A Decline-Analysis Technique Incorporating Corrections for Total Fluid-Rate Changes

Summary Decline analysis inherently assumes a constant total-reservoir-fluid rate in contrast to constantly varying rates in actual field operations. This paper provides an approach for determining decline constants under varying total fluid rates for secondary or tertiary oil recovery processes. It further enables forecasting oil and nonoil production performance under different total fluid rate strategies. The technique helps identify pseudosteady state flow periods when decline analysis techniques are valid. It distinguishes incremental from accelerated oil responses when a recovery process change, operating practices, or workover activity causes a total fluid rate change.