Title: Analysis of sulphur deposition and well production in sour gas reservoirs considering the effect of temperature field

Authors: Bo Fang; Jinghong Hu; Baozhu Li; Xinzhe Zou

Addresses: Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, 20# Xue-Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China ' Beijing Key Laboratory of Unconventional Natural Gas Geology Evaluation and Development Engineering, China; China University of Geosciences (Bejing) 29# Xue-Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China ' Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, 20# Xue-Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China ' Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, 20# Xue-Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China

Abstract: Sulphur deposition in deep sour reservoirs poses a significant challenge to gas well production by impairing reservoir porosity and permeability. Temperature plays a crucial role in controlling sulphur deposition, affecting both its quantity and phase. This study aims to propose a thermal-fluid coupling model to examine the changing characteristics of sulphur deposition and gas well production. By using the finite volume method for numerical solution, the model enables the determination of temperature and pressure distribution within the reservoir, facilitating the prediction of sulphur deposition phases and gas well productivity. The study reveals that considering temperature field variations in the development of sour gas reservoirs leads to increased sulphur deposition saturation and decreased gas well productivity. Gas-liquid sulphur two-phase flow does not occur within the formation. This study provides a scientific basis for optimising development strategies in sour gas reservoirs. [Received: July 3, 2023; Accepted: December 21, 2023]

Keywords: sour gas reservoirs; temperature field; multiple-fractured horizontal well; sulphur deposition phase change; gas well production.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOGCT.2025.143050

International Journal of Oil, Gas and Coal Technology, 2025 Vol.37 No.1, pp.29 - 51

Received: 30 Jun 2023
Accepted: 21 Dec 2023
Published online: 02 Dec 2024 *

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