Tubing Performance Relationship (TPR)

The tubing performance relationship (TPR) is a curve that represents the relationship between the surface production rate and the flowing bottomhole pressure in a well. It is a predictive tool used to estimate the performance of a well and to optimize production.

Two-Phase Flow

The TPR curve is based on the behavior of two-phase flow inside the well. Two-phase flow occurs when both gas and liquid are present in the wellbore. The fluid composition and behavior of the fluid phases in the specific completion design are taken into account when constructing the TPR curve.

Stability Region

The TPR curve helps determine the stability of well performance. Conventionally, production points on the TPR curve to the right of its minimum are considered stable. This is because, at these points, an increase in production rate will result in a decrease in flowing bottomhole pressure. This negative feedback mechanism helps to stabilize the well’s production.

Predictive Tool

The TPR curve is used in conjunction with the inflow performance relationship (IPR) to predict the performance of a specific well. The IPR curve represents the relationship between the bottomhole pressure and the production rate from the reservoir. By combining the TPR and IPR curves, it is possible to determine the operating point of the well, which is the point at which the production rate and flowing bottomhole pressure are in equilibrium.

References

1. J.L.A. Dubbeldam and P.J.P. Egberts, “The Stability Region of the Tubing Performance Relation Curve,” Delft University of Technology, 2015. [Online]. Available: http://repository.tudelft.nl/islandora/object/uuid:d9f03d28-03ff-4fb7-992c-053908f87243/datastream/OBJ/download
2. “Tubing Performance Curve (TPC) | Energy Glossary,” Schlumberger, 2023. https://glossary.slb.com/Terms/t/tubing_performance_curve_tpc.aspx (accessed Jun. 22, 2023).
3. “Tubing Performance Relation (TPR),” SlideShare, 2023. https://www.slideshare.net/akincraig/tubing-performance-relation-tpr (accessed Jun. 22, 2023).

FAQs

What is tubing performance relationship (TPR)?

The tubing performance relationship (TPR) is a curve that represents the relationship between the surface production rate and the flowing bottomhole pressure in a well.

What is the purpose of a TPR curve?

The TPR curve is used to predict the performance of a well and to optimize production. It helps determine the stability of well performance and is used in conjunction with the inflow performance relationship (IPR) to determine the operating point of the well.

How is the TPR curve constructed?

The TPR curve is constructed based on the behavior of two-phase flow inside the well. It takes into account the fluid composition and behavior of the fluid phases in the specific completion design.

What is the stability region of the TPR curve?

Conventionally, production points on the TPR curve to the right of its minimum are considered stable. This is because, at these points, an increase in production rate will result in a decrease in flowing bottomhole pressure, which helps to stabilize the well’s production.

How is the TPR curve used in conjunction with the IPR curve?

The TPR curve and IPR curve are combined to predict the performance of a specific well. The IPR curve represents the relationship between the bottomhole pressure and the production rate from the reservoir. By combining the TPR and IPR curves, it is possible to determine the operating point of the well, which is the point at which the production rate and flowing bottomhole pressure are in equilibrium.

What are some factors that can affect the TPR curve?

Factors that can affect the TPR curve include the fluid composition, flow rate, wellbore geometry, and completion design.

How can the TPR curve be used to optimize production?

The TPR curve can be used to optimize production by identifying the operating point of the well that maximizes production while maintaining stability. This can be done by adjusting the production rate or by modifying the completion design.

What are some limitations of the TPR curve?

The TPR curve is a simplified model of well performance and does not account for all factors that can affect production. It is also based on steady-state conditions and does not account for transient effects.