Comparison of Decline Curve Analysis and Material Balance Method as Procedure for Estimating Reserve

Reserve estimation is by far an essential aspect with regards to Petroleum Engineering jobs. Several methods have been developed for estimating and evaluating reserve. The present work therefore focused on comparing two of the various methods of estimating reserve. These methods are: Decline Curve Analysis and Material Balance. The decline curve analysis was based on observed production history. The reservoir used in this paper shows an exponential decline trend with a constant; thus, the reserve was estimated with this method. The Material balance method was carried out using Pressure, Volume and Temperature (PVT) data, pressure and production history of the reservoir. The reservoir used as a case study has a combination drive mechanism; thus, the water influx was calculated using Hurst and Van Everdingen model. The Havlena and Odeh linear form of material balance equation was employed. The reserve estimate obtained with Decline Curve Analysis and material balance methods are in close agreement.