Productivity index

Abstract

Various methods of determining the ability of an oil well to produce are discussed. The " productivity index," which is defined as the barrels of oil produced per day per pound differential between static and flowing bottomhole pressure, is discussed; and methods of determining it are outlined. Data on a number of wells in various pools in Oklahoma are presented. A discussion of the various measures of the relative ability of a well to produce shows the productivity index to be superior. Although it is felt by some that the productivity index is not a constant with rate of production, data presented indicate that if the tests are properly conducted, the productivity index is constant. Rapid strides have been made the past year or two towards procuring accurate bottom-hole-pressure data, and no doubt it will be practical accurately to determine productivity indices and use such indices in allocation of production.