To minimize the production of unwanted gas or water, flow rates from the well must be maintained so that the pressure gradients around the wellbore will not cone in the unwanted fluids. Flow performance calculations or reservoir models can be used to help predict the optimum production rates. However, because of pressure depletion within the oil zone, a pressure differential will eventually develop between the water and/or gas zones, such that encroachment will eventually occur. After this point, the well may soon become uneconomical due to the production of these unwanted fluids. | To minimize the production of unwanted gas or water, flow rates from the well must be maintained so that the pressure gradients around the wellbore will not cone in the unwanted fluids. Flow performance calculations or reservoir models can be used to help predict the optimum production rates. However, because of pressure depletion within the oil zone, a pressure differential will eventually develop between the water and/or gas zones, such that encroachment will eventually occur. After this point, the well may soon become uneconomical due to the production of these unwanted fluids. |