Mathematical Models for Optimal Timing of Drilling on Multilayer Oil and Gas Fields

Abstract

The following problem of optimal control of multilayer gas and oil fields is formulated: for a given planning horizon find an optimal number of wells to be drilled on each layer and to be transferred between layers as a function of time to meet technological constraints and requirements, and to provide minimum total reduced cost per unit output. The optimal control problem is presented in the form of a mathematical programming problem with a nonlinear fractional objective function containing separable concave functions, and with separable concave constraints. Constraints describing specific features of gas and oil fields are considered. Solution procedures and applications are discussed.