Parametric and predictive analysis of horizontal well configurations for coalbed methane reservoirs in Appalachian Basin

It has been a well-established fact that the Appalachian Basin represents a high potential region for the Coalbed Methane (CBM) production. The thin coal beds in the Appalachian basin are characterized by low porosity and permeability values. Due to highly complex reservoir characteristics, different drilling techniques have been developed in order to improve ultimate gas recovery in the shortest possible time. It has been claimed that horizontal drilling is the optimum completion technique used in this region to maximize methane recovery from coalbed reservoirs.;Horizontal wells are considered to be effective in the relatively thin, naturally fractured reservoirs that are characterized by permeability anisotropy. With today's advanced drilling technology, the direction of a horizontal wellbore can be controlled, maximizing the gas production. The objective of this study is to review the various horizontal well configurations used for the recovery of coal bed methane. This study discusses different coalbed properties, and horizontal well patterns, that should be applied in different cases. In addition, the gas recovery and the flow rate associated to the drainage area for each pattern are discussed.;Various reservoir models with diversity of reservoir properties and different horizontal well configurations with various spacing between laterals have been investigated for the best possible gas recovery, using detailed sensitivity analysis, parametric study and intelligent modeling approach.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2004

Author dc:creator

• Maricic, Nikola

Contributors dc:contributor

• Shahab Mohaghegh.

• Petroleum engineering

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1549

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2552