PETE 343

PETROLEUM RESERVOIR
ENGINEERING - I
PERFORMANCE PREDICTION METHODS FOR SOLUTION GAS DRIVE RESERVOIRS

Fall 2023 - 2024 Chapter-8

 SOLUTION GAS DRIVE
When the reservoir pressure drops the bubble point, solution gas
drive becomes effective, then the analysis is more complex as gas
comes out of solution.

Solution gas drive is the most common drive mechanism in oil

reservoirs but unfortunately it is also very inefficient.

In order to use the MBE to predict further production as a function of

pressure decline, we need to develop other independent equations:

The Instantaneous producing gas-oil ratio (R)

The saturation equation

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 2

 INSTANTANEOUS (PRODUCING) GAS-OIL RATIO
The instantaneous gas-oil ratio, (R), is the ratio of gas production rate
to oil production rate at a particular point in the production life of the
reservoir, that is at a particular reservoir pressure.

The instantaneous gas-oil ratio equation is based on the Darcy flow

equation

𝐺𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑑𝑎𝑦

R=
𝑂𝑖𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑆𝑇𝐵/𝑑𝑎𝑦

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 3

 INSTANTANEOUS (PRODUCING) GAS-OIL RATIO
The gas production can come from two different sources:

- Gas in solution in the reservoir

- Gas production from free gas in the reservoir
𝑞𝑔
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑠 =
𝐵𝑔
qg = free gas flow rate, r bbl/day
Bg = gas formation volume factor, r bbl/SCF

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑔𝑎𝑠 = 𝑄𝑜 𝑅𝑠
Qo = oil flow rate, STB/day
Rs = solution gas-oil ratio, SCF/STB

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 INSTANTANEOUS (PRODUCING) GAS-OIL RATIO
Total gas production rate
𝑞𝑔
𝑄𝑔 = + 𝑄𝑜 𝑅𝑠
𝐵𝑔
Q g = total gas production rate, SCF/day

Oil production rate

𝑞𝑜
𝑄𝑜 =
𝐵𝑜

qo = reservoir oil flow rate, r bbl/day

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 INSTANTANEOUS (PRODUCING) GAS-OIL RATIO
Combining R, Q g and Qo equations

𝑞𝑔 𝑞𝑔
+ 𝑄𝑜 𝑅𝑠 𝑄𝑜 𝑅𝑠
𝐵𝑔 𝑅=
𝐵𝑔
𝑞𝑜 + 𝑞𝑜
𝑅= 𝑞𝑜 𝐵𝑜 𝐵𝑜
𝐵𝑜
𝑞𝑔
𝑄𝑜 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
𝑞𝑜 = 𝑅𝑠 𝑅= 𝑞𝑜 + 𝑅𝑠
𝐵𝑜 𝐵𝑜

qg and qo are reservoir flow rates of gas and oil

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 6

 INSTANTANEOUS (PRODUCING) GAS-OIL RATIO
For a radial system in terms of Darcy’s law:

2𝜋𝑘𝑒,𝑔 ∆𝑃 2𝜋𝑘𝑒,𝑜 ∆𝑃
𝑞𝑔 = 𝑞𝑜 = 𝑟
𝜇𝑔
𝑟
𝑙𝑛𝑟 𝑒 𝜇𝑜 𝑙𝑛𝑟 𝑒
𝑤 𝑤

𝑞𝑔
𝐵𝑔
𝑅= 𝑞𝑜 + 𝑅𝑠
𝐵𝑜

𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
𝑅= + 𝑅𝑠
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔

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 OIL SATURATION EQUATION
The oil saturation equation provides an average oil
saturation for a reservoir at any time
𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔
𝑆𝑜 =
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
𝑜𝑖𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 𝑁 − 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜
𝑁𝐵𝑜𝑏
𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 =
1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖

So = oil saturation at any time

Swi = connate water saturation
N = the oil in place at the bubble point
Np = the cumulative oil production below the bubble point

𝑁 − 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜
𝑆𝑜 = = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖
𝑁𝐵𝑜𝑏 Τ 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖 𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 8

 PERFORMANCE PREDICTION METHODS

There are two periods to a solution gas drive reservoir:

- The period above the bubble point where reservoir fluids remain
single phase (liquid) with the gas remaining in solution

- The other period is that below the bubble point, where gas
comes out of solution and the productivity of the formation is
affected by the relative properties of the oil and gas phases.

The prediction methods focus on the predictions below the bubble

point below because the predictions above the bubble point are
straightforward.

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 PERFORMANCE PREDICTION METHODS

• All the techniques that are used to predict the

future performance of a reservoir are based on
– Combining the appropriate MBE with the
instantaneous GOR using the proper saturation
equation.
• The calculations are repeated at a series of
assumed reservoir pressure drops. These
calculations are usually based on one stock-tank
barrel of oil-in-place at the bubble-point
pressure, i.e., N = 1.
– This avoids carrying large numbers in the calculation
procedure and permits calculations to be made on the
basis of the fractional recovery of initial oil-in-place.

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD

GENERAL MATERIAL BALANCE EQUATION

No original gas-cap m=0

Water expansion and pore volume reduction terms are negligible

We and Wp terms re negligible

Boi = Bob

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD
REDUCED MATERIAL BALANCE EQUATION
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 + 𝑅𝑝 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 = 𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
𝐺𝑝
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 + 𝑁𝑝 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 = 𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
𝑁𝑝

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 + 𝐺𝑝 − 𝑁𝑝 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 = 𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔

The above material balance equation contains two unknowns, which are:
• Cumulative oil production Np
• Cumulative gas production Gp

The following reservoir and PVT data must be available in order to predict the
primary recovery performance of a depletion-drive reservoir in terms of Np and Gp:
• Initial oil in place, N
• Hydrocarbon PVT data
• Initial fluid saturations
• Relative permeability data

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD

REDUCED MATERIAL BALANCE EQUATION

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 + 𝑅𝑝 −𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
=1

At the start of prediction the values of the parameters at the bubble point are known,
N, Bob and Rsi, Np and Gp are set zero

𝐺𝑝 Τ𝑁
𝑅𝑝 =
𝑁𝑝 Τ𝑁

Schilthuis, R.J. “Active Oil and Reservoir Energy”, Trans. AIME, 118: 33 – 52, 1936

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD
The gas production, Gp is obtained from the producing GOR, R and cumulative oil production.

Producing GOR varies as the

reservoir is depleted, so an
incremental procedure is used
based on the following equation

ത 𝑝
∆𝐺𝑝 = 𝑅∆𝑁

𝑅ത is the average producing GOR over

the increment of production

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD
𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 − 𝐺𝑝 𝐵𝑔
𝑁𝑝 =
𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔

The producing GOR is a function of relative permeability

𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
𝑅= + 𝑅𝑠
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔

The relative permeability is related to saturation which is related to cumulative

oil production through the saturation equation

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖
𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD
Schilthuis method is applied with a trial-and-error procedure as follows:
1. Np,j and Gp,j are set zero at Bubble point pressure
2. Then, set a pressure below Bubble point pressure
3. Assume Np, j+1/N
4. Calculate So, j+1 from oil saturation equation, using Np, j+1/N determined in
Step 3.
5. Determine relative permeability ratio from relative permeability vs So data
𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
𝑅𝐽+1 = + 𝑅𝑠
6. Calculate producing GOR, Rj+1 𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔
𝑗+1

7. Calculate 𝑅ത 𝑅 +𝑅
𝑅ത = 𝑗 2 𝑗+1

∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝑁
8. Calculate 𝑁 𝑁
= 𝑅ത 𝑝,𝑗+1
𝑁

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗

9. Calculate 𝑁 𝑁
= σ
𝑁
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1

10. Calculate Rp, j+1 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 = 𝑁

𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1
𝑁

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 SCHILTHUIS METHOD

Substitute Rp, j+1 into MBE and check whether LHS is equal to 1.

𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 + 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 −𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1

𝑁 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1
=1

Repeat all procedure until LHS becomes equal to 1

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 EXAMPLE
• Example: Predict the performance of the reservoir given the following
data by Schilthuis method
Average Depth = 6500 ft
Swc = 0.15
OOIP = 100 MMSTB
cw = 3×10-6 1/psi
Initial pressure = 2925 psia

Reservoir temperature = 175°F

Specific gravity of gas = 0.7

cf = 8×10-6 1/psi So (%) kg/ko

30 60
P (psia) Bo (rbbl/STB) Rs (SCF/STB) Viscosity ratio Bg (rbbl/SCF) Bo/Bg (SCF/STB)
35 25
2925 1.430 1340
40 13
2600 1.450 1340
50 3.5
2400 1.460 1340
60 0.85
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
70 0.19
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
80 0.028
1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
85 0.015
1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 18

 EXAMPLE
ABOVE BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE
Pb = 2100 psia

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜𝑖 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑖 𝐶𝑤 𝑆𝑤𝑐 + 𝐶𝑓

= + ∆𝑃
𝑁 𝐵𝑜 𝐵𝑜𝑖 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑐

𝑁𝑝 1.430 1.470 − 1.430 3 × 10−6 × 0.15 + 8 × 10−6

= + 2925 − 2100
𝑁 1.470 1.430 1 − 0.15

𝑁𝑝
= 0.035
𝑁
𝑁𝑝 = 0.035 × 100 × 106 = 3.5 MMSTB

𝑁𝑎𝑡 𝐵𝑢𝑏𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 = (100 − 3.5) × 106 = 96.5 MMSTB

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 EXAMPLE
Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP P (psia)
2925
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB)
1.430 1340
ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

2600 1.450 1340

Pj = Pb = 2100 psia Np,j = Gp,j = 0 2400 1.460 1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
Pj+1 = 1800 psia Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.03 1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5

Calculate So, j+1 𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖

𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏

1.465
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 0.03 1 − 0.15 = 0.822
1.470

Determine kg / ko 𝑘𝑔
= 5.475 × 𝑒 −0.15×𝑆𝑜 = 0.0243 So is in %
𝑘𝑜
𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
Calculate Rj+1 𝑅𝐽+1 =
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔
+ 𝑅𝑠 = 0.0243 × 965.1 × 38.3 + 1250 = 2148.2 SCF/STB
𝑗+1

𝑅𝑗 + 𝑅𝑗+1 1340 + 2148.2

Calculate 𝑅ത 𝑅ത = = = 1744.1 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
2 2

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 Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
P (psia)
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB) ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

EXAMPLE 2925
2600
2400
1.430
1.450
1.460
1340
1340
1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP 1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5
Calculate = 𝑅ത 𝑁 = 1744.1 × 0.03 = 52.32 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁 𝑁
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
Calculate = 0 + 52.32 = 52.32 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁
𝑁
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
52.32
Calculate Rp, j+1 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 = 𝑁 = = 1744.1 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 0.03
𝑁

Substitute into MBE 𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 + 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 − 𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1

𝑁 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1

1.465 + 1744.1 − 1250 × 0.001518

0.03 × = 0.505 ≠ 1.0
1.465 − 1.470 + 1340 − 1250 × 0.001518

We have to repeat all procedure with new Np, j+1/N

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 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP
Np,j+1/N So (fraction) kg / ko Rj+1 Average R Gp,j+1/N MBE result
0.03 0.822 0.0243 2148.1 1744.1 52.32 0.505
0.05 0.805 0.0313 2408.0 1874.0 93.70 0.916
0.07 0.788 0.0404 2743.1 2041.5 142.91 1.418
0.0537 0.802 0.0328 2463.8 1901.9 102.13 1.001

Np, j+1/N = 0.0537

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 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP
Pj = 1800 psia Np,j/N= 0.0537 Rj= 2463.8 SCF/STB Gp,j/N= 102.13 SCF/STB
Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
P (psia)
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB) ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)
Pj+1 = 1500 psia Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.07 2925
2600
1.430
1.450
1340
1340
2400 1.460 1340

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 2100
1800
1.470
1.465
1340
1250
34.0
38.3
0.001283
0.001518
1145.8
965.1
Calculate So, j+1 𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖 1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏 1200
1000
1.395
1.360
990
860
48.8
53.6
0.002365
0.002885
589.9
471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5
1.440
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 0.07 1 − 0.15 = 0.774
1.470

Determine kg / ko 𝑘𝑔
= 5.475 × 𝑒 −0.15×𝑆𝑜 = 0.0494 So is in %
𝑘𝑜
𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
Calculate Rj+1 𝑅𝐽+1 =
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔
+ 𝑅𝑠 = 0.0494 × 777.1 × 42.4 + 1150 = 2778. 4 SCF/STB
𝑗+1

𝑅𝑗 + 𝑅𝑗+1 2463.8 + 2778.4

Calculate 𝑅ത 𝑅ത = = = 2621.1 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
2 2

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 Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
P (psia)
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB) ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

EXAMPLE 2925
2600
2400
1.430
1.450
1.460
1340
1340
1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP 1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
Calculate 700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
𝑁 ∆𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 ∆𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5

= 𝑅ത = 2621.1 × (0.07 − 0.0573) = 42.72 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵

𝑁 𝑁
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
Calculate = 102.13 + 42.72 = 144.85 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁
𝑁
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
144.85
Calculate Rp, j+1 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 = 𝑁 = = 2069.34 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 0.07
𝑁

Substitute into MBE 𝑁𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 + 𝑅𝑝,𝑗+1 − 𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1

𝑁 𝐵𝑜,𝑗+1 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠,𝑗+1 𝐵𝑔,𝑗+1

1.440 + 2069.34 − 1150 × 0.001853

0.07 × = 0.683 ≠ 1.0
1.440 − 1.470 + 1340 − 1150 × 0.001853

We have to repeat all procedure with new Np, j+1/N

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 24

 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP

Np,j+1/N So (fraction) kg / ko Rj+1 Average R DGp,j+1/N Gp /N Rp MBE result

0.07 0.774 0.0494 2778.4 2621.1 42.72 144.85 2069.34 0.683
0.08 0.766 0.0560 2995.0 2729.4 71.78 173.91 2173.91 0.829
0.09 0.758 0.0634 3240.4 2852.1 103.53 205.66 2285.13 0.990
0.10 0.749 0.0719 3518.5 2991.1 138.49 240.62 2406.20 1.170
0.0906 0.757 0.0639 3256.1 2859.9 105.53 207.66 2292.09 1.000

Np, j+1/N = 0.0906

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 25

 TARNER METHOD

REDUCED MATERIAL BALANCE EQUATION

𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 + 𝑁𝑝 𝑅𝑃 − 𝑁𝑝 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 = 𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔

Rearrange, solve for 𝑁𝑝 𝑅𝑃

𝑁 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
𝑁𝑝 𝑅𝑃 = − = 𝐺𝑝
𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑔

Divide each term by N

𝐺𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
= −
𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝑁 𝐵𝑔

Again two unknowns, Np and Gp.

The solution strategy is of a trial and error approach using two independent equations:
Producing GOR and MBE

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 26

 TARNER METHOD
Write MBE for gas production at two different pressure levels Pj and PJ+1
and get their difference

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔

− = −
𝑁 𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑔
𝑗+1 𝑗
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
− +
𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝑁 𝐵𝑔
𝐽+1 𝐽

Calculate the same difference from instantaneous gas-oil ratio equation

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝑁𝑝 𝑁𝑝
− = 𝑅ത −
𝑁 𝑁 𝑁 𝑗+1 𝑁𝑗

𝑁𝑝
Check the equality of incremental gas production by assuming a fractional oil recovery, 𝑁 𝑗+1
Repeat the procedure until the equality is achieved.

Tarner, J. “How Different Size Gas Caps and Pressure Maintenance Programs Affect Amount of Recoverable Oil”,
Oil Weekly, June 2, 1944, No:2, 32 – 34.

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 27

 EXAMPLE
• Example: Predict the performance of the reservoir given the following
data by Tarner method
Average Depth = 6500 ft
Swc = 0.15
OOIP = 100 MMSTB
cw = 3×10-6 1/psi
Initial pressure = 2925 psia

Reservoir temperature = 175°F

Specific gravity of gas = 0.7

cf = 8×10-6 1/psi So (%) kg/ko

30 60
P (psia) Bo (rbbl/STB) Rs (SCF/STB) Viscosity ratio Bg (rbbl/SCF) Bo/Bg (SCF/STB)
35 25
2925 1.430 1340
40 13
2600 1.450 1340
50 3.5
2400 1.460 1340
60 0.85
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
70 0.19
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
80 0.028
1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
85 0.015
1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 28

 EXAMPLE
Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP P (psia)
2925
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB)
1.430 1340
ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

2600 1.450 1340

Pj = Pb = 2100 psia Np,j = Gp,j = 0 2400 1.460 1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
Pj+1 = 1800 psia Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.03 1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5
MBE
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
− = −
𝑁 𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑔
𝑗+1 𝑗
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
− +
𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝑁 𝐵𝑔
𝐽+1 𝐽

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 1. 465 − 1.470 + 1340 − 1250 × 0.001518

−0= −0
𝑁 0.001518 𝑗+1
1.465 − 1250 × 0.001518
− 0.03 × +0
0.001518

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
= 95.25 SCF/STB
𝑁

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 29

 EXAMPLE
Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP P (psia)
2925
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB)
1.430 1340
ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

2600 1.450 1340

GOR Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.03 2400 1.460 1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
Calculate So, j+1 𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖
1200
1000
1.395
1.360
990
860
48.8
53.6
0.002365
0.002885
589.9
471.4
𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏 700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5
1.465
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 0.03 1 − 0.15 = 0.822
1.470
Determine kg / ko 𝑘𝑔 So is in %
= 5.475 × 𝑒 −0.15×𝑆𝑜 = 0.0243
𝑘𝑜
𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
Calculate Rj+1 𝑅𝐽+1 =
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔
+ 𝑅𝑠 = 0.0243 × 965.1 × 38.3 + 1250 = 2148.2 SCF/STB
𝑗+1

Calculate 𝑅ത 𝑅ത =
𝑅𝑗 + 𝑅𝑗+1
=
1340 + 2148.2
= 1744.1 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
2 2

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝑁𝑝 𝑁𝑝
− = 𝑅ത −
𝑁 𝑁 𝑁 𝑗+1 𝑁𝑗

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
− 0 = 1744.1 × 0.03 − 0 = 52.322 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁
MBE ≠ GOR New trial !!!

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 30

 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 1st STEP
Np,j+1/N DGp from MBE So rel-perm ratio Rj+1 Average R DGp from GOR
0.03 95.25 0.822 0.02430 2148.14 1744.07 52.322
0.05 100.95 0.805 0.03133 2408.01 1874.01 93.700
0.07 106.65 0.788 0.04039 2743.07 2041.54 142.908
0.0537 102.01 0.802 0.03284 2463.75 1901.88 102.131

Np, j+1/N = 0.0537

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 31

 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP
Pj = 1800 psia Np,j/N= 0.0537 Rj= 2463.8 SCF/STB Gp,j/N= 102.13 SCF/STB
Bo Rs Viscosity Bg Bo/Bg
P (psia)
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB) ratio (rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)

Pj+1 = 1500 psia Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.06 2925

2600
1.430
1.450
1340
1340
2400 1.460 1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8
1800 1.465 1250 38.3 0.001518 965.1
1500 1.440 1150 42.4 0.001853 777.1
MBE 1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9
1000 1.360 860 53.6 0.002885 471.4
700 1.287 662 62.5 0.004250 302.8
400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑜 − 𝐵𝑜𝑏 + 𝑅𝑠𝑖 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔

− = −
𝑁 𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝐵𝑔
𝑗+1 𝑗
𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 − 𝑅𝑠 𝐵𝑔
− +
𝑁 𝐵𝑔 𝑁 𝐵𝑔
𝐽+1 𝐽

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 1.440 − 1.470 + 1340 − 1150 × 0.001853 1.465 − 1.470 + 1340 − 1250 × 0.001518
− 102.13 = −
𝑁 0.001853 0.001518
1.440 − 1150 × 0.001853 1.465 − 1250 × 0.001518
− 0.06 × + 0.0537 ×
0.001853 0.001518

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
= 94.18 SCF/STB
𝑁

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 32

 EXAMPLE P (psia)
Bo Rs
(rbbl/STB) (SCF/STB)
Viscosity
ratio
Bg Bo/Bg
(rbbl/SCF) (SCF/STB)
2925 1.430 1340
2600 1.450 1340
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP 2400 1.460 1340
2100 1.470 1340 34.0 0.001283 1145.8

GOR Assume Np, j+1/N = 0.06 1800

1500
1.465
1.440
1250
1150
38.3
42.4
0.001518
0.001853
965.1
777.1
1200 1.395 990 48.8 0.002365 589.9

Calculate So, j+1 𝑁𝑝 𝐵𝑜 1000

700
1.360
1.287
860
662
53.6
62.5
0.002885
0.004250
471.4
302.8
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 1 − 𝑆𝑤𝑖 400 1.202 465 79.0 0.007680 156.5
𝑁 𝐵𝑜𝑏
1.440
𝑆𝑜 = 1 − 0.06 1.470 1 − 0.15 = 0.783
Determine kg / ko 𝑘𝑔 So is in %
= 5.475 × 𝑒 −0.15×𝑆𝑜 = 0.04362
𝑘𝑜

𝑘𝑒,𝑔 𝐵𝑜 𝜇𝑜
Calculate Rj+1 𝑅𝐽+1 =
𝑘𝑒,𝑜 𝐵𝑔 𝜇𝑔
+ 𝑅𝑠 = 0.04362 × 777.1 × 42.4 + 1150 = 2587.2 SCF/STB
𝑗+1

Calculate 𝑅ത 𝑅ത =
𝑅𝑗 + 𝑅𝑗+1
=
2463.8 + 25872.
= 2525.46 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
2 2
𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1 𝐺𝑝,𝑗 𝑁𝑝 𝑁𝑝
− = 𝑅ത −
𝑁 𝑁 𝑁 𝑗+1 𝑁𝑗

𝐺𝑝,𝑗+1
− 102.13 = 2525.46 × 0.06 − 0.0537 = 15.910 𝑆𝐶𝐹/𝑆𝑇𝐵
𝑁

MBE ≠ GOR New trial !!!

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 33

 EXAMPLE
BELOW BUBBLE POINT PRESSURE – 2nd STEP
Np,j+1/N DGp from MBE So rel-perm ratio Rj+1 Average R DGp from GOR
0.06 94.18 0.783 0.04362 2587.16 2525.46 15.910
0.08 101.63 0.766 0.05599 2994.98 2729.37 71.782
0.09 105.36 0.758 0.06344 3240.42 2852.09 103.531
0.10 109.09 0.749 0.07188 3518.51 2991.13 138.490
0.0906 105.59 0.757 0.06392 3256.14 2859.95 105.532

Np, j+1/N = 0.0906

Parlaktuna & Sınayuç PETE 343 Fall 2023 – 2024 34