Petroleum Engineer how-to

How to Analyze a Well Decline Curve

Decline curves forecast production.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Decline curves forecast production. In short: gather; plot; fit, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Gather production data.

  2. Plot rate over time.

  3. Fit a decline model.

  4. Forecast.

  5. Estimate reserves.

  6. Check against analogs.

Safety reminders for petroleum engineers

  • Follow well control procedures
  • Follow rig safety
  • Prevent spills
  • Manage H2S hazards

ABET · PE license · FE exam · CAD · Specification · Reservoir: see the full petroleum engineer glossary.

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