TPC stabilization

Tubing performance curve (TPC) stabilization is an optional feature which simplifies wellbore pressure calculations for numerical model forecasts. It is enabled by default, but you can disable TPC Curve Stabilization in the Options dialog box under Reservoir > Wellhead Forecasting.

When multiphase flow exists in a wellbore the pressure drop at low rates can be higher than expected. In a TPC, This results in the typical J-curve behavior.

 

Consider the overall shape of the TPC:

• On the right side, then the calculated sandface pressure is proportional to rate

• On the left side, then the pressure is inversely proportional to rate

Most of the time, it is expected that the reservoir deliverability will intersect the right-hand side of the curve. However, if a wellhead forecast predicts a solution on the left-hand side, then the inversely proportional relationship between rate and pressure can be a problem – often causing the well to shut-in completely.

To prevent this problem, the TPC stabilization feature replaces the left-side of the curve with a flat line equal to the minimum sandface pressure.

This stabilization can be deselected in the Options dialog box