Abstract:The profile imbalance is an important problem demanding prompt solution during the production of horizontal wells. Based on source function method and superposition principles, a profile model for horizontal wells in anisotropic box-shaped reservoirs is presented according to the coupling between reservoir flow and wellbore flow. Under uniform recovery, the inflow rates at the two ends of the horizontal well are higher than that in the middle. The ideal profile exhibits U-shaped distribution. Under uniform perforation, the inflow rate at the heel is higher than that at the toe due to the pressure drop in the wellbore. The profile imbalance increases with the increase of perforation density and depth. A profile control method for horizontal wells is developed with the aim of uniform recovery. This method is characterized by simplicity, efficiency, and can be applied to anisotropic box-shaped reservoirs.Uniform recovery requires that the perforation density decreases step by step from the toe to the heel. The higher the perforation density at the toe, the bigger the decrease of perforation density at the heel, and the better the performance of profile control.