Nodal Analysis and Well Performance

Overview

Nodal analysis is the most widely used tool for understanding how a well produces and why it does not produce more. By treating the reservoir, completion, tubing, flowline and surface facilities as one connected system, it shows where pressure is lost and which changes will deliver the greatest gain. This course teaches participants to build, calibrate and use well performance models with confidence. It covers inflow performance for oil and gas wells, the effects of skin and completion design, multiphase flow in tubing and pipelines, and the choice of flow correlations. Participants then apply nodal analysis to real questions: tubing size selection, choke and separator pressure effects, artificial lift design, liquid loading in gas wells and the evaluation of stimulation candidates.

Objectives

• Explain the principles of systems analysis for producing wells
• Build inflow performance relationships for oil and gas wells
• Select and apply multiphase flow correlations
• Calibrate well models against test and production data
• Use nodal analysis to evaluate tubing, choke and pressure changes
• Predict liquid loading and evaluate remedies in gas wells
• Quantify the benefits of stimulation and artificial lift
• Present model-based recommendations clearly

Who should attend

Training methodology

The course is strongly hands-on. After each short theory session, participants build or modify a well model, either in spreadsheets or in commercial nodal analysis software where licences are available. Exercises progress from a simple naturally flowing oil well to gas wells with liquid loading and wells on artificial lift. Participants compare their results in groups and discuss the sensitivity of conclusions to uncertain inputs. A final modelling project and assessment complete the course.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Fees are in GBP. per delegate.

Certificate

Frequently asked questions