New productivity formulae of horizontal wells

This paper presents new productivity formulae for horizontal wells. These new formulae are based on the average potential and the point convergence pressure. These formulae are derived from a three-dimensional solution of the Laplace equation, as opposed to the two-dimensional solutions used in previous formulae. Formulae are also given for the productivity of horizontal wells in reservoirs with either a gas cap or bottom water. This paper applies the newly derived formulae to the Liu-Hua Reservoir in the South China Sea. Results are compared to other formulae for horizontal well productivity presented in the literature by various authors. Significant differences between the new formulae and existing formulae are demonstrated. The newly derived formulae can account for the advantages of horizontal wells, and they are more accurate than other formulae.