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Nodal Analysis Calculator

Find the operating point where IPR meets VLP. Sensitivity on tubing size, GOR, and wellhead pressure — free, browser-based.

Reservoir & IPR (Vogel)

VLP & Well Properties

Operating Rate

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Operating Pwf

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AOF (qmax)

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Drawdown

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Nodal Analysis Plot (IPR + VLP)

Sensitivity Analysis

How the operating point shifts with tubing size, GOR, and WHP changes.

How this was calculated

IPR: Vogel's equation below bubble point: q/qmax = 1 - 0.2*(Pwf/Pr) - 0.8*(Pwf/Pr)^2. Above bubble point: linear PI.

VLP: Simplified Beggs & Brill two-phase pressure traverse from WHP downward (same engine as VLP Calculator tool).

Operating point: Found by bisection on the IPR-VLP pressure difference across flow rates.

Sensitivity: Varies one parameter at a time while holding others constant.

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Understanding Nodal Analysis

Nodal analysis is the fundamental method for predicting well production rates by finding the operating point where the reservoir's deliverability (IPR - inflow performance relationship) intersects with the wellbore's lifting capacity (VLP - vertical lift performance). The node is typically placed at the bottomhole, where the IPR curve (pressure vs. rate from the reservoir) crosses the VLP curve (pressure required to lift fluids to surface).

The IPR describes what the reservoir can deliver. For oil wells below the bubble point, Vogel's (1968) correlation is standard: q/qmax = 1 - 0.2*(Pwf/Pr) - 0.8*(Pwf/Pr)^2. The VLP describes the pressure required at bottomhole to move fluids to surface at a given rate, accounting for hydrostatic head, friction, and multiphase flow effects.

Sensitivity analysis reveals how production responds to changes in completion design (tubing size), reservoir conditions (GOR, water cut), and surface constraints (wellhead pressure). This is the standard approach used in commercial nodal analysis packages.

All calculations run in your browser. Built by Groundwork Analytics.

Disclaimer: These calculations are for screening and educational purposes only. Results should be verified against detailed simulation or field measurements before making operational decisions. Groundwork Analytics assumes no liability for decisions made based on these results.