Well Flow Models for Various Numerical Methods

Abstract

Numerical simulation of fluid flow and transport processes in the subsurface must account for the presence of wells. The pressure at a gridblock that contains a well is different from the average pressure in that block and different from the flowing bottom hole pressure for the well [17]. Various finite difference well models have been developed to account for the difference. This paper presents a systematical derivation of well models for other numerical methods such as standard finite element, control volume finite element, and mixed finite element methods. Numerical results for a simple well example illustrating local grid refinement effects are given to validate these well models. The well models have particular applications to groundwater hydrology and petroleum reservoirs.