
Changing rD parameters
For Radial Aquifers, the rD parameters (ratio of outer aquifer radius to inner aquifer radius)
can be changed on the plot. You may note some WD curves displayed by the programme
that point to rD values shown to the right of the plot display.
To change the current rD parameters, position the cursor in the value range nearest the
point you want to investigate. Double-click the LEFT mouse button. The program
immediately runs a short regression on the rD to find the type curve passing through the
selected point.
The programme will not calculate rD parameters for points selected below the minimum
displayed rD value. An infinite WD solution curve will be calculated for points selected
above the maximum displayed rD value.
8.5.6
Abnormally pressured gas reservoirs
In the case where a gas reservoir is abnormally pressured, a model based on SPE 71514
A Semianalytical p/z Technique for the Analysis of Reservoir Performance from
Abnormally Pressured Gas Reservoirs has been added to so as to provide a means of
modeling this situation.
MBAL User Guide
It is recommended that this paper is studied before using this method.

The method is activated from the Options menu:
Figure 8.48:
Activating the
Abnormally pressured
option
The model can be used when two straight lines are observed in the P/Z plot. Two pots will
be available for this method. One is the abnormally pressured P/Z plot and the other is the
Type Curve plot:
Figure 8.49:
Abnormally
pressured method
plots
P/Z Plot description:

The early line develops during the abnormally pressured behavior. The line must intersect
the initial P/Z. The intersection with the X axis defines the OGIP apparent.
The late line develops once the abnormally pressured behavior has stopped. This is the
normal P/Z line expected due to gas expansion only. The intersection gives the true OGIP
as normal.
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The intersection between the two lines occurs at P/Z Inflection. This is the pressure at
which the reservoir has considered to have stopped compacting.
You may use an automatic regression to fit the two lines. First select the range of the data
to which you wish to fit the line. To do this select two points by double-clicking on the
points. Then click on either Best Fit Early Line or Best Fit Late Line menu item. The fit
will be performed on the data between the two selected points. Remember that the early
line will always be forced through the initial P/Z.
Alternatively you may manually move the lines. The lines have three handles shown as
small squares. You may move the line up and down (but keeping the slope constant) by
clicking and dragging the middle line handle. Alternatively you may rotate the line by
clicking and dragging on of the end handles. Since the early line must intersect the initial
P/Z, you can only move the end handle to rotate the line around the P/Z initial point.
Type Curve Plot description:
The data is presented on a plot of Ce(Pi-P) vs (P/Z)/(P/Z)i. The Ce(Pi-P) functions increase
as pressure decreases until it reaches its constant maximum value at and below P/Z
inflection.
Three type curves colored in green are displayed to help guide the user to a solution. The
three curves have different values of OGIP actual / OGIP apparent. The value of this ratio
is written next to the curve.
The type curve in red has the current value of OGIP actual / OGIP apparent.
The purpose of the plot is to allow the user to modify the three input values to the
compressibility model: OGIP Apparent
OGIP Actual
P/Z Inflection
To obtain the best match between the plotted data and the actual type curve (displayed in
green).
The values can be changed in two ways: Click on the Tune menu item. This will allow you to manually change the three input
values.
Click on the Regression menu item. This will allow you to perform a numerical
regression to obtain the best input values automatically. WARNING this method
should only be used once you have obtained good first estimates by the manual methods.
MBAL User Guide
8.5.7
Simulation
This dialog box is used for running a production history simulation based on the tanks and
aquifer models that have been tuned with the graphical and/or analytical methods.
The simulation calculations can serve as a final quality check on the history matching done
earlier. The analytical method plot uses the reservoir pressures entered in the historical
data and calculates the production. The simulation does the opposite. The rates are used
from the historical data and the reservoir pressure is calculated based on the material
balance model. To demonstrate this, consider the following example where the analytical
method gives the analytical plot shown below:
Figure 8.50:
Accessing the
Simulation option
We can see from the plot that the match could be considered OK. Let us focus on the last
point highlighted above. The error between model and measured data is the difference in
oil production, as shown below:
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Figure 8.51:
Accessing the
Simulation option
In the simulation plot, the difference, since now the reservoir pressure is the calculated
variable will be as shown below:
Figure 8.52:
Accessing the
Simulation option
In forecast mode, the calculated variable is the reservoir pressure. This mimics the
calculations done in simulation mode. Therefore the quality of the match and confidence in
the forecast can be seen directly from the simulation plot. If the match here is good, then
the forecast will more likely be OK as well.
MBAL User Guide
To access the simulation, choose the History MatchingSimulation menu:

Figure 8.53:
Accessing the Simulation
option
The following dialog box is displayed:

Figure 8.54:
Production
Simulation
Calculations can be done by selecting the Calc button, followed by the Plot button in
order to look at the comparison between calculated pressures and historical pressures:
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Figure 8.55:
Simulation plot
Under the Variables option on the plot, different variables or streams can be chosen for
plotting. Please ensure that both the Simulation and History streams are selected when
comparing the two.
Figure 8.56:
Simulation
Variables
Selecting the Save button from the calculation menu allows saving different runs, which
will then appear as separate stream in the Variables screen shown above.
MBAL User Guide
Figure 8.56:
Simulation
Variables
Create a new stream by clicking the Add button highlighted above.
8.5.8
Fw / Fg / Fo Matching
One on the main difficulties of running a Production Prediction is to find a set a relative
permeability curves that will give a GOR, WC or WGR similar to the ones observed during
the production history. The purpose behind this tool is to generate a set of Corey function
parameters that will give the same fractional flows as in the production history at the
saturations calculated while running the simulation.
The relative permeabilities can be generated for the tank, for the individual wells or for the
transmissibilities.
- In order to generate the relative permeabilities for a well, the production history
for this well must be entered in the Well Data Input section.
- In order to generate the relative permeabilities for a transmissibility, the
production history for the transmissibility must be entered in the Transmissibility
Data' Input section and the 'Use Production History' flag must be switched on.
Note that the history simulation has to be run after this input data has been
entered. If this is not done, the history simulation uses the rel perms of the
source tank so any Fw/Fg/Fo match will simply generate the entered relative
permeability curves. In order for the transmissibility relative permeabilities to be
used in the prediction, the 'Use Own' option must be set in the ' Transmissibility
Data' Input section after performing the Fw/Fg/Fo match.
Choose the item to regress on by selecting the tank, transmissibility or the well in the item
menu option.
In a Corey function, the Relative Permeability for the phase x is expressed as:
Sx Srx
Krx = Ex *
Smx Srx
where:Petroleum Experts
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Ex is the end point for the phase x,

nx the Corey Exponent,
Sx the phase saturation,
Srx the phase residual saturation and
Smx the phase maximum saturation.
The phase absolute permeability can then be expressed as:
Kx = K * Krx
where:K is the reservoir absolute permeability and
Krx the relative permeability of phase x.
the purpose of clarity, the following detailed explanation describes the
For
matching of the water fractional flow in an oil tank.
s first step is to calculate the points from the input production history these are shown as
points on the plot. For each production history point the Sw value is taken from the value
calculated in the production history. The Fw value is calculated using the rates from the
production history and the PVT properties. Now taking into account the capillary pressures
and the gravitys, the water fractional flow can be expressed as:
Fw =
Qw * Bw
Qo * Bo + Qw * Bw
where:
x is the viscosity,
Qx the flow rate and
Bx the formation volume factor of phase x.
The second step is to calculate the theoretical values these are displayed as the solid
line on the plot. As for the date points, the water saturations are taken from simulation. The
Fw is calculated from the PVT properties and the current relative permeability curves
using:
Kw
w
Fw =
Kw Ko
+
w o
When a regression is performed, adjusts the Corey terms in the relative permeability
curves to best match the Fw from the data points and the Fw from the theoretical curves.
The other matching types are defined as follows:- For Fg matching in an oil tank, Fg is the gas rate divided by the sum of the gas,
oil and water rates. Note that the gas rate is the free gas produced from the tank
not the gas produced at surface.
- For Fw matching in a gas tank, Fw is the water rate divided by the sum of the
water and gas rate.
- For Fw matching in a condensate tank, Fw is the water rate divided by the sum
of the water and gas rate.
- For Fo matching in a condensate tank, Fo is the oil rate divided by the sum of
the gas plus oil rate. Note that the oil rate is the free oil produced from the tank
not the oil produced at surface.
MBAL User Guide
fractional flow matching tool can only be used if a Simulation has been run.
This
It is also important to re-run a Simulation each time input parameters are
changed as they will probability affect the saturations and/or the PVT properties.
8.5.8.1
Running a Fractional Flow Matching
To access the fractional flow matching, choose the History MatchingFw/Fg/Fo

Matching menu. A plot showing the fractional flow versus saturation will be displayed. No
data points will be displayed if:
the simulation has not been run,
There is no production of the phases required for the match.
Figure 8.57:
Fractional Flow
Matching
Most of the time, particularly after a long production history, the late WCT does not really
represent the original fractional flows. They usually take into account the Water
breakthroughs, and also show the different workovers done to reduce water production.
These late data points can be hidden from the regression by double-clicking on the point to
remove. A group of points can also be removed by drawing a rectangle around these
points using the right mouse button. The data points weighting in the regression can also
be changed using the same technique. (Refer to the Changing the Weighting of History
Points in the Regression section described above.)
The breakthrough for the saturation that is displayed on the X axis is marked on the plot by
a vertical blue line. This will be taken into account by the regression. The breakthrough
value can be changed on the plot by simply double-clicking on the new position the
breakthrough should be redrawn at the new position.
Click on Regression to start the calculation. After a few seconds, the program will display
a set of Corey function parameters that best fit your data.
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parameters represent the best

These
insuring continuity in the WCT, GOR
mathematical fit for your data,

and WGR between history and
forecast. This set of Corey function parameters will make sure that the
fractional flow equations used in the Production Prediction Tool will
reproduce as close as possible the fractional flow observed during the
history. These parameters have to be considered as a group and the
individual value of each parameter does not have a real meaning as, most
of the time, the solution is not unique.
The set of parameters can be edited by selecting Parameters option from the plot menu.
The set of parameters regressed can be copied permanently into the data set by selecting
the Save option from the plot menu.
the case of an Oil reservoir, the water fractional flow should be matched
Inbefore
the gas fractional flow.
8.5.9
Sensitivity Analysis
This option is used for running sensitivity on one or two variables at a time. A certain
number of values between a minimum and a maximum can be defined for each variable.
For each combination of values the program will calculate the standard deviation of the
error on the material balance equation rewritten:
(F We)/(N*E) 1 = 0
For oil. The regression uses the point selected in the analytic method along with their
respective weighting.
Note that this option is not available for multi-tank cases.
To access this option, choose the History Matching | Sensitivity menu. The following
dialog appears.
Figure 8.58:
Sensitivity Analysis
8.5.9.1
Running a Sensitivity
Select the sensitivity variables by checking the corresponding boxes. Multiple. Specify the
number of steps the program is to perform between the minimum and maximum values.
Selecting 20 steps will generate 21 values for the variable from the minimum to the
MBAL User Guide
maximum. Selecting 20 steps for each variable will perform (20+1)*(20+1) runs. If
necessary, these values can be reset by clicking the Reset command button.
Click Plot to start the calculation. After a few seconds, a plot of one of the variables versus
the standard deviation will appear. A sharp minimum indicates the most probable value for
this variable. A flat minimum indicates a range of probable values. Select Variables to
change the variable being plotted.
When two variables are used, the plotting of the standard deviation will also indicate the
uniqueness of the solution. In some cases, the program will show that for each value of the
first parameter, there exists a value for the second parameter that gives the same
minimum standard deviation. This means there is an infinite number of solutions and that
one of the variables must be fixed in order to calculate the other.
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8.6
Production Prediction
The production prediction section of the program is used to forecast the reservoir
performance. The program can switch from history simulation to prediction mode at a date
selected by the user.
The model assumes the following:
All the producers are connected to the same production manifold.

All the water injectors are connected to the same water injection manifold.
All the gas injectors are connected to the same gas injection manifold.
All the aquifer producers are connected to the same aquifer production manifold.
All the gas cap producers are connected to the same gas cap production
manifold.
The pressure of the five manifolds can be set independently.
70 110
The program provides different types of prediction depending on the fluid chosen.
Performing a forecast involves following the Production Prediction menu from top to
bottom:
Figure 8.60:
Production
Prediction Menu
The screen above shows all the options active; however, if some are not relevant to the
model, they will be automatically greyed out as shown below:
Figure 8.61:
Production
Prediction Menu
The various options on performing forecasts are best explained through

examples. Please refer to the Quick Start Guide example for information on
performing forecasts with and without wells. The sections below will
therefore only provide limited information on the forecast screens.
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71-110
Prediction Setup
Following the options from top to bottom, the first screen to be accessed is the Prediction
setup. In this the mode of forecast should be first selected. In the case of an oil system,
there are two prediction options available as shown below, whereas for a gas system,
there are three options available for the prediction. These options are shown in the two
screenshots below:
Figure 8.62:
Production
Prediction Menu
Figure 8.63:
Production
Prediction Menu
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72 110
The first two options in the gas case are the same as the oil example and they are self
explanatory.
1. Prediction of profile with no wells
2. Prediction using well models
The third option available for gas systems relates to a prediction of DCQ over yearly
periods.
Prediction of profile with no wells
In this case the production profile needs to be provided by the user (for example the user
specifies that the oil production rate will be 5000 bbls/day). The program will then calculate
the drop in reservoir pressure for the forecast period, and the corresponding production of
water and gas if the rel perm options have been selected for use. If no rel perms are
selected, then the gas and water production rates have to be provided as well (since the
mechanism for calculating these is the relative permeabilities.
Figure 8.64:
Using rel perms
The user can also select options for pressure support that will be part of the forecast by
highlighting the relevant check boxes shown above. The data relevant for these options
can then be entered in the Production and Constraints screen.
Prediction of profile using well models
Selecting this option will enable the use of well models (VLP/IPR for example) for
calculation of rates which will then be used to calculate the reservoir pressure drop using
the material balance calculations. Once this option is selected, then the fields that enable
the user to create well models will become active, as shown below:
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Figure 8.65:
Using rel perms
Figure 8.66:
Using rel
perms
Predict DCQ using well models and Swing Factors

This option is available when dealing with a gas system:
Figure 8.67:
Using rel perms
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In this mode the program calculates the maximum daily gas contract quantity that the
reservoir can deliver for every year of the prediction period. This can be useful when
determining the DCQ quantities to be set in a gas contract. The program in this mode will
assume a DCQ and perform a forecast for a year. If the production can be sustained
throughout the year, then the DCQ is increased and the forecast for the same time period
is done again. The iterations stop when the DCQ assumed can just be achieved.
The program takes into account a seasonal swing factor entered in the DCQ Swing
Factor Table, and a maximum swing factor entered in the DCQ Schedule Table. The
program also honours (if physically possible) the constraints entered in the Production and
Constraints table. If well definitions and well schedules are provided, the program
calculates the production manifold pressure (or compressor back pressure) required to
achieve a DCQ for a yearly period.
Prediction Calculation Technique
At each time step MBAL does the following:
Assumes a tank average pressure

Calculates the relative permeabilities and fractional flow of the 3 phases
Calculates the produced GOR/CGR and WC/WGR
Calculates the individual well production or injection rates and flowing pressures
based on:
the PVT fluids
the IPR
the tubing performance curve or constant bottom hole pressure
the production/injection constraints
the production schedule
Calculates the water influx for this reservoir pressure and time
Calculates the tank overall productions and injections
For multi-tanks, calculates the transmissibility rates
Calculates the gravity of the gas and water phases
Calculates the tanks new saturations and assumes a new reservoir pressure
Iterates until convergence of tank pressure
Calculation and Reporting Time Steps

The Reporting Frequency (or time step - see the Reporting Schedule dialog box) can be
set by the user to determine the times displayed in the results dialogs. However there are
usually extra calculation times between the time steps displayed on the results dialogs or
reports.
The prediction step size defaults to 15 days. This can be changed in the
Prediction Setup dialog. Extra calculation times will be inserted based on the
prediction step size.
Changes in production and constraints. An extra calculation time will be inserted
whenever there is a change in any of the entries in the Prediction Production
and Constraints dialog.
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A calculation time will be inserted if and when the calculation changes from
history to prediction mode.
A calculation time will be inserted whenever a well is started or shut in as defined
in the Well Schedule dialog.
A calculation time will be inserted whenever there is a change in any of the DCQ
inputs.
The various options on performing forecasts are best explained through
examples. Please refer to the Quick Start Guide examples to see how to
perform forecasts with and without wells. The sections below will therefore
only provide limited information on the forecast screens.
Production and Constraints
This dialog box describes the production and injection constraints for the tank. The number
and content of the columns will vary depending on the prediction mode and injection
options selected in the Prediction Set-up dialog box.
Each column has a combo-box at the top of the column. Use this to switch the interpolation
mode for the column. When Step is displayed, the parameter will remain constant until
redefined.
When Slope is, displayed the program performs a linear interpolation between 2
consecutive values of in the column. This table allows entering the different column
parameters versus time.
The following rules apply:
Condition
A column is left entirely empty
A column contains only one value.
Meaning
There is no constraint on this parameter.
This parameter will remain constant from
that time onwards
The numbered button on the left hand The corresponding line is ignored
side is depressed
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Figure 8.68:
Production and
Constraints
Input Fields
Man Pres
Defines the production manifold pressure for predictions with wells.
Oil/Gas/Water Rate
Defines the production rates if using prediction type 'Reservoir Pressure only from
Production Schedule'. If you have selected to use relative permeabilities in the prediction
setup, you will only need to enter the principal rate (e.g. oil rate for oil tank). Otherwise you
will have to enter all three phase rates.
Maximum Oil/Gas/Liquid Rate
Defines the maximum production rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program raises the production manifold pressure in order to satisfy the
constraint.
Minimum Oil/Gas/Liquid Rate
Defines the minimum production rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program shuts down all the production wells (apart from gas cap and aquifer
producers). This means it is effectively an abandonment constraint.
Voidage Replacement
Defines the fraction of the reservoir pore volume to be replaced with the injection fluid and
can be larger than 100% if you intend to raise the pressure of the reservoir. When injection
wells have been defined in the Well Definitions screen and are also included in the Drilling
Schedule the prediction will calculate the rates required from these wells to achieve the
Voidage Replacement target. The option can be started or altered at any time during the
production of the reservoir and to stop the replacement you must enter a value of 0%.
Voidage Replacement is independent of the Water/Gas Recycling and Water/Gas
Recycling Cut-off constraints. See Voidage Replacement and Injection for details of using
these two options together.
Gas Injection Manifold Pressure
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Defines the gas injection manifold pressure. This parameter may be overridden by the
minimum / maximum gas injection rate parameter.
Gas Injection Rate
Defines the production rate of the main phase. This is parameter may be overridden by the
minimum / maximum Manifold Pressure.
Minimum/Maximum Gas Injection Manifold Pressure
Defines the pressure constraints on the gas injection manifold. When one of these
constraints is triggered, the program changes the gas injection rate in order to satisfy the
constraint.
Maximum Gas Injection Rate
Defines the maximum gas injection rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program reduces the gas injection manifold pressure in order to satisfy the
constraint.
Minimum Gas Injection Rate
Defines the gas injection rate constraints. When one of these constraints is triggered, the
program shuts down all the gas injection wells.
Injection Gas Gravity
This value is used to calculate the average gas gravity of the gas cap (if any). It affects the
gas cap PVT properties. Leave blank if the injected gas gravity is the same as the gravity
of the gas produced. The original gravity of the gas in place is defined in the PVT.
Gas Recycling
The Recycling input field signals the program to automatically re-inject this fraction amount
of the gas production. The gas is re-injected without using Tubing Performance Curve and
these injection wells do not need to be included in the Well Schedule. On the other hand,
this re-injection is taken into account in the calculation of the maximum gas injection rate
above.
Gas Recycling Cut-off
Defines the cut-off GOR for the Gas Recycling. The program stopped the gas recycling if
the producing GOR exceeds this value.
CO2, H2S, N2 Mole %
Defines the mole percent of impurity in the gas injected. These percentages are used to
calculate the reservoir average gas content in H2S, CO2, and N2. The original constraints
of the gas in place are defined in the PVT section. If these fields are left blank, the program
assumes that the content in CO2, H2S, and N2 is the same than the gas produced.
Water Injection Manifold Pressure
Defines the water injection manifold pressure. This parameter may be overridden by the
minimum / maximum water injection rate parameter.
Water Injection Rate
Defines the production rate of the main phase. This is parameter may be overridden by the
minimum / maximum Manifold Pressure.
Minimum/Maximum Water Injection Manifold Pressure
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Defines the pressure constraints on the water injection manifold. When one of these
constraints is triggered, the program changes the water injection rate in order to satisfy the
constraint.
Maximum Water Injection Rate
Defines the maximum water injection rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program reduces the water injection manifold pressure in order to satisfy the
constraint.
Minimum Water Injection Rate
Defines the minimum water injection rate constraints. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program shuts down all the water injection wells.
Water Injection - Water Salinity
This value is used to calculate the average water salinity of the water in the pore volume. It
affects water compressibility calculation. Leave blank if the salinity of the injected water is
the same than the salinity of the water produced. The original water salinity is defined in
the PVT.
Water Recycling
The Recycling input field signals the program to automatically re-inject this fraction amount
of the water production. The water is re-injected without using Tubing Performance Curve
and these injection wells do not need to be included in the Well Schedule. On the other
hand, this re-injection is taken into account in the calculation of the maximum water
injection rate above.
Water Recycling Cut-off
Defines the cut-off WCT for the Water Recycling. The program stopped the water recycling
if the producing WCT exceeds this value.
Gas Lift - Maximum Rate
This value can be used to model a situation where we have a total fixed amount of gas
available for gas lift wells. It defines the maximum total artificial gas rate that can be
injected into all the gas lift wells. The amount of gas lift gas is controlled by pro-rating the
operating gas lift injection for each well so that the total gas lift rate in all the wells is equal
to the maximum entered. So the relative reduction of the gas lift rate compared to the
entered operating gas lift rate for the well will be the same for all wells.
Maximum Gas Cap Manifold Rate
Defines the maximum gas cap manifold rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program reduces the gas cap manifold pressure in order to satisfy the
constraint.
There are special rules applied to the maximum gas cap rate constraint if a maximum gas
rate has also been entered. The maximum gas rate constraint is treated as the maximum
gas rate from the oil wells plus the gas from the gas cap producers. The process is as
follows:- Calculate the oil wells and modify the oil well manifold pressure to obey the gas
rate constraint if necessary.
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- Calculate the difference between the gas rate from the oil wells and the maximum
gas rate constraint. If this is less than the gas cap maximum rate then reset the gas
cap maximum rate to the difference.
This means that if the oil wells reach the maximum gas rate then production from
the gas cap producers is stopped.
Minimum Gas Cap Manifold Rate
Defines the minimum gas cap manifold rate constraint. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program shuts down all the gas cap producer wells.
DCQ Max (For Reservoir Pressure and Production from manifold Pressure Schedule
prediction type)
Defines the maximum gas DCQ. At each time step, MBAL will calculate the maximum gas
constraint from the maximum DCQ and the swing factors. It will then raise the manifold
pressure in order to satisfy the calculated maximum gas constraint. The program checks
this constraint against the average rate.
DCQ Min (For Reservoir Pressure and Production from manifold Pressure Schedule
prediction type)
Defines the minimum gas DCQ. At each time step, MBAL will calculate the minimum gas
constraint from the maximum DCQ and the swing factors. When one of these constraints is
triggered, the program shuts down all the production wells (apart from the aquifer
producers). This means it is effectively an abandonment constraint.
DCQ Max (For DCQ from Manifold Pressure Schedule and Swing Factor prediction type)
Defines the maximum gas DCQ that MBAL should calculate. MBAL will raise the manifold
pressure in order to satisfy this constraint.
NOTE:
For the Generalised Material Balance option, there are options to have different manifold
pressures for the oil wells and the gas wells. In this case a pressure must be entered for
the oil leg manifold and the gas cap manifold. Different min/max rate constraints can be
entered for the oil leg manifold and the gas cap manifold productions.
A Copy button is available in single tank mode. It can be used to copy the current
calculated history simulation results into the corresponding constraint columns. This can
then be used to verify the relative permeability curves by checking if the simulation results
can be reproduced in prediction mode.
8.6.2.1 Voidage Replacement and Injection

When voidage replacement and injection options are selected in the Prediction Setup,
some special rules apply. These rules are true whether the voidage replacement and
injection is selected for gas or water.
The first situation is when both options are selected but there are no injection wells of the
corresponding fluid. In this case, MBAL will calculate the amount of injection fluid required
to replace all the fluid produced for each time step. It then factors this injection rate by the
voidage replacement percentage entered in the Production and Constraints dialog. It will
then inject that amount of fluid into the tank for that time step. No wells are needed to do
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this so MBAL always injects the full amount. Note that the voidage is recalculated at each
time step.
The second situation is when both options are selected but injection wells of the
corresponding fluid are currently in operation as specified in the well schedule. In this case
MBAL again calculates the amount of injection needed including the voidage replacement
percentage (as described above). However, rather than simply injecting this amount,
MBAL will set the value as a maximum injection constraint. This means that the full amount
will only be injected if the injection wells can achieve this injection rate - otherwise it will
only inject what it can. If a maximum injection constraint has also been entered then it will
honour the lesser of the two values.
Since we only have one maximum injection constraint for the whole system which can only
be controlled by a single injection manifold pressure, this second method can only be
guaranteed to work if there is only one tank and one injection well.
Note also that both of these situations can occur in a single prediction run as MBAL will
check at each time step if any injection wells are in operation and if a voidage replacement
percentage greater than zero has been entered.
8.6.3
DCQ Swing Factor (Gas reservoirs only)
This dialog box describes the daily gas contract (DCQ) swing factor over a period of one
calendar year. The instantaneous gas production rate is the product of the DCQ and Swing
Factor.
Figure 8.69:
DCQ Swing Factor
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DCQ Schedule
Figure 8.70:
DCQ Schedule
Input Fields
Max. Swing Factor
Depending on the gas contract, the gas producer may be required to produce above
the DCQ for a short period of time. The maximum swing factor can be used to
insure that the reservoir will be able to produce DCQ * MaxSwing at any time. In
other words, the program makes sure that the potential of the reservoir is at least
DCQ * MaxSwing. You are only required to enter values when the max swing factor
changes. The program maintains the Max. Swing Factor constant until a new factor
is encountered in the list.
The timing of the peaks in the Swing Factor and the DCQ schedule breaks may affect the
calculated DCQ. If the maximum swing is required to be produced near the end of the DCQ
contract period, then additional deliverability would be needed if the peak swing occurred
nearer the beginning of the contract period.
8.6.5
Well Type Definitions
This dialog is used to define the properties and constraints of a well or group of wells.
Once the well type definitions are established, these definitions are used through the well
schedule to drive the production prediction calculations.
The dialog is split into three data pages:Setup
Define the well type.
Inflow Performance
Enter the parameters for the IPR and layer constraints
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Outflow Performance
Enter the parameters for the tubing performance and the

well constraints
Creating a new well definition:

If you want to create more new definition click the
command button in the Well Data
dialog box or press the Add icon button. Enter a well identifier of your choice in the Name
field, select the well type and supply the rest of the data for the well.
If you wish to create a copy of an existing well definition, first select the well you wish to
copy. The click on the
button. Enter a well identifier of your choice in the Name field.
Selecting a well definition:
To select another well definition, select a well from the list display to the right of the Well
Data window. To pick a well definition, click to highlight the well name, or use the or
arrows to choose a well.
Deleting a well definition:
To delete a well from the list, first call up the desired well and display its definition on the
screen. Click the
command button. MBAL will ask you to confirm the deletion.
8.6.5.1 Well Type Setup

Figure 8.71:
Well Setup
Input Fields
Well Type
Defines the flow type of the well.
Tanks (multi-tank only)
Defines which tanks the well is connected to (for multi-tank only). High-lighted tanks
in the list indicate that these are connected to the well.
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8.6.5.2 Well Inflow Performance

This tab is used to enter the IPR data, relative permeabilities and the layer constraints.
Figure 8.72:
Inflow
Performance
Input Fields
Layers
For multi-layer wells, this list box is used to select which IPR is being edited in this
data sheet.
Layer Disabled
Set this button to on if you wish to temporarily disable the layer (i.e. the tank
connected to the current well) for the purposes of the calculation. This allows a layer
to be removed from the calculation without deleting it permanently.
Gas Coning
This button is only visible if the gas coning option has been set in the tank
connected to the selected layer. Set this button to on if you wish to use gas coning
for this layer. If gas coning is used, the production prediction will calculate the GOR
for a layer using a gas coning model rather than using the relative permeability.
Water cut will still be calculated from the relative permeability curves. The gas
coning model can be matched for each layer by clicking on the Match Cone button.
The gas coning model is taken from reference 32, see Appendix B. The original
method has been significantly altered to allow rate prediction.
Water Coning
This button is only visible if the water coning option has been set in the tank
connected to the selected layer. Set this button to on if you wish to use water coning
for this layer. If water coning is used, the production prediction will calculate the Wc
for a layer using a gas coning model rather than using the relative permeability.
GOR will still be calculated from the relative permeability curves. The water coning
model can be matched for each layer by clicking on the Match Cone button which
displays the Water Coning Matching Dialog. The water coning model is based on
"Bournazel-Jeanson, Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, 1971". The time to
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breakthrough is proportional to the rate. For low rates the breakthrough may never
occur. After breakthrough the Wc develops roughly proportionally to the log of the
Np, to a maximum water cut.
Inflow Performance
Defines the well IPR type. The data to be entered for the IPR type selected will be
displayed in the panel below the selection box (e.g. Productivity Index). For more
information on the different models and the associated data see Inflow Performance
(IPR) Models below.
Permeability Correction
This factor can be used to correct the inflow performance for changing permeability
in the tank as the pressure decreases. The formula used is:-
k = k i (1.0 + C f (P Pi ))
Where N is the entered value. The permeability decrease is proportional to the ratio
of the current pore volume to the initial pore volume raised to a power.
To apply the model, we calculate the correction term to the initial permeability for the
current reservoir pressure then:
For Straight line and Vogel model we multiply the productivity index by
the permeability correction.
For Forchheimer and Forchheimer Pseudo model we divide the Darcy

term by the permeability correction.
For C&N model we multiply the C term by the permeability correction.
Frac Flow Rel Perms

Used to select which set of relative permeabilities should be used for fractional flow
calculations for this layer. If Use Tank is selected then the relative permeabilities are
taken from the tank for the layer. There are also two other sets of relative
permeabilities stored in the layer. You may choose to use one of these sets for
fractional flow calculations instead of the tank relative permeabilities. If Use Rel
Perm 1 or Use Rel Perm 2 is selected then the user may click the Edit button to
view/edit the selected set of relative permeabilities.
Maximum Drawdown
Enter a value in this field if you wish to enforce a maximum delta P of the formation.
If the delta P of the formation rises above this value, the program will calculate the
dP choke necessary to give the delta P of the formation equal to the entered
maximum value (and thus reduce the layer rate). Leave blank if you do not wish to
apply a maximum drawdown.
IPR dP Shift
This field is used to shift the IPR pressure. The program will add the shift to the
reservoir pressure before calculating the IPR.
For variable PVT, a Calculate button is shown next to this field. If you click this
button it will calculate the shift required to shift the tank pressure datum to the BHP
datum depth which is entered in the Outflow Performance tab.
Top Perf (TVD) (variable PVT and coning only)
Bottom Perf (TVD) (variable PVT and coning only)
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These fields are used to specify the depth of the top and bottom of the perforations
for this layer. The values are only needed for Variable PVT (where it affects the PVT
of the fluid produced from the layer) and the water and gas coning models (where
the well position relative to the fluid contacts affects the magnitude of the coning).
Start Production
History Oil Production
History Water Production
These fields are used for water coning only. They are used to define the history
production for this layer, up to the start of the prediction calculation.
Production Schedule
This is only available if you are using the Production Allocation tool. Click on the edit
button to enter a production schedule. You do not need to enter a production
schedule. If no schedule is entered then the layer will produce/inject at all times
8.6.5.3
More Well Inflow Performance
This tab is used to enter the more of the IPR data including the layer breakthrough and
abandonment data.
Figure 8.73:
More Inflow Performance
Input Fields
Layers
For multi-layer wells, this list box is used to select which IPR is being edited in this
data sheet.
Layer Disabled
Set this button to on if you wish to temporarily disable the layer (i.e. the tank
connected to the current well) for the purposes of the calculation. This allows a layer
to be removed from the calculation without deleting it permanently.
Abandonment Constraints
The layer will automatically be shut-in if one of these values is exceeded. Leave blank if
not applicable. Abandonment constraints can be specified in different ways e.g. water cut,
water-oil contact, WOR. Select the appropriate expression from the combo-box. When the
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Allow Recovery after Abandonment flag is checked, the layer will resume production if the
abandonment constraint is no longer satisfied. These constraints will be checked
independently and in addition to any well abandonment constraints.
Breakthrough Constraints
The breakthrough constraints are used to prevent the production of a particular phase until
it reaches a particular saturation in the reservoir. This is a control over and above the
relative permeabilities that already control the breakthrough saturation by use of residual
saturations. Breakthrough constraints can be specified in different ways e.g. water cut,
water-oil contact, WOR. Select the appropriate expression from the combo-box. Leave
blank if not applicable.
When a saturation is below the breakthrough constraint, the layer will not produce the fluid
in question it will use a relative permeability of zero regardless of the saturation being
higher than the residual saturation in the relative permeability curves. When the saturation
rises above the breakthrough constraint it will start to flow. The relative permeability will
now be found by looking up the relative permeability curve as normal. This has the
disadvantage that the relative permeability will suddenly jump from zero to the relative
permeability at the breakthrough saturation - not always the physical reality.
Therefore MBAL provides a correction to the above method which causes the relative
permeabilities to rise more gradually after breakthrough the Shift Relative Permeability to
Breakthrough flag. In this case, the relative permeability is still zero when the saturation is
below the breakthrough value. But after the breakthrough saturation it modifies the relative
permeability curves.
In effect it linearly compresses the relative permeability curves. It compresses the section
of the input relative permeability curves from:
The residual saturation to the end point saturation
Into
The breakthrough saturation to the end point saturation.
This is done by a simple linear translation. It maintains the character of the relative
permeability curve without the sudden large increase at breakthrough.
Gas Injection Recycling Saturations
This option is only available if Generalised Material balance has been selected in the
options dialog. The main benefit is that production of injected gas can now be controlled by
use of recirculation breakthroughs. Previously, gas production always contained a mixture
of original gas and injected gas based on a volumetric average. Thus as soon as gas
injection started, the produced CGR would start to drop. If no breakthroughs are entered,
this will still be the case. However we are now able to enter a recirculation breakthrough.
Whilst the gas injection saturation is below this breakthrough, none of the injection gas will
be re-circulated. This will mean that injection gas will remain in the tank. The user may also
enter a gas injection saturation at which full recirculation takes place. At this saturation,
only injected gas is produced. Between the breakthrough and full recirculation saturation, a
linear interpolation of the two boundary conditions is used.
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Inflow Performance (IPR) Models
OIL
Straight Line IPR
The productivity index (or injectivity index for injectors) must always be entered. A straight
line inflow model is used above the bubble point. The Vogel empirical solution is used
below the bubble point. There are two further corrections which can be applied to the IPR
calculations (for oil producers only):Water Cut Correction
The Vogel part of the IPR model assumes a water cut of zero. However, in a prediction,
MBAL will correct the Vogel part of the IPR for the current water cut. As the water cut
increases, the Vogel curve is straightened out and hence the AOF increases. The
correction will not have any effect on the straight-line part of the IPR.
The plot of the IPR is normally plotted with a zero water cut. However if you wish to check
the shape of the IPR with a particular water cut, enter the value in the Test Water Cut
field. The IPR plot will now be displayed with the correction for that water cut.
Mobility Correction
A second assumption on the Straight-line + Vogel IPR model is that the mobility does not
affect the IPR. However if you click the P.I. Correction for Mobility option on, MBAL will
attempt to make corrections for change of fluid mobility using the relative permeability
curves. If this option is used you must also enter the Test Reservoir Pressure and Test
Water Cut.
The process is as follows: Use the test water cut and the PVT model to calculate the downhole fractional flow
Fw.
Calculate the water and oil saturations that give the Fw. Note we set Sg=0 as the
IPR is already corrected for gas with the Vogel correction.
Calculate the relative oil and water permeabilities using the relative permeability
curves and the oil and water saturations.
Calculate a test mobility from:Mt = Kro/(oBo) + Krw/(wBw)
The water and oil viscosities are calculated from the test reservoir pressures and the
PVT. We should actually use the absolute oil and water relative permeabilities but
since the only use of the total mobility is when divided by mobility, the final results
will be correct.
Whenever an IPR calculation is done: Calculate the PVT properties using the current reservoir pressure and the PVT
model.
Calculate the downhole fractional flow from the current water cut.
Calculate the water and oil saturations that give the Fw. Note we set Sg=0 as the
IPR is already corrected for gas with the Vogel correction.
Get the relative permeabilities for oil and water from the relative permeability curves.
Calculate the current mobility M as shown above.
Modify the PI using:PI = PIi * M/Mt
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In the above method we do not take into account the reduction in oil mobility due to any
increase in the gas saturation. When calculating the Sw and So for a particular Fw we set
Sg=0.0.
If you wish to take the effect of increasing gas saturation into account then select the
Correct Vogel for GOR option. You will also be required to enter a Test GOR - this is a
produced GOR. The process will now be as follows:
Use the test water cut, test GOR and the PVT model to calculate the
downhole fractional flows Fw and Fg.
Calculate the gas, water and oil saturations that satisfy the Fw, Fg and
So+Sw+Sg=1.0.
Calculate the relative oil and water permeabilities using the relative
permeability curves and the oil, gas and water saturations.
Calculate a test mobility from:Mt = Kro/(oBo) + Krw/(wBw)
The water and oil viscosities are calculated from the test reservoir pressures
and the PVT. We should actually use the absolute oil and water relative
permeabilities but since the only use of the total mobility is when divided by
mobility, the final results will be correct.
Whenever an IPR calculation is done: Calculate the PVT properties using the current reservoir pressure and the
PVT model.
Calculate the downhole fractional flows Fw and Fg from the current water
cut and produced GOR.
So+Sw+Sg=1.0.
Get the relative permeabilities for oil and water from the relative
permeability curves and the oil, gas and water saturations.
Modify the PI using:PI = PIi * M/Mt
Gas
Forchheimer
The Forchheimer equation expresses the inflow performance in terms of turbulent
and non turbulent pressure drop coefficients expressed as:
( Pr2 Pwf2 ) = aQ 2 + bQ
In the inflow tab, a (the turbulent pressure drop) is the Non Darcy input field.
Similarly b (the laminar pressure drop) is the Darcy input field.
C and n
This is the most common form of the back pressure equation:
Q = C ( Pr2 Pw2 ) n
C and n can be determined from a plot of Q versus (Pr2 - Pw2) on log-log paper. n
is the inverse of the slope and varies between 1 for laminar flow and 0.5 for
completely turbulent flow. This option requires direct entry of C and n in the inflow
tab.
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Forchheimer [Pseudo]
This is a variation of the Forchheimer equation using pseudo pressures.
m( Pr ) m( Pwf ) = aQ 2 + bQ
In the inflow tab, a (the turbulent pressure drop) is the Non Darcy input field.
Similarly b (the laminar pressure drop) is the Darcy input field.
Mobility Correction
An assumption in the gas IPR models is that the mobility does not affect the IPR.
However if you click the P.I. Correction for Mobility option on, MBAL will attempt
to make corrections for change of fluid mobility using the relative permeability
curves. If this option is used you must also enter the Test Reservoir Pressure,
WGR and CGR.
The process is as follows: Use the test WGR, CGR and the PVT model to calculate the downhole
fractional flows Fw and Fo.
Calculate the gas, water and oil saturations that satisfy the Fw, Fo and
So+Sw+Sg=1.0.
Calculate the relative gas permeability using the relative permeability curves
and the oil, gas and water saturations.
Calculate a test mobility from:For Forchheimer : Mt = Krg/(g.Z)
For Pseudo-Forchheimer : Mt = Krg
For C&N : Mt = Krg/(g.Bg)
The gas viscosity, FVF and Z factor are calculated from the test reservoir pressures
and the PVT. We should actually use the absolute gas relative permeability but
since the only use of the total mobility is when divided by mobility, the final results
will be correct.
Whenever an IPR calculation is done: Calculate the PVT properties using the current reservoir pressure and the
PVT model.
Calculate the downhole fractional flows Fw and Fo from the current
produced WGR and GOR.
So+Sw+Sg=1.0.
Get the relative permeability for gas from the relative permeability curves
and the oil, gas and water saturations.
Modify the IPR inputs using: For Forchheimer and pseudo-Forchheimer
a = a / (M/Mt)
b = b / (M/Mt)
For C&N
C = C * (M/Mt)
Note:For gas tanks, the oil saturation is always zero. So we do not need to enter a test
CGR and the Fo is always zero.
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Mobility Corr Rel Perms

Some of the above corrections use a set of relative permeability curves. By default the
relative permeability curves used will be associated tank curves. However there are two
other rel perms associated with the layer which you may wish to use for the mobility
corrections. In this case select Rel Perm 1 or Rel Perm 2 for the Mobility Corr Rel Perms
and click the Edit button to enter/edit the relative permeability curves.
Crossflow Injectivity Index
This field is only accessible if you are using the multi-tank option and only for producer
wells.
Normally if a layer of a production well starts to act as an injector (due to crossflow), the
IPR function is simply extrapolated for negative rates. This can cause stability problems as
the IPR can be very flat as the rate goes negative (particularly for gas wells).
This field can be used to define a different IPR for negative rates. This can then be used to
reduce the injectivity of a layer and thus give better stability to cross-flow.
For oil and water wells, the crossflow injectivity index is the same as the productivity index.
For Forchheimer gas wells, the crossflow injectivity index is the same as the Darcy field.
The Non Darcy value is set to zero for negative rates.
For C&n gas wells, the crossflow injectivity index is the same as the C value. The n value
is set to 1.0 for negative rates.
If you do not wish to use a crossflow injectivity index (and simply wish to extrapolate the
normal IPR) then enter an * in this field.
8.6.5.5 Multirate Inflow Performance

If one or several well test data are available, the IPR parameters can be regressed upon to
fit the observed rate and pressures. To access the Multirate IPR screen click Match IPR in
the Inflow Performance screen above. A screen similar to the following will appear:
Figure 8.74:
Multirate Inflow
Performance
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entering data in this table (a time consuming exercise), please note

Before
that well test data can be imported from different sources including *.MIP
files from Petroleum Experts PROSPER Single Well Systems Analysis
program.
8.6.5.6
Gas and Water Coning Matching
This dialog is used to match the gas and water coning model. There are two tabs, one for
gas and one for water. If either of the tabs is disabled, then the coning for that fluid is not
enabled.
8.6.5.6.1 Gas Coning Matching

This model is not a predictive model so it should not be used unless matched to test data.
Up to three test data points can be matched. The test points should be from a multi-rate
test i.e. at the same tank conditions. You may also directly edit the match parameters. See
reference 32 or Appendix B for an interpretation of the match parameters.
Figure 8.75:
Gas Coning Match
Input Fields
Total Liquid Rate
Enter the water plus oil rate for each test point.
Produced GOR
Enter the produced GOR for each test point.
Gas-oil contact
The position of the gas oil contact at the time of the multirate test.
Test Reservoir Pressure
The tank pressure at the time of the multirate test.
Water cut
The water cut at the time of the multirate test.
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F2
First matching parameter.
F3
Second matching parameter.
Exponent
Third matching parameter.
Enter the input fields in the Test Points section of the dialog and then click Calc to
calculate the match parameters that best fit the test data.
If only one test point is entered, only the F3 tuning parameter is matched. If two or three
test points are entered, only the F3 and Exponent tuning parameters are matched. If
desired, the unmatched tuning parameters can be edited directly by the user.
It is also possible to calculate the produced GOR for a single liquid rate in the Single Test
Point Calculation Panel. Enter the rate in the Rate field and then click the Calculate
button. The produced GOR for that entered rate will be displayed in the Calc. GOR field.
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8.6.5.6.2 Water Coning Matching

This dialog is used to match the water coning model to any number of test data points. The
model is not a predictive model so should only be used if tuned to test data. The test points
should be from historical data i.e. from different times. The method is based on the paper
by "Bournazel-Jeanson, Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, 1971" although many
modifications have been made to handle non-constant rates.
Figure 8.76:
Water Coning Match
The time to breakthrough is proportional to the rate. For low rates the breakthrough may
never occur. After breakthrough the WC develops roughly proportionally to the log of the
Np, to a maximum water cut.
The matching parameters are:
Breakthrough - Linear multiplier of the time to water breakthrough.
Water Cut Increase - After breakthrough the water cut develops proportionally to
the log of the Np. This factor is a linear multiplier of the water cut development.
Maximum Water Cut Factor - The maximum water cut is defined by the
maximum Fw = water mobility / ( water mobility + oil mobility ). This factor is a
linear multiplier of the maximum water cut.
Enter the test points in the dialog and the time of start of production.
Automatic Matching
Click Match to regress on the match parameters that best fit the test data.
After matching the data, MBAL will automatically calculate the predicted Wc for each data
point and display the value in the Calculated Water Cut column in the table. This will allow
you to assess the quality of the match.
Manual matching
You may also directly edit the match parameters. Then click on the Calc button. This will
calculate the predicted Wc for each data point (using the entered match parameters) and
display the value in the Calculated Water Cut column in the table.
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8.6.5.7
Well Outflow Performance
This tab is used to enter the outflow performance and the well constraints.
Figure 8.77:
Outflow Performance
Input Fields
Outflow Performance
Defines the well FBHP (flowing bottom hole) Constraints. Select the appropriate
option from the list of constraints currently supported. Click Edit to get access to the
FBHP constraints dialogue box. (See the section on Tubing performance curves
for more information.)
option of Constant FBHP should ONLY be used with extreme
The
caution as it is a non-realistic representation of how the well will flow.
Extrapolate VLPs
This option can be used to extrapolate VLPs beyond the entered range. If this option
is not selected, then the VLP will remain at its maximum/minimum value outside of
its entered range.
It is always recommended that VLPs are generated to cover the whole

range of rates (WHPs, GOR, GLR...) used by the program during the
calculations.
Minimum FBHP
The well is automatically shut-in if the FBHP falls below this value. The well can be
re-started if the FBHP later exceeds this value, due to the start of water injection for
example. Leave blank if not applicable.
Maximum FBHP
The flow rate for injectors will be reduced to satisfy this constraint. Leave blank if
not applicable.
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This value is ignored for producing wells as there is no way to increase

the rate. It is only respected for injectors where the well can be choked
back to decrease the FBHP.
Minimum Rate
The well is automatically shut-in if the calculated instantaneous rate falls below this
value. The well may be re-started after a change in reservoir pressure due to, for
example the start of water injection. Leave blank if not applicable.
Maximum Rate
If the calculated flow rate exceeds this value, the instantaneous rate will be reduced
to satisfy this constant. Leave blank if not applicable.
Minimum FWHP
The well is automatically shut-in if the FWHP falls below this value. The well can be
re-started if the FWHP later exceeds this value. Leave blank if not applicable.
Maximum FWHP
The flow rate will be reduced to satisfy this constraint. Leave blank if not applicable.
Operating Frequency (ESP Producer Wells Only)
If this well is an ESP well, you must enter the operating frequency of the pump in
this field.
PCP Pump Speed (PCP Producer Wells Only)
If this well is a PCP well, you must enter the PCP pump speed in this field.
% Power Fluid (HSP Producer Wells Only)
If this well is a HSP well, you must enter the % power fluid in this field.
Operating GLR Inj (Gas Lifted Wells Only)
If this well is a gas lifted well, you must enter the operating GLR. One can enter this
value in two ways:Operating GLR Inj
Specify the gas lift GLR injected into the gas lifted well.
This value does not include any gas produced from the
reservoir.
Operating GLR Total Specify the total GLR for the well. This includes both the
gas lift gas injected into the well plus any GLR from the
reservoir.
Abandonment Constraints
The well will automatically be shut-in if one of these values is exceeded. Leave
blank if not applicable. Abandonment constraints can be specified different ways
e.g. water cut, water-oil contact, WOR. Click the
button to select the appropriate
expression. When the Allow Recovery after Abandonment flag is checked, the well
will resume production if the abandonment constraint is no longer satisfied. For a
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well with more than one layer these constraints will be checked independently and
in addition to any layer abandonment constraints.
8.6.5.8
Tubing Performance
This section describes how to model the performance of the well.
8.6.5.8.1
Constant Bottom Hole pressure
Using this option, the program will maintain the bottom hole flowing pressure constant
throughout the prediction. This option can be used for a quick estimation of injectors
potential. It should not be used for other than sucker rod pumped producers.
option of Constant FBHP should ONLY be used with extreme caution. It is
The
likely to give erroneous results for any constraints applied to the system.
8.6.5.8.2
Tubing Performance Curves
The Tubing Performance Curve (TPC or VLP) dialog box will appear different depending
on the well type selected (i.e. Natural Flowing, Gas lifted, Injector, etc.). The example
below describes the most complicated of all TPC dialog boxes: Gas Lifted Producer.
Figure 8.78:
Tubing Performance curves
In this particular example of a Gas Lifted Well, the tubing performance curves table is a 5
dimensional array of FBHP versus WHP, GLR, WCT, GOR and Rates, making altogether
200,000 (10*10*10*10*20) possible FBHP entries. For each WHP, GLR, WCT, GOR and
Rates combination, there will be one bottom hole pressure.
Petroleum Experts
WHP 1
WHP 1
...
WHP 1
WHP 1
...
WHP 1
WHP 1
...
WHP 1
...
WHP 10
GLR 1
GLR 2
...
GLR 1
GLR 2
...
GLR 2
GLR 2
...
GLR 2
...
GLR 10
WCT 1
WCT 2
...
WCT 1
WCT 1
...
WCT 1
WCT 2
...
WCT 2
...
WCT 10
GOR 1
GOR 2
...
GOR 1
GOR 1
...
GOR 1
GOR 1
...
GOR 1
...
GOR 10
RATE 1
RATE 2
...
RATE 20
RATE 1
...
RATE 20
RATE 1
...
RATE 20
...
RATE 20
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FBHP 1
FBHP 2
...
FBHP 20
FBHP 21
...
FBHP 40
FBHP 41
...
FBHP 60
...
FBHP
200000
Altogether a total of 50000*5 values that have to be entered and stored. To minimise data
entry, reduce the amount of memory space required and speed up the calculations, the
tubing performance curves have been split into 6 tables, displayed as follows:
10,00
0
Lists
WHP
200
GLR
200
WCT
0
GOR
200
300
300
10
400
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
1000
1500
1000
1300
75
95
900
1400
Rate
FBHP
100
0
200
0
400
0
500
0
...
...
100
00
1234
2345
2897
3190
...
...
4589
These 6 tables comprise:

4 tables containing up to 10 values for WHP, GLR, WCT and GOR,
1 table containing up to 20 rates,
1 2D table containing 10000 (10*10*10*10) lists of 20 FBHPs.
This means that the GLR, WCT, GOR, and the Rates only need to be entered once. The
FBHPs displayed on the screen are for a given WC, GLR and WHP combination. To
display the VLPs for another combination of WCs, GLRs and WHPs, depress the table
button above the WCT, GLR and WHP values desired.
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Enter data in a VLP table:

1. First enter up to 10 WHP values in the first (horizontal) table.
2. Next enter up to 10 GLR values in the second (horizontal) table.
3. Next enter up to 10 WCT percentages in the third (horizontal) table.
4. Follow with the GORs (up to 10) in the fourth lower (horizontal) table
5. Then, enter up to 20 rates in the vertical table for this combination, using the
scroll bar if necessary.
6. Fill in the FBHP table for the given rate and GOR, again using the scroll bar if
necessary.
7. Select another combination of GLR, WCT and WHP by depressing the buttons
above the desired values. A new table of FBHP is displayed.
8. Repeat step 6, until all GLR, WCT and WHP combinations are exhausted.
8.6.5.8.2.1 Importing Tubing Performance Curve data:

To import TPC data from another source, click the Import command. An import dialog box
is displayed prompting you to select an import file to be read. Several file formats may are
available.
Figure 8.79:
VLP Import
File Type
This field holds a list of import file types. MBAL currently recognises Petroleum Experts
.MBV and .TPD and GeoQuest ECLIPSE format lift curves. For information on opening a
file, please refer to Chapter 3, Using the MBAL application.
When you have selected the appropriate file, press OK. This will open the file and
reformat the data according to the type of file selected. The procedure displays an import
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information screen that gives brief details about the file being translated. You will be
informed when the translation is finished.
Cullender Smith correlation
This correlation estimates the pressure drop in the tubing/annulus for a dry gas well. [Ref.
Cullender, M.H. and Smith, R.V.: Practical Solution of Gas-Flow Equations for Well and
Pipelines with Large Temperature Gradients, Trans., AIME (1956)207.]
The correlation can be adjusted by entering well test data in the corresponding table and
clicking the Match button. Two adjustment parameters are then displayed. These indicate
the changes that have been applied to the gravity and friction terms respectively.
GH
* C0 =
53.34
Pw
Ps
p
T * z
p
1000 * ( L / H ) * ( Fz * Q) * C1 +
T * z
*dp
where:
G
L
H
Q
z
T
d
Fr
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
gas gravity relative to air

length of pipe or tubing, ft
vertical elevation difference, ft
flow rate in MMscf/D
Gas deviation factor
temperature, R
inside diameter of the tubing, in.
friction factor.
C0,C1 are the matching parameters initially set to 1.

Figure 8.80:
Well Definition Cullender Smith
correlations
Input Fields
Type of Flow
Select Tubing or Annular flow.
Tubing length
The measured length of the tubing.
Tubing depth
The true vertical depth of the end of tubing.
calculated from the length of the tubing.
An average deviation is
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100 110
Tubing Head Temperature

An estimate of the well head flowing temperature.
Roughness
Average roughness of the tubing.
Tubing ID (tubing flow only)
Inner diameter of the tubing.
Tubing OD (annular flow only)
Outer diameter of the tubing.
Casing ID (annular flow only)
Inner diameter of the casing.
correlation should only be used with dry gas wells. This option is
This
significantly slower than the Tubing Performance Curves. If possible VLPs
should be used rather than this correlation.
8.6.5.8.3
Witley correlation
This correlation estimates the pressure drop in the tubing/annulus for a dry gas well. The
correlation can be adjusted by entering well test data in the corresponding table and
clicking the Match button. Three adjustment parameters are then displayed.
Qg 2 = ( Ps 2 CI * Pw 2 ) /( E * (CI 1))
E = eX
X = 0.006644 * ( Z 2 * T 2 / D 5.23 ) * ( XTUB / DEPTH ) * DD * C1 + (C 2 1) *1e 7
CI = 0.06844 * S * DEPTH /( Z * T ) * C 3
where:
Qg
= total stream rate
Ps
= Bottom hole flowing pressure
Pw
= Well head flowing pressure
Z
= Gas deviation factor @ T and PW
T
= Reservoir temperature
XTUB = tubing length
DEPTH = tubing vertical depth
For tubing flow
D
= Tubing inner diameter
DD
= 1
For annular flow
D1
= Casing inner diameter
D2
= Casing outer diameter
D
=
D1+D2
DD
= [(D1+D2)/(D1-D2)]3
C1,C2,C3 are the matching parameters initially set to 1.
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Figure 8.81:
Well Definition - Witley
correlation
Input Fields
Type of Flow
Select Tubing or Annular flow.
Tubing length
The measured length of the tubing.
Tubing depth
The true vertical depth of the end of tubing. An average deviation is
calculated from the length of the tubing.
Tubing ID (tubing flow only)
Inner diameter of the tubing.
Tubing OD (annular flow only)
Outer diameter of the tubing.
Casing ID (annular flow only)
Inner diameter of the casing.
correlation should only be used with dry gas wells. This option is
This
significantly slower than the Tubing Performance Curves. If possible VLPs
should be used rather than this correlation.
8.6.6
Testing the Well Performance
This dialog box lets the user test the solution points of the IPRs and VLPs. This local
calculation does not affect the rest of the prediction. It is only provided to check the validity
of the IPR / VLP combinations or to troubleshoot certain situations.
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Figure 8.82:
Well
Performance
Test
Input Fields
Enter the test conditions (reservoir pressure, manifold pressure, GOR, Water Cut, etc.) and
click the Calc button. The program displays the solution points for each set of test
conditions entered.
To suppress an entry, simply blank out all the fields in the corresponding row. To add or
insert a new record, just enter the record at the end of the list you have already created.
The program automatically sorts the entries.
8.6.7
The Well Schedule
This dialog box describes the well schedule. It uses the well definitions previously entered
to define the drilling program of future wells.
Figure 8.83:
Well Schedule
Input Fields
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Start Time
Indicates when this well or wells will be started.
End Time
Indicates when this well or wells will be shut-in. Leave blank if not to be shutin.
Number of Wells
Indicates the number of wells involved.
Well Type
Indicates the well type definition involved (one of the well definitions created
in the Well Type Definition dialogue box).
Down-time Factor
This is a constant defining the relationship between the well average and
instantaneous rates. The average rate is used to calculate the cumulative
production of the well. The instantaneous rate is used to calculate well head and
bottom hole flowing pressures. If 10% is entered then Qavg = Qins * (1 - 0.1). This
constant can be used to take into account recurrent production shut-down for
maintenance or bad weather.
To remove an entry permanently, simply blank out all the fields in the corresponding row.
To add or insert a new record, just enter the record at the end of the list you have already
created. The program automatically sorts the entries in ascending time/data order.
Records can be switched off or on temporarily by clicking the buttons to the left of the first
column entry fields. When a record is switched off, it is not taken into account in the
prediction calculations. This facility enables you to run different simulations without
physically deleting the information.
8.6.8
The Reporting Schedule
The reporting schedule defined the type of prediction to be performed, the start and end of
prediction and the reporting frequency.
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Figure 8.84:
Reporting Schedule
Input Fields
Reporting Frequency
This parameter defines when the prediction result is displayed.
Automatic:
The programme displays a calculation every 90 days.
User List:
A list of dates can be set in the table provided. Any number of dates can be
entered and in any order.
User Defined:
The user can defined any date increment in days, weeks, months or years in
the adjacent fields.
Keep History
This button is only displayed for a prediction setup where the first part is actually
running in history simulation mode before changing to prediction mode. If you select
this option then the calculations during the history simulation will be displayed in the
results.
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8.6.9
105-110
Running a Prediction
You will not be able to run a prediction until all the necessary data has been input. To run
a prediction, choose Production PredictionRun Prediction. The following dialog box is
displayed:
Figure 8.85:
Production Prediction Calculation
On entering this dialog, the results of the last prediction will be displayed. The scroll bars
to the bottom and right of the dialog box allow you to browse through the calculations.
This dialog can also be used to display other results. Each set of results is stored in a
stream. There are always three streams present by default:- Production history
- The last history simulation
- The last production prediction
Copies of the current production prediction calculations can be made using the Save
button. This will create a new stream.
To change the stream displayed, change the selection in the stream combo-box at the top
left of the dialog.
For single tank cases, each stream corresponds to the one and only tank.
For multi-tank systems, the list of streams is more complex. Within each stream there are
additional items called sheets. Each sheet corresponds to a tank or transmissibility. You
may also select a sheet to display in the streams combo-box. The results displayed if you
select the stream (rather than one of its sheets) are the consolidated results i.e. the
cumulative results from all the tanks.
Rates are reported in three ways in the prediction:-
Cumulative rates: This is the total rate produced up to the time at which the rate
is reported.
Average rate: This is the average rate over the time period from the last reported
time and the time at which the average rate is reported. E.g. if reported time
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steps are every year then an average rate reported at 01/01/1985 is the average
rate over the time period from 01/01/1984 to 01/01/1985.
Rate: This is an instantaneous rate at the time reported.
Note that if a well has a non-zero downtime defined in the well schedule then cumulative
and average rates will include the downtime factor but instantaneous rates will not have the
factor included.
If you are using generalised material balance, separate sets of rates are reported for the oil
leg manifold and the gas cap manifold. In addition there are a separate set of rates
calculated from the sum of the oil leg producers and the gas cap producers.
8.6.9.1
Saving Prediction Results
At the conclusion of a prediction run, you may click Save to save the current run in memory
for comparison with other calculations. The following screen will be presented:
Figure 8.86:
Production Prediction Save Calculation Stream
Data Stream
Displays a list of the saved data streams. By default you will normally get the three data
streams:History (production history entered in the tank data)
Simulation (production history simulation)
Prediction (production prediction)
It also displays any data streams that have been saved (see Add below)
Note that you can change the name of any of the streams (apart from the default streams)
simply by clicking on the name and editing the name.
Description
The program automatically provides a default description name. Enter a new meaningful
description for this prediction/simulation run.
Nb Points
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Displays the number of calculated points for the prediction/simulation to be saved.

Command Buttons
Add
Creates a new stream which is a copy of the current prediction stream. The
stream is given a default name which you may change.
Replace This can be used to replace an existing stream. Select an existing stream
(not one of default ones) and click Replace. The selected stream will be
replaced by a copy of the current prediction stream. The stream is given a
default name which you may change.
Remove Deletes the selected stream set from the list. You will be prompted to
confirm the deletion.
Click Done to implement the stream changes. Click Cancel to exit the screen and
ignore the changes.
8.6.9.2
Plotting a Production Prediction
To access the prediction plotting facility, click Plot.

appears:
A screen similar to the following
Figure 8.87:
Plot screen
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To change the variables plotted on the axes, click the Variable plot menu option. The
following dialog box appears:
Figure 8.88:
Plot Variable
Selection
This dialog box allows you to choose the X and Y variables to plot. Two variables can be
selected from the left list column (Y) and one from the right list column (X).
To select a variable item, simply click the variable name, or use the and directional
arrow, and use the space bar to select or de-select a variable item. The program will not
allow more than two variables to be selected from the Y axis at one time.
This option allows the user to select the data streams/sheets to be displayed, allowing the
comparison of the simulation and the prediction on the same plot. To select a data stream
or sheet, click on the name of the stream/sheet. The stream/sheet can be unselected by
clicking again on the same name.
8.6.10
Displaying the Tank Results
To display the tank results, choose Production Prediction/Tank Results.

This dialog is exactly the same as the Run Prediction dialogs described above except that
the Calc and Save buttons are not available.
8.6.11
Displaying the Well Results
To display the results of each well on the last prediction run, choose Production
PredictionWell Results. The following dialog box is displayed:
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109-110
Figure 8.89:
Production Prediction Well Results
Select the well to be displayed from the Stream combo-box.

If a well has more than one layer (i.e. connection to multiple tanks), then the results for
each layer will be shown as separate streams.
The Analysis button can be used to view the well performance for the selected row in the
well results. It will extract all the relevant data from the well results required for the Well
Performance Test and display a dialog to allow calculation and plotting of the IPR/VLP and
the operating point. This is the same dialog as can be viewed from the well definition dialog
see section 8.5.6 above. If compositional tracking is also selected, this button can also
be used to view the details of the composition of the well for the selected row.
In the Status column, the program shows any special conditions for that well. These may
be:
Abd CGR : Abandonment on CGR constraint,
Abd Gas
: Abandonment on Gas saturation constraint,
Abd GOR : Abandonment on GOR constraint,
Abd Wat
: Abandonment on Water saturation constraint,
Abd WCT : Abandonment on WCT constraint,
Abd WGR : Abandonment on WGR constraint,
Abd WOR : Abandonment on WOR constraint,
End Date : Automatic Well shut-down according to well schedule,
Gas Brk
: Gas breakthrough.
Gas Levl
: Abandonment on Gas Contact depth,
Man Gmax : Rate reduced because of Gas Rate constraint,
Man Pmax : Rate reduced because of Manifold Maximum pressure,
Man Pmin : Abandonment because of Manifold Minimum pressure,
Man Qmax : Rate reduced because of Manifold Maximum rate,
Man Qmin : Abandonment because of Manifold Minimum rate,
Max DwDn : Rate reduced because of Maximum Drawdown on the formation,
Max FBHP : Rate reduced because of Maximum Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure,
Max Rate : Rate reduced because of Maximum Well Rate,
Man Wmax : Rate reduced because of Water Rate constraint,
Min FBHP : Abandonment on Minimum Flowing Bottom Hole Pressure,
Min Rate
: Abandonment on Minimum Well Rate,
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Neg TPC : The IPR intersects the TPC on the negative slope of the TPC,
No OptGl : Optimum GLR could not be provided a Gas Lifted Well because of
a constraint on the maximum gas lift gas available,
No Solut
: No IPR / TPC intersection,
Out TPC
: Program working outside of the TPCs generated range,
Wat Brk
: Water breakthrough.
Wat Levl
: Abandonment on Water Contact depth.
Petroleum Experts
9 Monte-Carlo Technique
9.1 Program Functions
The Monte-Carlo technique is used to evaluate the hydrocarbons in place. Each of the
parameters involved in the calculation of reserves, basically the PVT properties and the
pore volume, are represented by statistical distributions.
Depending on the number of cases (NC) chosen by the user, the program generates a
series of NC values of equal probability for each of the parameters used in the
hydrocarbons in place calculation. The NC values of each parameter are then crossmultiplied creating a distribution of values for the hydrocarbons in place. The results
are presented in the form of a histogram.
We link the probability of Swc and porosity to reflect physical reality. If the porosity is
near the bottom of the probability range, the Swc will be weighted to be more likely to
be near the bottom of the range. Similarly if the porosity is near the top of the range, the
Swc will be weighted to be near the top of the range. The same method is used to link
the GOR and oil gravity.
9.2 Technical Background

The program supports five types of statistical distributions:
In the definitions below
represents the distribution relative frequency and P the
distribution cumulative probability.
Fixed Value :
Value = Constant
Uniform Distribution :
This distribution is defined by a minimum (Min) and maximum (Max) value
with an equal probability for all values between these 2 extremes.
Value = Min + (Min - Max) *Probability
Figure 9.1:
Monte-Carlo Technique
Uniform Distribution
2-6 Chapter 9 - Monte-Carlo Technique
Triangular Distribution:
This distribution is defined by a minimum, maximum and mode value with:
At value Mode:
P mod e = (Mode Min) (Max Min)
If P < Pmode:
If P > Pmode:
Value = Min + ( Mode Min) *
P mod e
1 P
Value = Max ( Max Mode) *
1 P mod e
Figure 9.2:
Triangular Distribution
Normal Distribution:
This distribution is defined by an average (Avg) and a standard deviation (Std)
with:
Value = Avg + Std *
Ln(1 p 2 )
Figure 9.3:
Normal Distribution
Log Normal Distribution:

This distribution is defined by an average (Avg) and a standard deviation (Std)
with:
Value
Std
*
= exp(log( Avg ) ) + log1 +
Avg
Ln(1 p 2 )
Figure 9.4:
Log Normal Distribution
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 9 - Monte-Carlo Technique 3-6
9.3 Tool Options

On selecting Monte-Carlo as the analysis tool in the Tool menu, go to the Options
menu to define the primary fluid of the reservoir. This section describes the 'Tool
Options' section of the System Options dialogue box.
Refer to Chapter 6 of this guide for more information on the User Information and User
Comments sections.
Figure 9.5:
Monte-Carlo Tool Tool Options
button.
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
Oil
This option uses traditional black oil models. Four correlations are provided. The
parameters for these correlations can be changed to match real data using a
non-linear regression.
Gas (Dry and Wet Gas)
Wet gas is handled under the assumption that condensation occurs at the
separator. The liquid is put back into the gas as an equivalent gas quantity. The
pressure drop is therefore calculated on the basis of a single phase gas, unless
water is present.
Retrograde Condensate
MBAL uses the Retrograde Condensate Black Oil model. The regression allows
you to match your PVT data to real data. These models take into account liquid
dropout at different pressures and temperatures.
Working with the tool
Before you begin working with the Monte-Carlo analysis tool,
After making your entries in the Options menu, proceed to the Pvt menu to
enter the PVT properties of the fluid in place. Refer to Chapter 7 for
information on the PVT.
MBAL User Guide
Next choose Distributions to enter the reservoir parameters.
9.4 Distributions
Figure 9.6:
Distributions
Input Fields
Number of Cases
Defines the number of segments of equal probability the distribution will
be divided into.
Histogram Steps
Defines the number of steps that will be plotted on the histogram.
Temperature
Defines the reservoir temperature.
Pressure
Defines the reservoir initial pressure.
Method
The pore volume can be calculated using:
Bulk Volume * N/G ratio
Area * Net Thickness
Distribution Type
For each reservoir parameter listed (Area Gas Gravity), select the
appropriate distribution type from the list box available for each field entry,
and enter the values required.
When all the necessary parameters have been entered, click Calc to enter the
calculation screen. The following dialogue box is displayed:
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 9 - Monte-Carlo Technique 5-6
Figure 9.7:
Calculations
This calculation dialogue box displays the results of the previous calculation. Click the
Calc command to start a new calculation. The new distribution results are displayed
when the calculation finishes.
To view the results of the 10%, 50% and 90% probabilities, click the Result command.
The following dialogue box is displayed
Figure 9.8:
Results summary
To view the calculations graphically, click the Plot command.

A screen similar to the following appears:
MBAL User Guide
Figure 9.9:
Plot screen
For more information on the plot menu commands, refer to Chapter 5.
Petroleum Experts
10 Decline Curve Analysis

10.1 Programme Functions
This tool analyses the decline of production of a well or reservoir versus time. It uses
the hyperbolic decline curves described by Fetkovich based on the equation:
q
=
qi
(1+bi *a *t )
1
a
where:
q is the production rate,
qi is the initial production rate,
a is the hyperbolic decline exponent,
bi is the initial decline rate,
t is the time.
By integrating equation , the cumulative production can be represented by:

for
a1
1
1 qi
1
a 1
P=
+
bi
*
a
*
t
1
(
)
a 1 bi
for
a=1
P=
qi
* ln(1 + bi * t )
bi
The program also supports production rate 'breaks' or discontinuities. These breaks
can be attributed to well stimulation, change of completion, etc.
10.2 Tool Options

The Decline Curve analysis tool can be used for Production History Matching and/or
Production Prediction. For Production History Matching, the program uses a non-linear
regression to determine the parameters of the decline.
Once you choose Decline Curve as the analysis tool in the Tool menu, go the Options
menu to define the primary fluid of the reservoir. This section describes the 'Tool
Options' section of the System Options dialogue box. For information on the User
Information and User Comments sections, refer to Chapter 6 of this guide.
Figure 10.1:
Decline Curve Analysis Tool Options
2-9 Chapter 10 - Decline Curve Analysis
button.
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
Choose from oil, gas and retrograde condensate. However, the choice only
affects the input and output units of the rates as the theory does not take any
fluid properties into account.
Production History
- By Tank
This option requires you enter the production history for a single well or
the reservoir as a whole.
- By Well
The well by well option requires you to enter the production history for
each well or group of wells. You will then be allowed to match the
production of individual wells and select the list of wells to be included in
the production prediction computation.
Next choose Input Production History to enter the production history.
Please note that the remainder of this chapter describes the features of the
program using the Well by Well mode. Some screens will differ slightly if the
Reservoir mode is used, but are usually simpler.
10.3 Production History

This screen is used to enter the well production history, along with the time or date of
the eventual production rate breaks. The following dialog box appears:
Figure 10.2:
Production History
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 10 - Decline Curve Analysis 3-9
Input Fields
Well List
A list of all the wells created in this data set. This list box can be used to scan
the well models entered, by clicking on the name of the well you wish to
display. This list box is only displayed if you have selected to enter the
production history By Well in the options dialog.
The well name is usually preceded by a marker indicating the status of the
well:
-
indicates that the well data is valid. This well can be used in the
production prediction calculation.
No marker and the well name appear in red. The well data is
incomplete or invalid. This well cannot be used in the production
prediction calculation.
Well Name
A string of up to 12 characters containing the well, tank or reservoir name. This
name is used by the plots and reports.
Decline Type
Select the type of decline curve analysis; hyperbolic, harmonic or exponential.
Description (optional)
A brief description of the well, tank or reservoir.
Production Start
This field is used as a date origin for plot displays and reporting purposes only.
It is used to produce plots and reports with date references, when the production
history is entered in days or years. When the production history is entered by
date, the reports and plots can be generated in days or years.
Abandonment Rate (optional)
This field is defines the minimum production rate for this well.
Decline Rates
Use this table to enter a list of decline periods (initial rate + decline rate) versus
time. At least one decline period rate must be entered. Several decline periods
can be entered if there is a discontinuity in the decline rate of the production of
the well. This can be due to a well stimulation, a change of completion,
extended shut-down period, etc. Note that the exponent is the same for all the
decline period. Only the initial rate and the decline rate are changing.
This table can be filled in by using the Match option (see Matching the Decline
Curve section that follows). Records can be switched 'Off' or 'On' by depressing
the buttons to the left of the column entry fields. When a record is switched 'Off',
it is not taken into account in the calculations.
Production History (optional)
Use this table to enter the production rate history. Records are automatically
sorted in ascending order by time, or date.
MBAL User Guide
To view more records, use the scroll bar to the right of the columns. To delete a
record, simply blank out all the fields in the corresponding row. To add or insert
a new record, just enter the records at the end of the list you have already
created, and the program will automatically sort the records in ascending order.
Records can be switched 'Off' or 'On' by depressing the buttons to the left of the
column entry fields. When a record is switched 'Off', it is not taken into account
in the calculations.
The production history is used to automatically generate the exponent, initial
rates and decline rates. This can be done by clicking the Match button (see
Matching the Decline Curve section that follows).
Enter the required information, and press Done to confirm the input data and exit the
screen. If you want to check the quality and validity of the data, click the Plot command
button.
Command Buttons:
Plot
Displays the production history profile versus time.
Reset
Initialises the current tank/well data.
Match
Allows the calculation of the exponent, initial rates and decline rates
from the production data.
Import
Reads a data file generated by other systems which contains

production history data. (see Chapter 4)
Add
Creates a new well. For By Well input only.
Del
Removes the well currently selected for the well list. The data
contained in the well is lost. For By Well input only.
Petroleum Experts
10.4 Matching the Decline Curve

To access the history matching screen, click in the Match from the production history
screen A screen plot similar to the following plot appears:
Figure 10.3
History matching plot
On first entry into this screen, only the matching points are displayed.
Choose Regress to start the non-linear regression and find the best fit. The Decline
Curve parameters corresponding to the best fit found by the regression are displayed in
the legend box the right of the plot.
Changing the weighting of history points in the regression

Each data point can be given a different weighting in the Regression. Important and
trustworthy data points can be set to HIGH to force the regression to go through these
points. Secondary or doubtful data points can be set to LOW or switched OFF
completely.
Changing Single Points:
Figure 10.4:
- Set Match Point Status
(Single Point)
Using the LEFT mouse button, double-click the history point to be changed. The above
dialogue box appears, displaying the point number selected.
MBAL User Guide
Choose as required, the point weighting (High / Medium / Low) and/or status (Off / On).
Points that are switched off will not be taken into account in the regression. Checking
the Insert Rate Break option creates a new entry in the decline rate table i.e. indicates
to the program the occurrence of a discontinuity in the rate decline.
If a rate break has already been inserted at that point, the following screen is displayed:
Figure 10.5:
- Remove rate break
(Single Point)
Checking the Remove Rate Break removes the corresponding entry from the decline
rate table.
Click Done to confirm the changes.
Changing Multiple Points:
Figure 10.6:
Decline Curve Analysis Set Match Point Status
(Multiple Point)
Using the RIGHT mouse button and dragging the mouse, draw a dotted rectangle over
the points you want to modify. (This click and drag operation is identical to the
operation used to re-size plot displays, but uses the right mouse button.) When you
release the mouse button, a dialogue box similar to the above will appear, displaying
the number of points selected.
All the history points included in the 'drawn' box will be affected by the selections you
are about to make. Choose the points' weighting (High / Medium / Low) and/or status
(Off / On) as desired. Click Done to confirm the changes. If you have no right mouse
button, the button selection can still be performed by using the left mouse button and
holding the shift key down while you click and drag.
Petroleum Experts
Do not forget to choose Regress again to start a new regression with the new
values.
Menu Commands:
Axis
Allows you to select different types of scales for the X and Y axes.
You can also choose to display the estimated cumulative production
based on the last regression parameters.
Prior
Plots the production data of the previous well in the well list of the
production screen above.
Next
Plots the production data of the next well in the well list of the
production screen above.
Regress Starts the non-linear regression and finds the best fit. The Decline
Curve parameters corresponding to the best fit found by the
regression are displayed in the legend box the right of the plot.
Decline
Type
Select the type of decline curve analysis; hyperbolic, harmonic or

exponential.
10.5 Prediction Set-up

This option is used to enter the production prediction parameters to access the
prediction parameters screen, choose Production Prediction - Prediction Set-up.
The following dialogue box appears:
Figure 10.7:
Decline Curve Analysis Prediction Set-up
Input Fields
Start of Prediction
This field defines the start date of the prediction.
Prediction end
This parameter defines when the program will stop the prediction.
MBAL User Guide
Abandonment rate (optional)

This field defines the minimum production rate for the prediction.
Wells to include (only displayed if By Well selected in the Options dialogue)
Select the wells to be included in the prediction. Only valid wells are presented
in this list.
10.6 Reporting Schedule

The reporting schedule defines the type of prediction to be performed, the start and end
of prediction and the reporting frequency.
Figure 10.8:
Decline Curve Analysis Reporting Schedule
Input Fields
Reporting Frequency
This parameter defines when the prediction results are displayed.
Automatic:
The program displays a calculation every 90 days.
User List:
The user can specify a list of up to 60 dates in the table provided.
User Defined:
The user can define any date incremented in days, weeks, months or
years in the adjacent fields.
Enter the required information, and press Done to confirm the input data and exit the
screen.
Petroleum Experts
10.7 Running a Production Prediction

To run a prediction, choose Production PredictionCalculation.
dialogue box is displayed:
The following
Figure 10.9:
Decline Curve Analysis Production Prediction
Calculation
This screen shows the results of the last prediction. The scroll bars to the bottom and
right of the dialogue box allow you to browse through the calculations of the last
prediction run.
To start a new prediction, click Calc. To abort the calculations at any stage, press the
Abort command button.
The Layout button allows you to display a selection of variables if you are only
interested in a few of the calculation results. This option may also be used for printing
reports.
Plotting a Production Prediction:
To plot the results of a prediction run, choose Production PredictionPlot. This plot
allows you to select the variables to display.
MBAL User Guide
11 1D Model
11.1 Program Functions
This tool allows the study of the displacement of oil by water or gas, using the fractional
flow and Buckley-Leverett equations.
The model does not presuppose any
displacement theory.
Figure 11.1: 1D Model Theory Diagram
The model assumes the following:
The reservoir is a rectangular box, with an injector well at one end and a
producer at the other.
The production and injection wells are considered to be perforated across the
entire formation thickness.
The injection rate is constant.
The fluids are immiscible.
The displacement is considered as incompressible.
The saturation distribution is uniform across the width of the reservoir.
Linear flow lines are assumed, even in the vicinity of the wells.
Capillary pressures are neglected.

The reservoir is a rectangular box, with an injector well at one end and a producer at
the other. The box is divided into cells for which average water/gas and oil saturations
are monitored. A time step is computed based on the injection rate and the overall size
of the reservoir, so as not to produce brusque changes in the cells' saturations. At
each time step, the program calculates the production from cell to cell. The calculation
is performed from the producer well to the injector.
At each time step and for each cell, the program calculates:
The water/gas and oil relative permeabilities based on the cell saturations.
The fractional flow of each fluid based on their relative permeabilities.
The cell productions into the next cell based on the fractional flows.
2-8 Chapter 11 - 1D Model
The new cell saturations from the productions.
11.2.1 Simultaneous Flow

In the case of displacement of oil by water, the one dimensional equations for
simultaneous flow of oil and water can be expressed as:-
qo =
og sin
kkroA Po
10e6
o x 10133
.
qw =
wg sin
kkrwA Pw
10e6
w x 10133
.
and
where:
q = rate
= density
k = permeability
A = cross section area
= viscosity
P = pressure
g = acceleration of gravity.
11.2.2 Fractional Flow

The Fractional Flow can then be expressed as:
g sin
kkroA Pc
1+
.
qw
10e6
qto x 10133
fw =
=
w kro
qw + qo
1+
krw o
which, neglecting the capillary pressure gradient with respect to x, gives:
kkroA
g sin
1
qto 1. 0133 10e6

fw =
.
w kro
1+
krw o
For a displacement in a horizontal reservoir the equation is reduced to
M
1
fw =
=
w kro 1 + M
1+
krw o
o krw
.
with the end point mobility factor defined as M =
kro w
Petroleum Experts
Chapter 11 - 1D Model 3- 8
11.3 Tool Options

On selecting 1D Model as the analysis tool in the Tool menu, go to the Options menu
to define the primary fluid of the reservoir. This section describes the 'Tool Options'
section of the System Options dialogue box.
Comments sections.
Figure 11.2:
1D Model -Tool Options
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
The only fluid selection for this tool is oil.
Supply the header information and any comments about this analysis in the appropriate
boxes. Click Done to accept the choices and return to the main menu.
Two main menu options then become available:
Input to enter the reservoir, fluids and injection parameters,
Calculation to run a simulation and produce result reports and plots.
MBAL User Guide
11.4 Reservoir and Fluids Properties

To access the reservoir, injection and fluids properties dialog box, choose Input Reservoir Parameters or press ALT - R. A screen similar to the following appears.
Figure 11.3:
1D Model Reservoir and Fluids Parameters
Input Fields
Injection Fluid
Choose between water and gas.
Injection Rate
Defines the injection rate of the injection fluid.
Start of Injection
Used as the origin of the date system.
Oil Density
Density of the oil at reservoir conditions.
Oil Viscosity
Viscosity of the oil at reservoir conditions.
Oil FVF
Oil Formation Volume Factor at reservoir conditions.
Solution GOR
For gas injection only. Used to calculate the total gas production (free +
solution).
Water/Gas Density
Density of the injected fluid at reservoir conditions.
Water/Gas Viscosity
Viscosity of the injected fluid at reservoir conditions.
Water/Gas FVF
Injected fluid Formation Volume Factor at reservoir conditions.
Petroleum Experts
11.5 Relative Permeability

To access the relative permeabilities dialog box, choose Input - Relative
Permeabilities or press ALT - P. A screen similar to the following will appear.
Figure 11.5:
1D Model Relative permeabilities
See Corey Relative Permeability Equations in Appendix C2
Input Fields
Rel Perm From
Select whether the relative permeabilitys are to come from
- Corey Functions, or
Defines respectively: - The connate saturation for the water phase,
- The residual saturation of the oil phase for water flooding,
These saturations are used to calculate the amount of oil by-passed during
a water flooding.
End Points
Defines for each phase the relative permeability at its saturation maximum.
For example for the oil, it corresponds to its relative permeability at So = (1Swc).
Corey Exponents
Command Buttons:
Reset
Initialises the relative permeability curve
Plot
Displays the relative permeability tables in a graph.
Copy
Copy a relative permeability curve from elsewhere in the system.
Petroleum Experts
Click Done to exit and return to the main menu screen, or Cancel to quit the screen.
Input Fields
Defines respectively:
- The connate saturation for the water phase,
- The residual saturation for the oil phase,
- The critical saturation for the gas phase.
End Points
Corey Exponents
Enter the relevant information, and click the Plot button to check the quality and validity
of the data.
Please note that relative permeabilities are always represented as functions

of water saturation.
11.6 Running a Simulation

To run a simulation, choose Calculations - Run simulation, or press ALT C R. A
screen similar to the following will appear.
Figure 11.6:
1D Model Simulation
The display shows most of your input parameters. Click Calculate from the window
menu to start a simulation run.
MBAL User Guide
The program displays the change in the distribution of the injected phase saturation.
Each curve represents a distribution of saturations for a given pore volume injected
(indicated on the plots as PV injected).
The calculation can be stopped at any time by clicking the Abort button. If the
calculations are not stopped, the program ends the simulation at the cut-off value
entered in the 'Reservoir and Fluids Parameters' dialogue box.
The bottom right portion of the screen displays the values of different parameters at
Breakthrough and at the end of the simulation.
Input parameters can be accessed throughout the Input menu option. When changes
to the input parameters are completed, press Calculate to start a new simulation.
Full details of the calculations behind the plot can be viewed by choosing Output Result. They may be printed and plotted differently using any of the options provided.
11.6.1 Plotting a Simulation

To view other calculated parameters, choose Output - Result - Plot. To change the
variables plotted on the axes, click the Variable plot menu option. A dialogue box
appears which allows you to choose the X and Y variables to plot. Two variables can
be selected from the left list column (Y) and one from the right list column (X).
To select a variable item, simply click the variable name, or use the and directional
arrow, and use the space bar to select or de-select a variable item. The program will
not allow more than two variables to be selected from the Y axis at one time.
If you have already selected 2 variables for the Y axis and want to change one of
them, first de-select the unwanted variable, and then choose the new plot
variable.
For more information on the plot display menu commands, refer to Chapter 5.
Petroleum Experts
12 Multi Layer Tool

12.1 Programme Functions
The purpose of this tool is to generate pseudo relative permeability curves for multilayer reservoirs using immiscible displacement. These can then be used by other tools
in MBAL such as Material Balance.
A single PVT description can be entered. A single pressure and temperature is entered
for the reservoir which is used to calculate the required fluid properties.
Each layer has its own set of relative permeabilitys, thickness, porosity and
permeability.
The model considers the incline of the reservoir in all calculation types apart from Stiles
method.
The steps include:
Specify the injection phase (gas or water)
Specify the calculation type; Buckley-Leverett, Stiles, Communicating Layers

or Simple.
Enter the PVT description.
Enter reservoir description
Enter the layer description
Calculate the production profile for each layer and combine all the layers into
a consolidated production profile. Since we are only interested in the relative
layer response, we use a dimensionless model wherever possible (e.g.
length=1 foot and injection rate =1 cf/d).
Calculate a pseudo relative permeability curve for the reservoir using the
Fw/Fg match plot.
If required the pseudo-layer calculated from the multi-layers created by the above steps
can then be reused as a single layer in a new model. For example a pseudo-layer
calculated from a communicating multi-layer model can be used as input for a single
layer Buckley-Leverett model. Or one could even run two different multi-layer
communicating models and use the two pseudo-layers as input to a multi-layer
Buckley-Leverett model.
2-8
Chapter 12 - Multi-Layer Tool

There are four calculation types described below.
Buckley-Leverett
This calculation is based on the methods from "Buckley, S.E. and Leverett, M.C., 1942
Mechanism of Fluid Displacement in Sands. Trans. AIME. 146; 107-116." and "Welge,
H.J., 1952. A Simplified Method for Computing Oil Recovery by Gas or Water drive.
Trans. AIME. 195; 91-98."
The model assumes the same pressure difference across the length of all layers.
Therefore the unit dimensionless rate is distributed between layers proportionally to the
kh of the layer. We assume dimensionless values in all other cases e.g.
Width=Length=1.0.
Note that if the dip angle is non-zero then the Fw or Fg calculation applies the
gravitational correction. For this calculation it will use the rate and reservoir width
entered in the reservoir parameters (the rate is again distributed proportionally to the kh
of the layer.
The program calculates the production profile of each layer individually and the results
are output for time vs. Np, Gp/Wp, Qo, Qg/Qw, Wc/GOR and fluid properties. It then
combines the production of each into a consolidated set of results for the whole
reservoir using the artificial time frame as the reference points. The results are reported
(as much as possible) at equal intervals of injection saturations.
Stiles
This calculation is based on the method from "Stiles, W.E., 1949. Use of Permeability
Distribution in Water Flood Calculations. Trans. AIME, 186:9.
Width=Length=1.0.
This method does not apply the gravitational correction to the calculation of Fw or Fg.
are output for time vs. Np, Gp/Wp, Qo, Qg/Qw, Wc/GOR and fluid properties. In the
case of Stiles this is a simple step function. It then combines the production of each into
a consolidated set of results for the whole reservoir using the artificial time frame as the
reference points. The results are reported (as much as possible) at equal intervals of
injection saturations.
Communicating Layers
This calculation is based on the method from "Dake, L.P., Fundamentals of Petroleum
Engineering, and Section 10.8".
Unlike the other multi-layer calculation types, this method does not first calculate
separate responses for each layer. Instead it first calculates and reports the modified
relative permeability tables taking the vertical distribution of saturations due to capillary
pressure into account.
Petroleum Experts
3-8
It then calculates and reports the production profile of the complete reservoir using
these modified relative permeability tables. Note that if the dip angle is non-zero then
the Fw or Fg calculation (used to calculate the production profile) applies the
of the layer.
To run a Buckley-Leverett calculation using the modified relative permeability curves: Run the communicating model as described above.
Go back to the options dialog and change calculation type to BuckleyLeverett.
Go back to the layer input dialog.
Delete all the layers using the Reset button.
Click the Copy button and select the "Multi Layers - Calculated from
Communicating Stream". This layer has the table of relative permeabilities
calculated taking into account the capillary pressures.
Run the calculation again.
Simple
This calculation is a simple method of combining several layers to give the reservoir
response.
The single layer model performs a simple single cell simulation. It splits the calculation
into a number of time steps. At each time steps it calculates the fractional flow at the
production end based on the current saturations. It then updates the saturations in the
cell based on these rates. In effect, it is similar to the 1D model with a single cell. If
there is no dip angle then the result of the layer calculation will correspond exactly to
the input relative permeability curves.
Note that if the dip angle is non-zero then the Fw or Fg calculation applies the
of the layer.
Width=Length=1.0.
are output for time vs. Np, Gp/Wp, Qo, Qg/Qw, Wc/GOR and fluid properties. It then
combines the production of each into a consolidated set of results for the whole
reservoir using the artificial time frame as the reference points. The results are reported
(as much as possible) at equal intervals of injection saturations.
MBAL User Guide
4-8
12.3 Tool Options

On selecting Multi Layer as the analysis tool in the Tool menu, go to the Options
menu to define the primary fluid of the reservoir. This section describes the Tool
Options section of the System Options dialogue box.
Comments sections.
Figure 12.1:
Multi-layer -Tool Options
button.
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
This tool currently handles water flooding into an oil reservoir.
Supply the header information and any comments about this analysis in the
appropriate boxes. Click Done to accept the choices and return to the main
menu.
Two main menu options then become available:
Input to enter the reservoir, fluids and injection parameters,
Calculation to run a simulation and produce result reports and plots.
Petroleum Experts
5-8
12.4 Layer Properties

To access the layer properties dialog box, choose Input-Layer Properties. A screen
similar to the following appears.
Figure 12.2:
Multi-layer Layer Properties
Input Fields
Thickness
Thickness of the layer.
Porosity
Porosity of the layer.
Permeability
Absolute permeability of the layer.
Enter the information for each layer in the reservoir. Then click on the
corresponding Rel Perm button to enter the relative permeability curve for each
layer. A tick will appear next to the Rel Perm button to indicate that a valid
relative permeability curve has been entered.
Click the Reset button to delete all the layers and their relative permeability
curves.
Click Done to accept and return to the main menu.
MBAL User Guide
6-8
12.4.1 Relative Permeability

To access the relative permeabilities dialog box for a particular layer, click on the Rel
Perm button. A screen similar to the following will appear.
Figure 12.3:
Multi-Layer Relative permeabilities
See Corey Relative Permeability Equations in Appendix C2
Input Fields
Rel Perm From
Select whether the relative permeabilitys are to come from:- Corey Functions, or
Defines respectively:- The connate saturation for the water phase,
- The residual saturation of the oil phase for water flooding,
These saturations are used to calculate the amount of oil by-passed during
a water flooding.
End Points
Corey Exponents
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7-8
Command Buttons:
Reset
Reset the relative permeability curve
Plot
Displays the relative permeability tables in a graph.
Copy
Copy a relative permeability curve from another location in the

program e.g. another layer.
Prev
Edit the rel perms for the previous layer in the table.
Next
Edit the rel perms for the next layer in the table.
Click Done to exit and return to the main menu screen, or Cancel to quit the
screen.
Enter the relevant information, and click the Plot button to check the quality and
validity of the data.
note that relative permeabilities are always represented as functions
ofPlease
water saturation.
12.5 Running a Calculation

To run a calculation, choose CalculationsRun Calculation. A screen similar to the
following will appear.
Figure 12.4:
Multi-layer Calculation
Click the Calculate button to start a simulation run. The calculation can be stopped at
any time by clicking the Abort button. At the end of the calculation, the calculated
pseudo relative permeability curve is displayed.
MBAL User Guide
8-8
Click on the Plot button to view the relative permeability curve. For more information on
the plot display menu commands, refer to Chapter 5.
The pseudo relative permeability curve that is calculated here can be used by the 1-D
Model and Material Balance Tool. To do so:-
Calculate the pseudo relative permeability curve as described above.
Select the other tool that you wish to use - do not select File-New or FileOpen at this point or the table will be lost.
In the relative permeability dialog for the other tool, select the Copy button
and the pseudo relative permeability curve should appear in the list labelled
as Multi Layers Reservoir.
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13 Reservoir Allocation Tool

13.1 Background
One of the major challenges faced during any study that involves wells producing from
many layers is the production allocation; that is how much each layer is contributing to
the total cumulative observed at the surface. The allocation over time depends on the
properties of each layer (inflows) and the pressure depletion of each layer. This could
be assumed constant over time, provided that the layers include fluid and rock of the
same properties, as well as being of the same size. Both these assumptions are not
widely valid in multi-layer systems. Most wells produce from layers which are not of the
same size and do not have fluid and rock of the same physical behaviour.
The traditional approach in tackling the allocation problem involves doing the allocation
based on a constant K*h for the layers and is used widely in the industry in the absence
of any other allocation method.
PetEx was not satisfied with this approach and a new allocation technique was
developed to account for the actual representation of the inflows as well as the rate of
depletion of each layer.
The new technique involves the following steps:
a. Using the inflows for each layer allocation can be done on a timestep basis
b. Setting up a material balance model that accounts for the rate of depletion and
correcting the inflows at each timestep. The method can be best explained by
using the following diagrams (not to scale):
2-12
Chapter 13 - Production Allocation Tool13 Production Allocation Tool
Pwf
Inflow layer 1
Total inflow
Inflow layer 2
Q1
Using the reservoir properties, the inflows of the layers producing into the same well
can be calculated. In the diagram above and for simplicity, the presence of only two
layers was assumed.
Starting from Day 1of production, let us assume that the cumulative measured rate
for the day is Q1. Since the IPRs have to be corrected to the same depth, there can
only be one Pwf pressure for that rate at the given depth (basic principle of nodal
analysis). Therefore, this Pwf can be determined from the total IPR.
Pwf
Pwf1
Q3
Q2 Q1
Since now the total IPR is constructed by adding the rates of the two individual IPRs,
one can determine the amount of fluid that was produced from each layer. These are
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Chapter 13 - Production Allocation Tool 3-12
signified as Q2 and Q3 on the diagram above. This is the allocation for the first day of
production.
The next step involves determining the IPRs for the second day. In doing this, one can
use the same C and n parameters for the originally generated IPRs. However, one
needs to determine the reservoir pressure, which is the third parameter that determines
the IPR construction. A reservoir model is therefore needed, which is provided by
MBAL. The effect of the aquifer, pore volume compressibility and connate water
expansion are all taken into account in the reservoir model. The reservoir model can
predict the reservoir pressure when a given amount of fluid is withdrawn from the
reservoir.
For simplicity, consider that the P/Z diagram for the two layers will look like this:
P/Z
Q3
Q2
Gp
According to the production from the layers calculated on Day1, the new reservoir
pressures can be determined and the new IPRs plotted. The procedure is then
repeated and the allocation for each layer throughout the time of the wells life is
determined.
This new tool improves on the k*h method. In particular:At each time step the model will calculate the current layer rates using the
current layer pressures and the input IPR.
The pressure at the next time step is then calculated using either material
balance or decline curve calculations.
MBAL User Guide
4-12
13.2 Reservoir Allocation Tool Capabilities

The tool can handle:
Any number of wells and tanks and connection between the wells and
tanks.
Both production and injection wells.
Oil, gas or condensate reservoirs.
Layers producing only over a defined schedule.
At the beginning of each time step:
MBAL performs a regression to calculate the layer rates that add up to

the total well rate.
It takes into account the inflow performance and current tank pressure.
The fractional flow is calculated either using the relative permeability
curves and current saturations, or using an input table of Np/Gp vs.
GOR/Wc/etc.
The fractional flow from each layer is then used to weight the layer
productivity to give Qo, Qg and Qw (but always respecting the total well
Qo/Qg/Qw).
MBAL then calculates the pressure at the end of the time step taking into
account the new cumulative layer rates. This can be done in two ways:
It can use the material balance calculations to calculate the new pressure
taking into account the OOIP/OGIP, the aquifer and PVT model.
It can use an input table of Np/Gp vs. pressure to lookup the new
pressure.
13.3 Graphical Interface

The Reservoir Allocation tool uses a graphical interface to build the reservoir and well
models. This is essentially the same interface as is used by the material balance tool.
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13.4 Tool Options

On selecting Production Allocation as the analysis tool in the Tool menu, go to the
Options menu to define the primary fluid of the reservoir. This section describes the
Tool Options section of the System Options dialogue box.
Figure 13.1:
Reservoir Allocation Tool
Options
button.
Input Fields
Reservoir Fluid
This tool can handle oil, gas and retrograde condensate fluids.
Track impurities
CO2, H2S and N2 can be tracked in the model for comparison with
measured percentages at the end of the allocation
MBAL User Guide
6-12
13.5 Input Data

The data for this model can be entered from:
Figure 13.2:
Use Tank
Response
13.5.1 Tank Input Data

To access the layer properties dialog box, choose Input-Tank Data.
The dialog is mostly the same as the tank input for the material balance tool. The main
differences are:
Tank Parameters Tab
Use Input Tank Response
Figure 13.3:
Use Tank
Response
Select this option if you wish to use a table of data to model the time dependant
response of the tank. See Tank Response Input below for more information.
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Do not select the option if you wish to use the material balance calculations to
model how the pressure will change in the tank and how the fractional flow will
evolve.
Tank Response Tab
The table entered is used to model the time dependant behaviour of the tank.
Figure 13.4:
Use Tank
Response data
entry
The main column in the table is the cumulative principal fluid. For oil tanks this is
Np and for gas/condensate tanks this is Gp.
In the production allocation tool we calculate the rate at each time step for each
tank. This gives us the Np/Gp at the end of the time step. Once we have the
Np/Gp we can then read off the Pressure, GOR, and WGR etc from the table by
interpolation.
This tab is only accessible if the Use Input Tank Response option is switched on
in the tank parameters tab.
Production History Tab
For Production Allocation this is actually OUTPUT data so it does not need to be
entered. Once the production allocation calculation is done, the calculated tank
history will be written into this table.
13.5.2
Well Input Data
To access the well data dialog box, choose Input-Well Data.

The well data dialog has three tabs:
MBAL User Guide
8-12

Figure 13.5:
Well Input data
Setup Tab
This tab is used to set the well type and which tanks the well perforates. It is the same
functionality as the setup tab for prediction well.
Production History Tab
The production data for the well is used to drive the production allocation calculation.
The total layer calculated for each well will always respect the input production data.
For consistency, pressures can be entered in the Production data.
The inputs are the same as the production history tab in the Material Balance History
Well Production History tab.
Inflow Performance Tab
This tab is used to enter the inflow performance for each layer. This is used to distribute
the total well rate between layers.
This tab has nearly all the same inputs as the material balance prediction well inflow
tab.
13.5.3
Transfer from Material Balance
This option can be found under:
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Figure 13.6:
Transfer from
Material Balance
tool
The input data model for the production allocation tool and the material balance tool
has many similarities. Both tools use tanks and wells (although some sections of the
tank and well data are different). This option allows the whole data input set from the
material balance tool to be transferred into the production allocation tool.
On selecting the menu options, you will be asked to confirm that all the existing
production allocation tool input data will be overwritten by the material balance tool
data.
Then all the tank and PVT data will be copied from the material balance tool. In addition
the prediction wells will be copied from the material balance tool and the connections
between wells and tanks will be rebuilt.
13.6 Calculations
Once the model is set up, then the calculations can be performed from the calculation
menu:
Figure 13.7:
Calculation Menu
MBAL User Guide
10-12
13.6.1 Setup
To access the setup dialog box, choose Calculations-Setup menu item.
This dialog is used to enter the setup parameters for the production allocation
calculation:
Figure 13.8:
Setup
Allocation Step Size

Set the size of the internal time steps used in the calculation. A smaller time step can
be used to more accurately predict cases with larger aquifers. Larger time steps will
speed up the calculation.
If this option is left to automatic, then MBAL will use the default time step of 15 days.
Note that even if a small internal time step is used, the results will only be reported at
the time steps defined in the well production history.
13.6.2 Run Allocation

This dialog box is used to run a production allocation as described at the beginning of
the chapter. Selecting the Calc button will perform the allocation:
Figure 13.9:
Calculations
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Rates are reported in two ways in the prediction:Cumulative rates: This is the total rate produced up to the time at which
the rate is reported.
Rate: This is the rate at the time reported.
When the calculation is finished, the program will automatically transfer the cumulative
rates calculated for each tank into the tank production history in the tank objects.
13.6.3 Tank Results

This dialog box is used to display the tank and results from a production allocation:
Figure 13.10:
Calculations
The results can be plotted as shown below:
Figure 13.11:
Tank Results
MBAL User Guide
12-12
13.6.4 Well/Layer Results

In the case where the calculated and measured CO2 content of the stream needs to be
compared, this can be done from the well results option. From the plot variables, the
measured and calculated CO2 content can be selected for viewing:
Figure 13.12:
Selecting
variables
From the plot one can then compare these parameters:
Figure 13.13:
Comparing
measured and
calculated CO2
content
In the case above, the two do not agree. Therefore, the GIIP or IPR if the layers need
to be adjusted so that the CO2 measured and calculated agree. This can be a powerful
quality check on the initial assumptions used to build the model.
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Appendix A Examples
A1 Water Drive Oil Reservoir
The data file containing this example is OIL_TST.MBI.
This example is designed to show the Oil-in-Place and aquifer parameters are
determined for a reservoir under water drive. The options to be studied are:
Setting modelling options

Entering PVT properties and performing a correlation match
Entering reservoir and aquifer properties
Entering production history data
Performing a history match
Using regression to improve the match
This example is based on data from Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering by

L.P. Dake (Elsevier, 1978), Chapter 9.
A1.1 Setting up the Problem

Begin the session by clearing all previous calculations. Click File - New. Save
changes to your previous work if required. Select Tool - Material Balance, and then
click Options from the main menu. The following selections can be made:
Figure A-1:
Selecting the options
Click Done to return to the main menu.
2 - 40
Appendix A - Examples
A1.2 PVT Menu

Click PVT - Fluid Properties and enter the following PVT data:
Figure A-2:
PVT entry screen
The PVT correlations will now be matched to lab PVT data (available in page 320 of the
book).
Figure A-3:
Match Data Entry screen
As soon as the data is entered, the Match Button is selected again and this will
prompt the regression screen:
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Appendix A - Examples 3 - 40
Figure A-4:
Matching the data to the
correlations
As soon as the calculations are finished, the Match Parameters screen will allow
selection of the correlation that best matches the data:
Figure A-5:
Selecting the match
parameters screen
MBAL User Guide
4 - 40
Figure A-6:
Choosing the best correlation
From this, Glaso is chosen and selected in the main PVT screen:
Figure A-7:
Setting the chosen correlation
As the PVT is now done, the next section will describe how the reservoir data are
entered:
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A1.3 Reservoir Input

The data used in this section are shown in Dake, page 317.
Figure A-8:
Reservoir data screen
Please note that some of the data are not available in the book, such as the
reservoir temperature. The PVT data are given as tables with no temperature
defined so we are using 115 deg F in the example.
A1.4 Rock Properties

Next click on the Rock Properties tab. Select the User Specified button and enter the
following:Rock Compressibility
4.0e-06
This value is specified in the exercise, page 317.
A1.5 Relative Permeability

The next step is to select the Relative Permeability tab:
MBAL User Guide
6 - 40
Figure A-9:
Relative permeability screen
In Dakes example, no rel perms are given for the fluid so in this case, straight line rel
perms have been used for simplicity. The rel perms are in any case not used in the
history matching process (apart from the connate saturations of course).
A1.6 Production History

The next task is to set up the production history. Click on the Production History tab.
Enter the following production data:
Time
d/m/y
01/08/1994
01/08/1995
01/08/1996
01/08/1997
01/08/1998
01/08/1999
01/08/2000
01/08/2001
01/08/2002
01/08/2003
01/08/2004
Reservoir
Pressure
Psig
2740
2500
2290
2109
1949
1818
1702
1608
1535
1480
1440
Cum Oil
Produced
MMSTB
0
7.88
18.42
29.15
40.69
50.14
58.42
65.39
70.74
74.54
77.43
This data are taken from page 320 of Dake, table 9.3
Petroleum Experts
Cum Gas
Produced
MMscf
0
5988.8
15564.9
26818
39672.8
51393.5
62217.3
71602.1
79228.8
85348.3
89818.8
A1.7 History Matching

The purpose of this section is to illustrate a methodology for carrying out the matching
process and compare the results obtained using a number of different methods. Bear
in mind that the set of reservoir data entered in the Input section is used only as the
starting point for the history matching.
The aquifer was initially disallowed. This will enable us to assess if an aquifer is present
or not. Click History Matching - All and 3 tiled windows showing the available
methods will be displayed.
Figure A-10:
Accessing the history plots
screen
Figure A-11:
History matching plots
MBAL User Guide
8 - 40
Display the graphical plot full size by double clicking on its window title bar.
Figure A-12:
Graphical Method
plot
The graphical plots are based on the basic material balance formula:F = N*Et + We
Where
F = Total Production
We = Water Influx
Et = Total Expansion
N = Original Oil in Place
The Campbell method is displayed by default. This plot displays:(F We)/Et vs. F
Theoretically the data would be expected to fit to a horizontal line whose intersection
with the Y axis gives the OIP.
The increasing trend in the data on the Campbell plot suggests that an aquifer may be
the source of the increasing energy. In this case, an aquifer needs to be added to the
model.
Going back to the tank input data screen, an aquifer is selected based on Dakes
recommendation:
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Figure A-13:
Selecting an aquifer model
Going back to the History Matching/All page:
Figure A-14:
including aquifer.
On the Analytical method, we select the Regression option:
MBAL User Guide
10 - 40 Appendix A - Examples
Figure A-15:
Selecting the Regression
option.
On the regression screen, the variables which we are least sure of are selected:
Figure A-16:
Selecting the variables for
regression
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-17:
Regressing on the selected
parameters
The best-fit button above will transfer all the calculated data onto the model and the
necessary updates will be performed automatically when Done is clicked.
Figure A-18:
Campbell Plot and Analytical
method after the match
And from the Simulation Screen:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-19:
Simulation Results
It can be seen that the match is OK.

The following is a comparison of the results in Dake and the results of MBAL:
OOIP
Outer inner radius
DAKE
312 MMstb
5
MBAL
312.7 MMstb
5.1
A2 Well by Well History Matching

A fundamental issue in forward predictions using material balance principles is the
accurate forecast of water cut and GOR (free gas from gas cap). As no geological
model exists, the way this is handled in MBAL is through pseudo relative permeability
curves, from which fractional flow is calculated as a function of saturation.
In previous examples (the quick start guide), the matching of reservoir wide pseudo
rel perms was illustrated. In the case where many wells exist in the system, they will
produce at different water cuts and this behaviour needs to be captured through
individual rel perm curves.
This example will show how historical data can be entered on a well by well basis,
which will in turn allow one set of pseudos to be created for each well in the system.
Start this example from the Well by Well Starting Model under the Well by Well
folder in the samples directory of MBAL.
Please note that all the PVT and basic history data have already been entered in the
model and we will only concentrate on entering the historical data, history matching and
creating the rel perms on a well by well basis.
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Step1. Activating the Options

Under the Options Menu:
Figure A-22:
Options Menu
The option to enter Production History by well needs to be enabled as shown above.
Step 2. Creating history wells
This is done under Input/Wells Data as shown below:
Figure A-23:
Selecting the Wells Data
screen
In the following screen, a history well can be created by selecting the + button:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-24:
Creating a history well
This will create the well and open the well Setup screen as shown below. A history well
in MBAL is defined by the Setup Screen (where the type of well is defined), the
production history screen and the production allocation screen (defines how much each
reservoir contributed to the total production in multilayer systems).
As soon as the well is created, then the type of production from this well needs to be
selected. The drop down menu below provides different types of well MBAL can
handle:
Figure A-25:
Setting the well type
The well is selected as an Oil Producer and the Next button will lead us to the
production history screen:
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Figure A-26:
Well production history
screen
The production history can be copied and pasted directly from Excel. This can be found
in the spreadsheet called History, under the History Well by Well folder in the MBAL
samples directory. In this spreadsheet, there are two worksheets, each containing the
production history of the two wells that will be built into this system:
Figure A-27:
Spreadsheet
history
containing
The history that needs to be copied into the well in MBAL is the one corresponding to
well 1.
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-28:
Production history copied
from spreadsheet
The Next button will then lead to the Production Allocation page:
Figure A-29:
screen
In this screen, the program is simply told that all the production entered as history in the
well comes from the same reservoir. In multilayer systems where the well is connected
to more than one reservoir (layers), then the allocation needs to be done before this
screen is invoked.
Note: In multilayer systems, MBAL has a tool specifically designed to calculate
the layer by layer allocation. This tool is called Production Allocation and uses
an approach based on IPRs and rates of depletion rather than simply a kh
allocation.
Petroleum Experts
Now the model will look like this:
Figure A-30:
Tank model with history
well
As soon as the second history well is constructed in MBAL (using the same procedure
as for the first well), the model will look like this:
Figure A-31:
Tank model with both
history wells completed
Step 3: Transferring the production to the tanks

Now that both history wells have been constructed, the historical production needs to
be transferred to the reservoir model so that history matching can be done. Going to the
tank Production History screen:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-32:
Transferring historical
production from wells to
tank
It can be seen here that there are two buttons that only appear if the history is entered
on a well by well basis. The program can now sum up the cumulatives entered in the
two wells if the Calc Rate button is selected:
Note: The following warning message will now be prompted, relating to the
limitation of the method used to average the reservoir pressures:
Figure A-33:
Reservoir pressure
averaging
Selecting Calc will now allow the program to perform the calculations. The reservoir
pressures will now be averaged and the cumulatives added in order to capture the total
production from the reservoir:
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Figure A-34:
History transferred
reservoir model
to
Step 4: Performing the history match

The history matching can be now done as normal. Under History Matching/All, the
relevant plots can be now used to deduce possible drive mechanisms:
Figure A-35:
And the regression engine can be used, as in previous examples, to match the model:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-36:
History matching
completed
The results can also be confirmed with the Simulation feature:
Figure A-37:
Simulation results
Step 5: Preparing the model for predictions (creating rel perms for each well)
In preparing the model for predictions, one must ensure that the water cut and GOR
seen by each well is captured at the start of the prediction period. In MBAL, being a
non-dimensional system, the concept of different GORs and water cuts per well is
captured using different sets of pseudo relative permeabilities. These are created
under:
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Figure A-38:
Accessing the Fw
matching screen
Selecting the Fw matching option, the program will prompt the fractional flow curve for
the reservoir:
Figure A-39:
Fractional Flow curve for
the reservoir
If rel perms on a well by well basis need to be created, then one needs to bring up the
production and equivalent curve for one particular well:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-40:
Selecting the fractional
flow curves for the wells
Figure A-41:
Fw curve for well
That can then be matched by using the Regress feature:
Figure A-42:
Regressing to match Fw
curve
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This will result in a fractional flow curve that can reproduce history, and be used for
forward predictions:
Figure A-43:
Matched Fw Curve
Please note that two sets of rel perms need to be created as history for two wells
in the system is available. The procedure of matching them is the same.
Step 6: Transferring the matched rel perm curves to the prediction wells
In the Quick Start example for MBAL, the procedure in creating a prediction well in
MBAL was explained. The same options will be followed in this section, concentrating
more on the options for selecting the matched relative permeability curves to be used
for the forecast.
A prediction well can be created under:
Figure A-44:
Creating a well model for
predictions
After the + button is selected, along with the type of well, the IPR screen for the
prediction well can be invoked:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-45:
Rel perm selection
The menu can be dropped down as shown above:

Select one of the two empty sets of rel perms (either Rel perm 1 or 2 will have the same
function):
Figure A-46:
Accessing the rel perm
screen
Clicking the Edit button, will prompt the screen where the relative permeabilities can
be entered.
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Figure A-47:
User defined Rel perm
screen
In the screen above, select the Copy button. This will show a screen where a list of all
the rel perms that have been matched earlier in the Fw matching feature.
Here, one can select the rel perms that correspond to this particular well:
Figure A-48:
Transferring rel perms
from previously saved
sets
When the Copy button is selected, these rel perms will be transferred onto this screen
now:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-49:
Rel perms transferred
Selecting Done will lead back to the well screen, on which the rest of well model
options can be completed.
Figure A-50:
Rel perms OK
The same procedure can be used for the second well model now and once this is
finished, the model will look like this:
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-51:
Final model with history
and prediction wells
After the rest of the input data are completed, forecasts can be made as normal. This
procedure will have the added advantage of using different rel perms for every well, so
the WC and GOR evolution will reflect what is actually happening in the wells in
accordance with their historical production.
A3 Multitank modelling
Almost all fields in the world are made up
faults that can be closed or open (partially or
is no communication between the tanks and
reservoirs. In the other extreme, if the faults
can be modelled as one MBAL reservoir.
of different compartments, separated by

totally). If the faults are closed, then there
they can be modelled as separate MBAL
are totally open, then the whole reservoir
However, if the faults separating different compartments are semi-permeable, then

there is a transient transfer of fluid from one compartment to the other (governed by the
pressure difference between the compartments). MBAL has an advanced feature
whereby the user can create multitank models with time dependent transmissibility
between the tanks that allows modelling of these complex reservoirs.
For this example, the MBAL starting model is provided under the MBAL samples, in the
Multitank example directory. Please open the MBAL file called Multitank Starting
Point.mbi
Step 1: Initialising the model
The Multi-tank feature can be activated from the options menu:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-52:
Selecting the Multitank
Option
All the relevant data can be entered as per previous examples. Most of the data have
already been already entered for convenience. The data for the production history are
missing, as can be seen from the screen below:
Figure A-53:
History data page
The production history can be copied here from the Excel file present in the same
directory as above.
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Figure A-54:
History entered
Step 2: Concentrating on First Reservoir

Under History Matching/All all the history plots can be seen as normal.
Figure A-55:
History Matching plots
Two different
trends indicate
change in energy
The Campbell plot shows the energy given by the reservoir (flat line initially) and then
there is an increasing trend to the data. This signifies that initially the reservoir does not
see any energy from outside sources, however, at some point there is energy coming
from somewhere. This energy cannot be an aquifer (since it would show from day 1)
and we can conclude from the above that a fault has been broken and a second
reservoir is supporting the first.
In history matching this situation, we will first concentrate on the period where the first
reservoir is acting alone. After we match the parameters of the first reservoir, then we
will match the second reservoir, concentrating more on the later period of production.
MBAL User Guide
In the Analytical plot in MBAL, one can manipulate history points by dragging with the
right mouse button and creating an area with the points to be selected, as shown
below:
Figure A-56:
Selecting points for
deactivation
When the mouse button is released, the following screen will appear:
Figure A-57:
Deactivating
selected
points
The points can now be set to Off. The Analytical method will look like this:
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-58
Points deactivated
Please note that for changes to take place, the model needs to be re-calculated
by selecting the Calculate button on the Analytical method plot.
This will now allow us to history match the first reservoir based on the production period
it was being produced without any external support. Selecting the Regression Option as
normal:
Step 3: Matching first reservoir parameters
Figure A-59:
Regressing on Oil in
Place
The original Oil in place is set as a regression parameter and once the calculations are
finished, the history matching plots will look like this:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-60:
Plots after history
matching
The Campbell plot is now a straight line and the model can reproduce the data we have
matched on in the analytical method.
For the next step, the rest of the data need to be activated. This can be done in the
same way they were de-activated (use the right mouse button).
Step 4: Activating region where both reservoirs are seen on production data
For the next step, the rest of the data need to be activated. This can be done in the
same way they were de-activated (use the right mouse button).
Figure A-61:
Additional Points
Activated
In order to match the later response in the production data, a second reservoir will be
created and connected to the first one. Initially, we will create a copy of the first
reservoir by selecting the X button shown below:
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-62:
Creating second
reservoir
As soon as this is done, the second reservoir will appear on the main screen of MBAL:
Figure A-63:
Multitank model
These reservoirs will now be connected by selecting the Connect button on the side
panel of MBAL:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-64:
Selecting the Connect
button
Using the mouse, drag and drop from one reservoir to the other. This will now create a
link between the reservoirs and the transmissibility screen will automatically be
prompted:
Figure A-65:
Transmissibility options
A transmissibility C of 5 can be entered as a first guess.

Going back to the main screen, the two reservoirs will now appear connected.
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-66:
Reservoirs connected
Note: Since the second reservoir has been created as a copy of the first one, it also
includes the production history. This needs to be removed as only the first reservoir
was being produced. Right click anywhere in the history page of the second reservoir
and select Clear Table. This will delete all the historical production.
Figure A-67:
History deleted from
copied reservoir model
Going back to the History Matching/All page, it can now be seen that the second
reservoir has had an impact on the overall performance of the model.
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-68:
Analytical method when
second reservoir is active
Point at which
second reservoir
start providing
support
Since we know that the barrier between the two reservoirs had been closed for some
time before it was broken, this needs to be captured in the model. In other words, the
second reservoir should only be allowed to provide support after the pressure in the first
reservoir has dropped to the point shown in the figure above.
MBAL allows the transmissibility to become active after a certain pressure drop has
been reached between the reservoirs. This is done using the Pressure Threshold
options.
If the pressure threshold option is activated:
Figure A-69:
Activating the Pressure
Threshold options
The analytical method will now show the effect of the second reservoir only when the
DP between them becomes 1000 psi:
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-70:
Analytical method
Regression can now be done as normal, considering only the new parameters:
Figure A-71:
Regression on OOIP of
second reservoir and
Transmissibility
And the result is a good match between history and Model:
Figure A-72:
Analytical method at the
end of the match
The same result can be confirmed from the simulation calculations:
MBAL User Guide
Figure A-73:
Simulation calculations
In order to investigate how both tanks have been depleted, we can select the
Variables button and in the following screen select to view the Tank pressure of both
reservoirs:
Figure A-74:
Selecting to view the
pressure evolution for
both reservoirs
It can be seen from the following plot that the second reservoir is not depleting until the
DP between the two reservoirs reaches 1000psi.
Petroleum Experts
Figure A-75:
Difference in Pressure
evolution
MBAL User Guide
Other Example Files

This section describes the other example MBI files that are installed with MBAL and a brief
explanation.
CALCWELL.MBI
Used by the CALCWELL.XLS open server example.
DETAILED2.MBI
Used by the DA2.XLS open server example.
FRACT FLOW MATCH1.MBI
Used by the FRACT_FLOW_MATCH1.XLS open server example.
FRACT FLOW MATCH2.MBI
Used by the FRACT_FLOW_MATCH2.XLS open server example.
GAS.MBI
Example of a single tank gas example.
MULTIGAS.MBI
Example of a multi-tank gas example.
MULTIOIL.MBI
Example of a multi-tank oil example.
MULTIPVT.MBI
Example of a variable PVT example.
OIL.MBI
Example of a single tank oil example.
SIMPLE2.MBI
Used by the DA1.XLS open server example.
STEP1.MBI
Used by the STEP1.XLS open server example.
STEP2.MBI
STEP3.MBI
Petroleum Experts
Appendix B - References
1.
Argawal, R.G., Al-Hussainy, R., and Ramey, H.J., Jr.: "The Importance of Water
Influx in Gas Reservoirs," JPT (November 1965) 1336-1342.
2.
Bruns, J.R., Fetkovich, M.J., and Meitzer, V.C.: "The Effect of Water Influx on P/Z
Cumulative Gas Production Curves," JPT (March 1965), 287-291.
3.
Chierici, G.L., Pizzi, G., and Ciucci, G.M.: "Water Drive Gas Reservoirs:
Uncertainty in Reserves Evaluation From Past History," JPT (February 1967),
237-244.
4.
Cragoe, C.S.: "Thermodynamic Properties of Petroleum Product," Bureau of

Standards, U.S. Department of Commerce Misc, Pub., No. 7 (1929) 26.
5.
Dake, L.: "Fundamentals of Petroleum Engineering,"
6.
Dumore, J.M.: "Material Balance for a Bottom-Water Drive Gas Reservoir," SPEJ
December 1973) 328-334.
7.
Dranchuk, P.M., Purvis, R.A. and Robinson, D.B.: "Computer Calculation of

Natural Gas Compressibility Factors Using the Standing and Katz Correlation,"
Institute of Petroleum, IP 74-008 (1974).
8.
van Everdingen, A.F. and Hurst, W.: "Application of the Laplace Transform to Flow
Problems in Reservoirs," Trans. AIME (1949) 186, 304-324B.
9.
Hall, K.R. and Yarborough, L.: "A New Equation of State for Z-factor Calculations,"
OGJ (June 1973), 82-92.
10. Campbell, R.A. and Campbell, J.M.,Sr.: "Mineral Property Economics," Vol 3:
Petroleum Property Evaluation, Campbell Petroleum Series (1978).
11. Havlena, D. and Odeh, A.S.: "The Material Balance as an Equation of StraightLine," JPT (August 1963), 896-900.
12. Hurst, W.: "Water Influx into a Reservoir and Its Application to the Equation of
Volumetric Balance," Trans. AIME (1943) 151, 57.
13. Ikoku, C.U.: "Natural Gas Engineering," PennWell Publishing Co. (1980).
14. Kazemi, H.: "A Reservoir Simulator for Studying Productivity Variation and
Transient Behaviour of a Well in a Reservoir Undergoing Gas Evolution," Trans.
AIME (1975) 259, 1401.
15. Lasater, J.A.: "Bubble Point Pressure Correlation," Trans. AIME (1958) 213, 379381.
16. Lutes. J.L. et al.: "Accelerated Blowdown of a Strong Water-Drive Gas Reservoir,"
JPT (December 1977), 1533-1538.
2-2
Appendix B - References
17. Ramagost, B.P., and Farshad, F.F.: "P/Z Abnormally Pressured Gas Reservoirs,"
paper SPE 10125, presented at the 1981 SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, San Antonio Texas, October 1981.
18. Schlithuis, R.J.: "Active Oil and Reservoir Energy" Trans. AIME (1936) 118, 33-52.
19. Standing, M.B.: "Volumetric and Phase Behaviour of Oil field Hydrocarbon
Systems," SPE AIME, Dallas, 1977.
20. Steffensen, R.J. and Sheffield, M.: "Reservoir Simulation of a Collapsing Gas
Saturation Requiring Areal Variation in Bubble-Point Pressure," paper SPE 4275
presented at the 3rd Symposium on Numerical Simulation of Reservoir
Performance, Houston, Texas, 1973.
21. Tarner, J.: "How Different Size Caps and Pressure Maintenance Affect Ultimate
Recovery," Oil Weekly (June 12, 1994), 32.
22. Tehrani, D.H.: "An Analysis of Volumetric Balance Equation for Calculation of Oil
in Place and Water Influx," JPT (September 1985), 1664-1670.
23. Tehrani, D.H.: "Simultaneous Solution of Oil-in-Place and Water Influx Parameters
for Partial Water Drive Reservoir with Initial Gas Cap," paper SPE 2969,
presented at the 1970 SPE Annual Fall Meeting, Houston Texas, Oct. 4-7.
24. Thomas. L.K., Lumpkin, W.B., and Reheis, G.M.: "Reservoir Simulation of Variable
Bubble-Point Problems," Trans. AIME (1976) 261, 10
25. Vogt, J.P. and Wang, B.: "A More Accurate Water Influx Formula with
Applications,", JCPT (Month. Year) pg-pg.
26. Vogt, J.P. and Wang, B.: "Accurate Formulas for Calculating the Water Influx
Superposition Integral", paper SPE 17066 presented at the 1987 SPE Eastern
Regional Meeting, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Oct. 21-23.
27. Wang, B. and Teasdale, T.S.: "GASWAT-PC: A Microcomputer Program for Gas
Material Balance with Water Influx", paper SPE 16484 presented at the 1987
Petroleum Industry Applications of Microcomputers Meeting, Montgomery Texas,
June 23-26.
28. Wang, B., Litvak, B.L. and Boffin II, G.W.: "OILWAT: Microcomputer Program for
Oil Material Balance with Gascap and Water Influx," paper SPE 24437 presented
at the 1992 SPE Petroleum Computer Conference, Houston Texas, July 19-22.
29. Wattenbarger, R.A., Ding, S., Yang, W. and Startzman, R.A.: "The Use of a Semianalytical Method for Matching Aquifer Influence Functions", paper SPE 19125
presented at the 1989 SPE PCC, San Antonio, Texas, June 26-28.
30. Wichert, E. and Aziz, K.: "Calculation of Z's for Sour Gases," 51(5) 1972, 119-122.
31. Standing, M.B. and Katz, D.L.: "Density of Natural Gases," Trans. AIME (1942)
146, 64-66.
32. Urbanczyk, C.H. and Wattenbarger, R.A.: "Optimization of Well Rates under Gas
Coning Conditions," SPE Advanced Technology Series, Vol. 2, No. 2.
Petroleum Experts
Appendix C -MBAL
Equations
C1 Material Balance Equations
The following pages show some of the equations used in the MBAL program. Please refer to a
basic reservoir engineering text for a detailed treatment of graphical history matching
techniques.
C1.1 OIL
F = NE + We
Where the underground withdrawal F equals the surface production of oil, water and gas
corrected to reservoir conditions:
) (
F = N p * Bo B g * R s + B g * G p Gi + Wp Wi * B w and
the original oil in place is N stock tank barrels and E is the per unit expansion of oil (and its
dissolved gas), connate water, pore volume compaction and the gas cap.
E = ( Bo Boi ) + ( Rsi Rs ) * Bg + m * Boi
Bg
Bg 1
S *C +C
1 + (1 + m) * Boi * wc w f * ( Pi P)
1 Swc
Graphical interpretation methods are based on manipulating the basic material balance
expression to obtain a straight line plot when the assumptions of the plotting method are valid.
For example, when there is no aquifer influx, We = 0, and:
F = NE
F
=N
E
A plot of F/E should be a horizontal straight line with a Y axis intercept equal to the oil-in-place
N. This plot is a good diagnostic for identification of the reservoir drive mechanism. If the
aquifer model is correct, the following manipulation shows that a plot
F We = NE
of F-We against E will yield a straight line with a slope of N. The procedure is to adjust the
aquifer model until the best straight line fit is obtained. A more sensitive plot is obtained by
dividing through by E as follows:
W
F
=N e
E
E
When the aquifer model is accurate, the plot of F/E vs. We/E will yield a straight line with unit
slope and a y-axis intercept at N.
2 - 17
Appendix C - MBAL Equations
C1.2 GAS
F = GE + We
Where:
F = B g * G pe Gi + Bw * Wp Wi
and
S wc * C w + C f
E = B g B gi + B gi *
* ( Pi P )
1 Swc
C1.3 OGIP Calculations

n
(Y ) = 100 (Y (YY)
max
min
where: (Y ) =
Ycj Y j
j =1
n 1
C1.4 Natural Depletion Reservoirs

F = G Eg
Can be converted to a more popular form
P
Z
Pi
Zi
[1
G w gp
G
].
C1.5 Abnormally Pressured Reservoirs
F = G E g + E fw
Re-arrange the equation to obtain:
P
Z
[1 C ( P P)] =
1.
P/Z Method 2:
2.
RF Modified P/Z Method:
3.
HO Straight Line Method:
F
Eg
= G 1 + B gi ce
Pi
Z1
Pi P
Eg
(1 )
Gwgp
G
then the water influx (We) is defined as We = U ( Pi P) and equation

F
Eg
Petroleum Experts
= G + B gi G
ce
+U
Pi P
Eg
becomes:
Appendix C - MBAL Equations 3 - 17
C1.6 Water Drive Reservoirs

F = G E g + We
P/Z Methods
P
Z
Pi
Zi
G-G wgp
G-Y
where:
Y=
G wgp Bg
Eg
=G+
Pi
Z i Psc
Tsc
T
(W
Wp B w
Cole Method:
We Wp B w
Eg
HO Straight Line Method:

F
Eg
= G + U S(EP ,t )
g
C2 Aquifer Models
In the following sections, the various aquifer models available in MBAL are described along
with the references.
C2.1 Small Pot

This model assumes that the aquifer is of a fixed volume Va and the water influx from the
aquifer to the reservoir is time independent. The influx from the aquifer is related to the
pressure drop through the total average compressibility of the system (water + rock). The
equation describing the influx is thus given by,
We (t ) = 5.615(C w + C f )Va (Pi Pn )
(Eq1.1a)
where
Va = aquifer volume
Pi = Initial pressure
Pn = Pressure at time t.
Cw = Water compressibilty
Cf = Rock compressibility
See Dake L.P.: Fundamentals of reservoir engineering, Chapter 9 for more details.
C2.2 Schilthuis Steady State

This model assumes that the flow is time dependent but is a steady state process. It
approximates the water influx function by,
dWe
= Ac (Pi P )
dt
(Eq1.2a)
where, Ac is the productivity constant of the aquifer in RB/psi/day. Assuming it is constant over
time, this equation on integration gives,
MBAL User Guide
4 - 17

t
We (t ) = Ac (Pi P )dt
(Eq1.2b)
The numerical approximation for this integral is done using the following formula with We
expressed is MMRB,
n
(Pj + Pj 1 )
W e (t ) = 10 6 Ac Pi
(t j t j 1 )
2
j =1
(Eq1.2c)
The pressure decline is approximated as shown in the following diagram
Reservoir Pressure decline approximation with time

See Tehrani D.H.: Simultaneous Solution of Oil-In-Place and Water Influx parameters for
Partial Water Drive reservoirs with Initial Gas Cap, SPE 2969 for more details.
C2.3 Hurst Steady State

It is another simplified model. The influx is defined by the following equation
dWe Ac (Pi P )
=
dt
log( t )
(Eq1.3a)
The influx is found by integrating,

t
We =
0
Ac (Pi P )
dt
log( t )
(Eq1.3b)
The numerical approximation to this integral is with the influx in MMRB,

n
(Pj + Pj 1 ) (t j t j 1 )
W e (t ) = 10 6 Ac Pi
2
j =1
ln ( (t j t 0 ))
Petroleum Experts
(Eq1.3c)
Where Ac is the aquifer constant entered in the aquifer model input and has units RB/psi/day.
Alpha is the time constant.
See Tehrani D.H.: Simultaneous Solution of Oil-In-Place and Water Influx parameters for
Partial Water Drive reservoirs with Initial Gas Cap, SPE 2969 for more details.
C2.4 Hurst-van Everdingen-Dake

All the models previously discussed with the exception of Hurst simplified are based on the
assumption that the pressure disturbance travels instantaneously throughout the aquifer and
reservoir system. On the other hand if we do not make this assumption but rather say that the
speed will depend on the pressure diffusivity of the system.
Radial System
The pressure diffusivity equation representing the behaviour for a radial system can be written
as,
1 PD
rD
rD rD t D
PD
=
t D
(Eq1.4a)
where
rD =
r
ro
ro being the outer radius of the reservoir
(C w + C f )ro2
t D = = t /
(Eq1.4b)
is pressure diffusivity of the system and is also called tD constant in MBAL.
Porosity
Viscosity of water
Cw
water compressibility
Cf
Formation compressibility
Permeability of the aquifer.
In modelling aquifer behaviour since we are interested in finding rates with pressure changes,
this diffusivity equation solved for constant terminal pressure i.e. constant pressure at reservoiraquifer boundary gives the following general solution,
We = U P WD (t D , RD )
(Eq1.4c)
where
RD
= reservoir radius/ aquifer outer radius
U is called aquifer constant and in field units it is given by,
U=
1.119 Aeh(C f + C w )ro2

360.0
MBAL User Guide
6 - 17
Ae
h
=
=
Encroachment angle in degrees

Reservoir thickness in feet
Similarly the tD constant in oil field units (day-1) is given by,
2.309k a
365.25 w (C f + C w )ro2
The function WD is called dimensionless aquifer function and is depends on dimensionless time
and the size of the aquifer with respect to the reservoir. There are algebraic approximations to
the WD function available3 this form is the most general form of the equation as it gives the
behaviour of the pressure diffusivity equation for both the finite and infinite acting aquifers
(bounded) depending on the value of RD.
In real production, this terminal pressure (at the reservoir-aquifer boundary) does not remain
constant, but changes. Hurst-Van-Everdingen and Dake using the principle of superposition
solved this problem. They found the real-time water influx using Eq1.4c and approximating the
pressure decline as a step function shown as dashed lines in figure1. The water influx equation
thus after superposition is given by,
n 1
We (t ) = 10 6 UPjWD ( (t n t j ), RD )
(Eq1.4d)
j =o
And,
Pj = (Pj 1 Pj +1 ) 2 If j=0 i.e. the first, use Pi i.e. initial reservoir pressure, instead of
Pj-1
Linear Aquifers
The pressure diffusivity equation as represented for the radial can also be set up for linear
aquifers and a constant terminal pressure solution found. The form of the solution is exactly
similar to the radial one, except for the definition of tD constant and U. These are defined as,
n 1
We (t ) = 10 6 UPjWD ( (t n t j ))
j =o
2.309k
365.25 w (C f + C w )L2a
U = 106Va (C f + Cw ) 5.615
Where,
106Va
La =
(Wrh )
Va = Aquifer volume
Wr = Reservoir width
La= length of the aquifer
Petroleum Experts
(Eq1.4e)
Bottom Drive
The bottom drive aquifer models are the same as the linear models. The only difference from
linear models is the surface through which the influx is taking place. For bottom drive aquifers
the surface available from influx is rw2. The length used for finding the tD constant is the
dimension perpendicular to this surface. These are calculated in oil field units as follows
2.309ka
365.25w (C f + Cw )L2a
U = 106Va (C f + Cw ) 5.615
Where
La
10 6 V a
=
r o2
In equation Eq1.4e the form of the influx function depends on the boundary conditions
considered at the outer aquifer boundary. The boundary conditions available within MBAL are
Infinite acting
This form assumes that the aquifer length is infinite; the value of aquifer length is infinite.
However for finding tD constant the value of La can be an arbitrary constant. In MBAL we
choose a very large value for Va and then estimate La.
Sealed boundary
This form takes the aquifer to be finite with a length La and finds the aquifer function as of this
value.
Constant pressure boundary
This form assumes that during the whole time the outer boundary of the aquifer is at a constant
pressure.
Note In all the original models the constant U is treated as constant all through the time.
However in MBAL, while doing summations during superposition, U value components like
compressibility and PVT properties are evaluated at the current reservoir pressure.
See Dake L.P.: Fundamentals of reservoir engineering, Chapter 9 and Nabor et al.: Linear
Aquifer behaviour, JPT May 1964, SPE 791 for more details.
C2.5 Hurst-van Everdingen-Odeh

The Hurst-van Everdingen-Odeh model is essentially the same as the Hurst-van EverdingenOdeh model. The only difference is instead of entering all the aquifer dimensions to evaluate
aquifer constant and tD constant we enter the values of the constants as directly.
The dimensionless solutions i.e. WD functions are still the same as of the Hurst-van Everdingen
Dake method.
MBAL User Guide
8 - 17
C2.6 Vogt-Wang
This model is exactly the same as the Hurst-van Everdingen-Dake modified model. It also
assumes a linear pressure decline in each time step. To find the influx in each time step, it uses
the convolution theorem to give the following expression for influx,
P D
W D (t D )d
We = U
t D 0
t
(Eq1.7a)
Since, the function still is linear, it uses superposition and the water influx is approximated as,
t
Pi P1 t D1
P1 P2 D 2
(
)
(
)
......
W
t
d
W
t
d
D
Dn
D
Dn
t D 2 t D1 tD1
t D1 0
We (t Dn ) = U
t Dn
+ Pn 1 Pn W (t )d
t Dn t Dn 1 t D Dn
Dn 1
(Eq1.7b)
For each time step the convolution integral for each time step can be broken into two integrals
by change of variable from as follows,
t Di +1
W (t
D
Dn
)d =
t Di
t Dn t Di
t Dn t Di +1
W (u )du W (u )du
D
(Eq1.7c)
This substitution into the water influx function gives the following result with influx as MMRB
n 1
t Dj
j =o
We (t n ) = 10 U Pj W D (t D ) t D
6
P0 =
Where if j = 0,
Otherwise,
Pj =
(Eq1.7d)
P1 P0
(t1 t0 )
Pj +1 Pj
Pj Pj 1
(t j +1 t j ) (t j t j 1 )
See Vogt J.P. and Wang B.: Accurate Formulas for Calculating the Water Influx Superposition
Integral., SPE 17066 for more details.
C2.7 Fetkovitch Semi Steady State

In the semi-steady state model, the pressure within the aquifer is not kept constant but allowed
to change. Material balance equation is used to find that the changed average pressure in the
aquifer. Based on this fact the influx is worked out to be,
We =
Wei
(Pi P )1 exp JPi
Pi
Wei
(Eq1.9a)
Where Wei is the maximum encroachable water influx, J is the aquifer productivity index. Pi is
the initial pressure and P is the reservoir pressure. For different flow geometry the values of
these two constants are:-
Petroleum Experts
Radial Model
5.615
10 - 17 Appendix C - MBAL Equations
These are calculated as follows,
Pn =
Pn 1 Pn
2
and
n 1
W j
j =1
Pan = Pi 1
Wei
P0=PI
Based on these the superposition formula gives the following result for aquifer influx in MMRB,
n 1
Wei
j = 0 Pi
We = 10 6
P + Pj +1
1.0 e X
Paj j
2
(Eq1.9d)
Where
X = JPi (t j +1 t j ) Wei
W
PL = Pi 1 last
Wei
Wlast being the aquifer influx up to j-1 time step.
See Fetkovich M.J.: A Simplified Approach to Water Influx calculations --- Finite Aquifer
System, SPE 2603 for more details.
C2.8 Fetkovitch Steady State

The Fetkovich theory looks at water influx as well inflow calculated using productivity index.
Thus, the influx rate is a function given as,
dWe
= J (Pi P )
dt
(Eq1.8a)
In the steady state model, the productivity index is calculated similar to a Darcy well inflow
model. This PI is supposed to remain constant. Depending on the geometry the PI is calculated
as follows in oil field units:Radial
J=
0.00708 Ae k a h
360.0 w log 2 (Rd )
Linear
J=
0.00381k a hWr
w La
Bottom Drive
0.00381k arw2
J=
w La
See Fetkovich M.J.: A Simplified Approach to Water Influx calculations --- Finite Aquifer
System, SPE 2603 for more details.
Petroleum Experts
C2.9 Hurst-van Everdingen Modified

This method is similar to the Hurst-van Everdingen Dake model. The main difference is the
manner in which the pressure decline is approximated. In the original model the decline is
approximated as a series of time steps with constant pressure. In the modified one it is
approximated as a linear decline for each time step. As shown in the solid lines of figure1. This
approach allows us to have varying rate within a time step rather than it being constant as in
the original method. The solution for this case is the integral of the dimensionless solution of the
constant terminal pressure case.
P
We = U WD (t D )dP
(Eq1.6a)
Pi
This solution changed into time domain becomes,

tD
We = WD (t D )
0
dP
dt D
dt D
(Eq1.6b)
Since pressure decline with time is linear, dP
dt D
is a constant equal to slope of the
linear pressure decline, given by,
dP 1 Pi P
=
dt D t
The influx function thus becomes for the linear decline,
We = U
(Pi P ) t
t
W (t )dt
D
(Eq1.6c)
Since the functions are still linear, we can use superposition again. Thus, if we approximate the
pressure decline by a series of linear declines, the water influx solution is given by,
We (t n ) = 10
n 1
t
j =o
Pj
t Dn
t j +1 tDj
W D (t D )dt D
(Eq1.6d)
Where the form of WD, tD constant and U depend on the model being linear, bottom drive or
radial and are same as the ones used in original Hurst-van Everdingen model.
MBAL User Guide
C2.10 Carter-Tracy
The principal difference between this method and the Hurst-van Everdingen models is as
follows. The Hurst-van Everdingen models assume a constant pressure over a time interval and
thus use the constant terminal pressure solution of the diffusivity equation with the principle of
superposition to find the water influx function. Carter Tracy model on the other hand uses the
constant terminal rate solution and expresses the aquifer influx as a series of constant terminal
rate solutions. The dimensionless function thus is the pressure written ad PD function. The
water influx equation thus by Carter Tracy method is,
n 1
We (t n ) = 10 U
6
Pj We (t n 1 )PD' (t Di )
j =o
PD (t Di ) t Di PD' (t Di )
(t Di +1 t Di )
(Eq1.10)
Where the various constants are defined as,
Pj = (P0 Pj +1 )
t Di = (t i t 0 )
U=
2.309ka
365.25w (C f + Cw )rw2
1.119 Aeh(C f + C w )rw2
360.0
The form of the equation is such that we do not need superposition to calculate the water influx,
but only the water influx up to previous time step. As such because of the constant rate solution
being the generator, it is basically a steady-state model. Also, it is used only for radial
geometry.
For each term in the summation MBAL uses the fluid properties at the pressure for the time in
the summation term. So in the summation formula above, alpha is calculated using the fluid
properties with the pressure at time tj. This is an improvement to the original model where the
fluid properties were taken from the pressure at tn.
See Carter R.D. and Tracey G.W.: An Improved Method for Calculating Water Influx, JPT
Sep. 1960, SPE 2072 for more details.
Petroleum Experts
C3 Relative Permeability
The equations shown below cover the Corey functions and Stones modifications to the relative
permeability functions.
C3.1 Corey Relative Permeability Function

In a Corey function, the Relative Permeability for the phase x is expressed as:
Sx Srx nx
Krx = Ex *
Smx Srx
where:Ex is the end point for the phase x,
nx the Corey Exponent,
Sx the phase saturation,
Srx the phase residual saturation and
Smx the phase maximum saturation.
The phase absolute permeability can then be expressed as:
Kx = K * Krx
where: - K is the reservoir absolute permeability and

- Krx the relative permeability of phase x.
C3.2 Stone method 1 modification to the Relative

Permeability Function
Krw and Krg are calculated as for normal function.
Kro is calculated using both oil relative permeability curves; oil relative to water only and oil
relative to gas with only connate water.
First calculate Som (combined residual oil saturation):Som = a.Sorw + (1 a).Sorg
where
a = 1.0 Sg/(1.0 Swc Sorg)
Next correct the saturations:So = (So Som)/(1.0 Swc Som)
Sw = (Sw Swc)/(1.0 Swc Som)
Sg = Sg/( 1.0 Swc Som )
Finally:-
k ro =
k row k rog
So
(1 S w )(1 S g ) k ro (S wc )
MBAL User Guide
C3.3 Stone method 2 modification to the Relative

Permeability Function
Krow
Krog
Kro = Krocw *
+ Krw *
+ Krg Krw Krg
Krocw
Krocw
Krog = gas relative permeability in the presence of oil, gas and connate water,
Krow = oil relative permeability in the presence of oil and water only.
Krocw = oil relative permeability in the presence of connate water only,
Petroleum Experts
C4 Nomenclature
Awe
Bg
Fraction of reservoir area invaded by water influx

gas formation volume factor
Bo
Bt
single-phase oil formation factor
Bw
Cf
water formation volume factor
two-phase oil formation factor

formation compressibility
Cw
Efw
water compressibility
Eg
Eo
expansion of gas
Er
Et
recovery efficiency
Ev
F
volumetric sweep efficiency
Ft
total trapped gas volume in HCPV
original gas in place
expansion of water and reduction in pore volume

expansion of oil and solution gas
overall expansion of oil, gas and water & formation
underground withdrawal
Gi
GLp
cumulative gas injection
Gp
Gt
cumulative dry gas production
Gwgp
h
cumulative wet gas produced
HCPV
hydrocarbon pore volume
cumulative condensate produced

trapped wet gas
net thickness
Kc
Ktd
condensate conservation factor
Ktd
k
theoretical dimensionless time coefficient
Krg
Kro
Kw
Kwrg
dimensionless time coefficient

absolute permeability
gas relative permeability
oil relative permeability to gas
effective permeability to water in the aquifer
effective permeability to water at residual gas saturation
L1
distance of linear gas reservoir at current gas water contact
L2
distance of linear gas reservoir at original gas water contact
MLc
m
N
Np
OGWC
molecular weight of condensate

initial gascap size, defined as the ratio of initial gascap HCPV to initial oil zone HCPV
original oil in place
cumulative oil production
original gas water contact
average reservoir pressure
P1
average pressure in front of current gas water contact

MBAL User Guide
P2
Pb
pressure at original gas water contact
Pt
Pwf
average pressure in water invaded region
qo
oil production rate
qw
water influx rate
Qd
r1
dimensionless water influx
r2
rg
ra
aquifer radius
re
external radius
rg
radius of gas reservoir at original gas water contact
ro
radius of oil reservoir at original oil water contact
rw
wellbore radius
Rp
Rs
cumulative gas-oil ratio
bubble-point pressure
flowing bottomhole pressure
radius of gas reservoir at current gas water contact
instantaneous producing gas-oil ratio

well skin factor
Sgc
Sgr
critical gas saturation
Sor
Swi
residual oil saturation to water
S(P,t)
residual gas saturation

initial water saturation
aquifer function
reservoir temperature
time
tD
TDF
dimensionless time
dimensionless time adjusting factor
aquifer constant
theoretical aquifer constant
Vaq
W
pore volume of aquifer

width of linear reservoir
We
cumulative water influx
Wi
cumulative water injection
gas deviation factor
porosity
dip angle
viscosity
influx encroachment angle
c
w
specific gravity of condensate

specific gravity of formation water
normalized standard deviation
Petroleum Experts
C4.1 Subscripts
a
aw
minimum abandonment pressure condition

watered-out abandonment condition
gas
initial condition
index of loops
oil
location at current gas water contact
location at original gas water contact
sc
standard condition
trapped gas in water invaded region
water
MBAL User Guide
Appendix D-Fluid Contacts

Calculation details
D-1 Pore Volume vs. Depth
This screen is used to define the Pore Volume vs. Depth. To access this screen,
choose Input - Tank Data and select the Pore Volume vs. Depth tab. A dialog
box similar to the following is displayed:
Figure D.1:
Pore Volume
vs. Depth
This tab is enabled only if the Monitor Contacts option in the Tank Parameters
data sheet has been activated. The table displayed is used to calculate the depth
of the different fluid contacts. This table must be entered for variable PVT
tanks.
The definitions for entering Pore Volume fractions are displayed in the Definitions
section in this page as shown above. The definitions will automatically change
depending on the fluids present in the tank at initial conditions.
2 - 17
Appendix D - Fluid Contacts Calculation details
Pore Volume vs. Depth for Oil Reservoirs:

Below GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = (pore volume from top of oil leg to the depth of
interest)/(total oil leg pore volume)
Above GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = - (pore volume from top of oil leg to depth of
interest)/(total gas cap volume)

Total oil leg pore volume = 2 MMRB
Oil pore volume fraction at 8200' = 0.0
Oil pore volume fraction at 8350' from GOC = 0.5 / 2 = 0.25
Oil pore volume fraction at 8600' from GOC = 2 / 2 = 1.0
Gas pore volume fraction at 8000' = - 5 / 5 = -1.0
TVD
-1.0
8000
Petroleum Experts
Appendix D - Fluid Contacts Calculation details 3 - 17
0.0
0.25
1.0
8200
8350
8600
For Gas/condensate Reservoirs:Above GOC:

Pore Volume Fraction = (pore volume from top of gas cap to the depth of
interest)/(total gas cap pore volume)
Below GOC:
Pore Volume Fraction = 1.0 + (pore volume from top of oil leg to depth of
interest)/(total oil leg volume)

Total oil leg pore volume = 0.5 MMRB
Gas pore volume fraction at 8000' = 0.0
Oil pore volume fraction at 8600' = 1 + 0.5 / 0.5 = 2.0
MBAL User Guide
4 - 17

TVD
0.0
8000
0.4
8120
1.0
8500
2.0
8600
If you select the option to model saturation trapped when a phase moves
out of its original zone, you will be asked to enter the saturation of each
phase trapped by each other phase. More information will be provided
below.
D-2 Standard Fluid Contact Calculations

The method of calculating the fluid contacts depends on the fluid type of the
reservoir. In each case we calculate the pore volume swept by the appropriate
phase. We then use the pore volume vs. depth table to calculate the
corresponding depth.
In all cases the Sgr, Swc and Sor are taken from the relative permeability curves
entered in the tank dialog. If Stone's correction is not used then Sorw = Sorg =
Sor.
The hysteresis option is not taken into account in these calculations.
Oil Reservoir (normal method)
In this method we assume that the Sgr always remains in the original gas
cap. So if the oil sweeps into the original gas cap, the Sgr will be bypassed
thus decreasing the GOC.
Similarly if the gas moves into the original oil zone, we assume that Sorg
is left behind the gas front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
If the water moves into the original oil zone, the water will leave the Sorw
behind the water front.
In all cases the Swc is assumed to be evenly distributed throughout the
reservoir thus reducing the sweepable volume.
The sweep efficiencies can be used to further increase the amount of
saturations trapped behind the moving fronts.
For this option the saturations are defined with respect to the total
reservoir i.e. the original oil leg and gas cap.
We first calculate the PV fraction swept by water for the current Sw. This
calculation assumes that the WOC does not rise above the original GOC
so we only consider the residual oil.
Petroleum Experts
We assume the connate water Swc is distributed evenly throughout the

reservoir. So the current movable water is Sw-Swc.
The residual oil saturation is Sorw. The Sorw is assumed to be left behind
the water front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sorw.
So the water swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / (1 - Swc - Sorw)
However in addition the water sweep efficiency (SEw) can be used to
further increase the amount of oil trapped by the water front thus
increasing the water swept PV fraction. So:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / [(1 - Swc - Sorw)*SEw
We also calculate the current PV fraction of the gas given the current Sg
and the initial Sg (Sgi). The gas may have swept into the original oil zone
or the oil may have swept into the original gas cap.
If the gas has swept into the original oil zone:There is no initial gas in the original oil zone so the current gas that has
swept into the original oil zone is just Sg - Sgi.
The residual oil saturation is Sorg. The Sorg is assumed to be left behind
the gas front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sorg.
So the gas swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / (1 - Swc - Sorg)
However in addition the gas sweep efficiency (SEg) can be used to further
increase the amount of oil trapped by the gas front thus increasing the gas
swept PV fraction. So:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / [(1 - Swc - Sorg)*SEg
Finally we add on the original gas saturation to get the total PVg:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / [(1 - Swc - Sorg)*SEg + Sgi / (1 - Swc )
If the gas has swept into the original gas cap:There is no initial oil in the original gas cap so the current oil that has
swept into the original gas cap is Sgi - Sg.
The residual gas saturation is Srg. The Srg is assumed to be left behind
the oil front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Srg.
So the oil swept pore volume fraction in the original gas cap would
normally be:PVo = ( Sgi - Sg ) / (1 - Swc - Srg)
increase the amount of gas trapped by the oil front thus increasing the gas
swept PV fraction (technically is should be labeled the oil sweep
efficiency). So:PVo = ( Sgi - Sg ) / (1 - Swc - Srg)*SEg
Finally we subtract from the original gas saturation to get the total PVg:PVg = Sgi / (1 - Swc ) - PVo
Oil Reservoir (if gas cap production option is off)
In this method if the gas moves into the original oil zone, we assume that
Sorg is left behind the gas front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
MBAL User Guide
6 - 17

If the water moves into the oil zone, the water will leave the Sorw behind
the water front.
For this option the saturations are defined with respect to the original oil
zone.
We first calculate the PV fraction swept by water for the current Sw.
The residual oil saturation is Sorw. The Sorw is assumed to be left behind
the water front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sorw.
So the water swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / (1 - Swc - Sorw)
increasing the water swept PV fraction. So:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / [(1 - Swc - Sorw)*SEw
We also calculate the PV fraction swept by the gas given the current Sg.
There is no initial gas in the original oil zone so the current movable gas is
just Sg.
the gas front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sorg.
So the gas swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVg = Sg / (1 - Swc - Sorg)
swept PV fraction. So:PVg = Sg / [(1 - Swc - Sorg)*SEg
Gas Reservoir (normal method)

In this case we assume that the Sgr and Swc are distributed evenly
throughout the reservoir and remain there through the life of the reservoir.
So these residual saturations will reduce the sweepable volume.
We calculate the PV fraction swept by water for the current Sw.
The residual gas saturation is Sgr. The Sgr is assumed to be left behind
the water front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sgr.
So the water swept pore volume fraction would normally be:-
Petroleum Experts
PVw = (Sw - Swc) / (1 - Swc - Sgr)

further increase the amount of gas trapped by the water front thus
increasing the water swept PV fraction. So:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / [(1 - Swc - Sgr)*SEw
Gas Reservoir (using Gas Storage option)
For gas storage we calculate the PV fraction swept by gas for the current
Sg (since gas is normally injected into the water).
We assume the residual gas Sgr is distributed evenly throughout the
reservoir. So the current movable gas is Sg-Sgr.
The connate water saturation Swc is assumed to be left behind the water
front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Sgr-Swc.
So the gas swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVg = (Sg - Sgr) / (1 - Sgr - Swc)
increase the amount of water trapped by the gas front thus increasing the
gas swept PV fraction. So:PVg = (Sg - Sgr) / [(1 - Sgr - Swc)*SEg
This method means that the Sgr entered in the tank relative permeability
curves should be the Sg in the tank at the start of the gas storage
production/injection cycle. In other words, it should correspond to the
original gas in place entered in the tank parameters dialog.
We first calculate the PV fraction swept by water for the current Sw. We
assume that any drop out oil is 100% sweepable.
The residual gas saturation is Sgr. The Sgr is assumed to be left behind
the water front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sgr.
So the water swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / (1 - Swc - Sgr)
MBAL User Guide
8 - 17

further increase the amount of gas trapped by the water front thus
increasing the water swept PV fraction. So:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / [(1 - Swc - Sgr)*SEw
Then we calculate the PV fraction of the gas left in the reservoir:PVw = (Sg - Sgr) / (1 - Swc - Sgr)
Condensate Reservoir (using material balance with an initial oil leg)

In this method we assume that the Sor always remains in the original oil
leg. So if the gas or water sweeps into the original oil leg, the Sor will be
bypassed.
Similarly if the oil moves into the original gas cap, we assume that Sgr is
left behind the oil front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
For this option the saturations are defined with respect to the total
reservoir i.e. the original oil leg and gas cap.
We first calculate the PV fraction swept by water for the current Sw. This
calculation assumes that the WOC does not rise above the original GOC
so we only consider the residual oil.
The residual oil saturation is Sor. The Sor is assumed to be left behind the
water front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sor.
So the water swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / (1 - Swc - Sor)
increasing the water swept PV fraction. So:PVw = (Sw - Swc) / [(1 - Swc - Sor)*SEw
We also calculate the current PV fraction of the gas given the current Sg
and the initial Sg (Sgi). The gas may have swept into the original oil zone
or the oil may have swept into the original gas cap.
If the gas has swept into the original oil zone:There is no initial gas in the original oil zone so the current gas that has
swept into the original oil zone is just Sg - Sgi.
the gas front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Sor.
So the gas swept pore volume fraction would normally be:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / (1 - Swc - Sor)
Petroleum Experts
swept PV fraction. So:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / [(1 - Swc - Sor)*SEg
Finally we add on the original gas saturation to get the total PVg:PVg = ( Sg - Sgi ) / [(1 - Swc - Sor)*SEg + Sgi / (1 - Swc )
If the gas has swept into the original gas cap:There is no initial oil in the original gas cap so the current oil that has
swept into the original gas cap is Sgi - Sg.
The residual gas saturation is Srg. The Srg is assumed to be left behind
the oil front. So the maximum possible movable volume is 1-Swc-Srg.
So the oil swept pore volume fraction in the original gas cap would
normally be:PVo = ( Sgi - Sg ) / (1 - Swc - Srg)
increase the amount of gas trapped by the oil front thus increasing the gas
swept PV fraction (technically is should be labeled the oil sweep
efficiency). So:PVo = ( Sgi - Sg ) / (1 - Swc - Srg)*SEg
Finally we subtract from the original gas saturation to get the total PVg:PVg = Sgi / (1 - Swc ) - PVo
D-3 Trapped Saturation Fluid Contact Calculations

The new method uses the same rules as the old method for the residual
saturations of the phases in their original locations i.e. the Sgr in the original gas
cap and the Sor in the original oil leg. These rules are:Oil Reservoir (normal method)
In this method we assume that the Sgr always remains in the original gas
cap. So if the oil sweeps into the original gas cap, the Sgr will be bypassed
thus decreasing the GOC.
Similarly if the gas moves into the original oil zone, we assume that Sorg
is left behind the gas front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
If the water moves into the original oil zone, the water will leave the Sorw
behind the water front.
MBAL User Guide
10 - 17 Appendix D - Fluid Contacts Calculation details
Oil Reservoir (if gas cap production option is off)

In this method if the gas moves into the original oil zone, we assume that
Sorg is left behind the gas front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
If the water moves into the oil zone, the water will leave the Sorw behind
the water front.
Gas Reservoir (normal method)
Gas Reservoir (using Gas Storage option)
Condensate Reservoir (using material balance with an initial oil leg)
In this method we assume that the Sor always remains in the original oil
leg. So if the gas or water sweeps into the original oil leg, the Sor will be
bypassed.
Similarly if the oil moves into the original gas cap, we assume that Sgr is
left behind the oil front. So the GOC will increase more quickly.
Petroleum Experts
NOTE: In addition this method also allows you to trap phases when they
have moved out of their original zone.
Consider an oil reservoir where the original gas cap moves into the original oil
zone because the oil leg is depleted. Then later in the life of the reservoir the gas
cap is produced so that the oil moves back into the gas cap. With the standard
method, all the gas that moved into the original oil zone will be swept back into
the gas cap. This method allows you to model the situation where some of the
gas that moved into the original oil zone is trapped when the oil sweeps back up
to the original gas-oil contact.
Note that if the oil sweeps into the original gas cap, it will still bypass the Sgr as
would happen with the standard method.
With this method, we have generalized the calculation. So if any phase A moves
out of its original zone, and is then swept out again by another phase B, you may
enter the saturation of the phase A that is bypassed by phase B.
When this option is selected you will be asked to enter one or more of the
following inputs depending on the reservoir type:Water Trapped by Oil - Water trapped when water moves into original oil/gas
zone and is then swept by oil.
Water Trapped by Gas - Water trapped when water moves into original oil/gas
zone and is then swept by gas.
Oil Trapped by Gas - Oil trapped when oil moves into original gas cap and is then
swept by gas.
Oil Trapped by Water - Oil trapped when oil moves into original gas cap and is
then swept by water.
Gas Trapped by Oil - Gas trapped when gas moves into original oil leg and is
then swept by oil.
Gas Trapped by Water - Gas trapped when gas moves into original oil leg and is
then swept by water.
Note: For trapped water saturations, the saturation should include the connate
water saturation. E.g. if Swc=0.1 but another S=0.1 is trapped by a sweeping
phase, then enter a total trapped water saturation of 0.2.
MBAL User Guide
Example
Figure 1
This shows the oil reservoir at initial conditions
Petroleum Experts
Figure 2
Some oil has been produced so the Sg increases and so the gas has moved into
the original oil leg. The Swc and Sor are left behind the gas front thus increasing
the rate of increase of the GOC.
MBAL User Guide

Figure 3
Gas is now being produced so the Sg decreases and the So increases.

Therefore the oil moves upwards in the reservoir. Now in this case we have
entered the value for the gas trapped by oil (Sgro). So as the oil moves up, the
Sgro is trapped behind the GOC.
Petroleum Experts
Figure 4
We continue to produce gas so the So continues to increase. Now the GOC

moves into the original gas cap. In the original gas cap the GOC will bypass the
Sgr as well as the Swc.
D-4 Trapped Saturation Fluid Contact Calculations

This method is only available for oil tanks. It is the same as the standard method
except that when gas bubbles out of the oil, the gas is trapped in the oil zone up
to the residual gas saturation. Once the gas saturation in the oil zone reaches the
residual gas saturation, the extra gas will move directly into the gas cap.
At T0 - initial reservoir conditions
MBAL User Guide
At T1 Gas in oil zone still less than Srg so remains in oil zone.
Petroleum Experts
At T2 Gas in oil zone reaches Srg.
At T3 New solution gas now moves into secondary gas cap. GOC increases
quickly.
MBAL User Guide
Appendix E- Trouble
Shooting Guide
This appendix describes some of the common problems experienced and questions
asked by users of MBAL.
E-1 Prediction not Meeting Constraints

Question:
The production prediction calculation is not meeting the constraints that I entered in the
Production Prediction-Production and Constraints dialog.
Answer:
The only method that MBAL has to control the production (and thus meet constraints) is
to modify the manifold pressure. If MBAL is failing to meet the constraints it is most
likely that modifying the manifold pressure can not control the production. A symptom of
this problem is that the calculated manifold pressures are reported as 40,000 - this is
the upper limit that MBAL uses for the manifold pressure before giving up. There are
various remedies for this problem.
In the well definition-outflow tab dialog, check that you are not using the constant
FBHP. If you are, MBAL has no way to control the production so can not meet
constraints. In this case you must use Tubing Performance Curves to model the
well.
Also in the well definition-outflow tab dialog, check that you have switched
Extrapolate TPC's on for all the wells. If not, then MBAL can not control the
production if the manifold pressure goes outside of the range of your Tubing
Performance Curves. You may also wish to regenerate your Tubing
Performance Curves with a wider range of manifold pressures to ensure
accurate results.
Also in the well definition-outflow tab dialog, check that the Tubing Performance
Curves have more than one manifold pressure.
E-2 Production Prediction Fails

Question:
In the Production Prediction-Run Prediction, I clicked on the Calc button but
immediately got a message box saying that the "The calculation is complete" and no
results were displayed.
Answer:
There are a number of reasons why this may happen but the immediate reason is
usually that the prediction is stopping prematurely because the rate has dropped to
zero. However it is difficult to diagnose the problem unless MBAL can produce results
of some sort.
2-3
Appendix E - Trouble Shooting Guide
So the first step is to force the calculation to keep going. Go back to Production
Prediction-Prediction Setup and change the Prediction End to User Defined and
enter a date some time after the start of the prediction. Now rerun the prediction and it
should produce results of some sort. It should now be possible to diagnose why the
calculation fails - firstly by examining the well results.
E-3 Pressures in the Prediction are increasing (With No

Injection)
Question:
In history simulation or production prediction the pressure is increasing but I do not
have any injection.
Answer:
Although there are a number of obscure reasons for this problem the most common
reason is errors in the PVT input. Use the PVT-Calculator option to calculate
properties and verify each one in turn. In particular, check the Bo and/or Bg as these
are crucial to the material balance calculation.
E-4 Reversal in the Analytic Plot

Question:
In history matching-analytic plot the simulated data is going backwards or even looping
- why is this happening?
Answer:
For the single tank, the analytic plot calculates the primary phase rate from the input
tank pressure and non-principal phase rates (as well as the reset of the tank
description). For example, for an oil tank, it will calculate the cumulative oil rate from the
input tank pressure, water production, gas production, water injection and gas injection.
The calculation is done this way because it is much faster than calculating the pressure
from all the rates - and speed is critical when doing a regression.
This means that if there is an error in the estimates of the input data, MBAL may only
be able to maintain the input tank pressure by re-injecting oil. For example, imagine that
the aquifer size has been underestimated. MBAL will have to re-inject oil to
compensate for the lack of aquifer.
To summarise, if reversal is observed in the simulated data, either the estimates of the
tank parameters are in error or there are errors in the production data.
E-5 Difference between History Simulation and Analytic Plot

Question:
I have done a match in the analytic plot and get a good visual match in the final
pressure. I then did a history simulation but get a poor match on the final pressure.
Answer:
For the single tank, the analytic plot calculates the primary phase rate from the input
tank pressure and non-principal phase rates (as well as the reset of the tank
Petroleum Experts
Appendix E - Trouble Shooting Guide
3-3
description). For example, for an oil tank, it will calculate the cumulative oil rate from the
input tank pressure, water production, gas production, water injection and gas injection.
The calculation is done this way because it is much faster than calculating the pressure
from all the rates - and speed is critical when doing a regression.
Traditionally one tends to look for the difference in the vertical separation between the
input and simulated data when assessing the quality of a match. However because we
are calculating the cumulative oil you actually need to look at the horizontal separation
between the input and simulated data. A match can appear to be of good quality if you
look at the vertical separation but actually be relatively poor if examined in the
horizontal direction.
The history simulation does the reverse calculation - it calculates the tank pressure
from the various input rates. Therefore you should be examining the vertical difference
between the tank history pressure and the simulated pressure when assessing the
quality of the match.
E-6 Dialogs Are Not Displayed Correctly

Question:
Some of the dialogs in MBAL are not displayed correctly. In particular, they are too big
for the screen so the buttons are not visible.
Answer:
This problem is due to screen resolution. The simplest fix is to change the Screen
Resolution in MBAL. Select the File Preferences menu item in MBAL and try each
of the options in the Screen Resolution combo box in turn until you find one that
displays the dialogs correctly.
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5.1 Reservoir Analysis Tools.........................................................................................................1

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PETROLEUM EXPERTS LTD

9.1 Program Functions ..................................................................................................................1

PETROLEUM EXPERTS LTD

PETROLEUM EXPERTS LTD

Brief Tool descriptions

Chapter 1 - Introduction 3-3

About this guide

How to use this guide

MBAL User Guide

2 Using the MBAL

2.1 File Management

2.1.1 Opening and Saving Files

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 3-13

2.1.3 Defining the Working Directory

Format Numerical Input Fields

Reload Last File Used at Startup

File History List Length

MBAL User Guide

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

Display Results during Calcs.

Include Well Downtime in Constraints

Negative VLP Tolerance (Liquid)

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 5-13

2.1.5 Viewing the Software Key

2.1.6 Selecting Printers and Plotters

2.1.7 The Windows Clipboard

MBAL User Guide

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

2.1.8 Windows Notepad

2.2 Setting the Units

The following screen will appear:

2.2.1 Defining System Units

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 7-13

2.2.2 Defining the Global Unit System

2.2.3 Changing individual variable units

MBAL User Guide

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 9-13

This system will then appear in the Global Units Systems:

2.2.4 Minimum and Maximum Limits

MBAL User Guide

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

2.2.5 Conversion Details

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 11-13

This displays a dialog that allows changing the precision.

2.2.6 Resetting the Units

MBAL User Guide

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application

2.2.7 Generating a Units Report

2.3 Getting Help

2.3.1 Accessing Help

2.3.2 Help through the menu

Chapter 2 - Using the MBAL Application 13-13