Pressure-Transient Tests and Flow Regimes in Fractured Reservoirs

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (02) ◽  
pp. 187-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikri Kuchuk ◽  
Denis Biryukov
Keyword(s):  
History Matching ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Flow Regimes ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Dual Porosity ◽  
Hydraulic Fractures ◽  
Fractured Reservoir ◽  
Pressure Transient ◽  
Matrix Block ◽  
Naturally Fractured

Summary Fractures are common features in many well-known reservoirs. Naturally fractured reservoirs include fractured igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks (matrix). Faults in many naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs often have high-permeability zones, and are connected to numerous fractures that have varying conductivities. Furthermore, in many naturally fractured reservoirs, faults and fractures can be discrete (rather than connected-network dual-porosity systems). In this paper, we investigate the pressure-transient behavior of continuously and discretely naturally fractured reservoirs with semianalytical solutions. These fractured reservoirs can contain periodically or arbitrarily distributed finite- and/or infinite-conductivity fractures with different lengths and orientations. Unlike the single-derivative shape of the Warren and Root (1963) model, fractured reservoirs exhibit diverse pressure behaviors as well as more than 10 flow regimes. There are seven important factors that dominate the pressure-transient test as well as flow-regime behaviors of fractured reservoirs: (1) fractures intersect the wellbore parallel to its axis, with a dipping angle of 90° (vertical fractures), including hydraulic fractures; (2) fractures intersect the wellbore with dipping angles from 0° to less than 90°; (3) fractures are in the vicinity of the wellbore; (4) fractures have extremely high or low fracture and fault conductivities; (5) fractures have various sizes and distributions; (6) fractures have high and low matrix block permeabilities; and (7) fractures are damaged (skin zone) as a result of drilling and completion operations and fluids. All flow regimes associated with these factors are shown for a number of continuously and discretely fractured reservoirs with different well and fracture configurations. For a few cases, these flow regimes were compared with those from the field data. We performed history matching of the pressure-transient data generated from our discretely and continuously fractured reservoir models with the Warren and Root (1963) dual-porosity-type models, and it is shown that they yield incorrect reservoir parameters.

Pressure-Transient Behavior of Continuously and Discretely Fractured Reservoirs

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (01) ◽  
pp. 82-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikri Kuchuk ◽  
Denis Biryukov
Keyword(s):  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Flow Regimes ◽  
Transient Behavior ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Dual Porosity ◽  
Pressure Transient ◽  
Naturally Fractured ◽  
Dual Porosity Model ◽  
Well Tests ◽  
Porosity Model

Summary Fractures are common features of many well-known reservoirs. Naturally fractured reservoirs contain fractures in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary formations. Faults in many naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs often have high-permeability zones, and are connected to many fractures with varying conductivities. Furthermore, in many naturally fractured reservoirs, faults and fractures can be discrete (i.e., not a connected-network fracture system). New semianalytical solutions are used to understand the pressure behavior of naturally fractured reservoirs containing a network of discrete and/or connected (continuous) finite- and infinite-conductivity fractures. We present an extensive literature review of the pressure-transient behavior of fractured reservoirs. First, we show that the Warren and Root (1963) dual-porosity model is a fictitious homogeneous porous medium because it does not contain any fractures. Second, by use of the new solutions, we show that for most naturally fractured reservoirs, the Warren and Root (1963) dual-porosity model is inappropriate and fundamentally incomplete for the interpretation of pressure-transient well tests because it does not capture the behavior of these reservoirs. We examined many field well tests published in the literature. With few exceptions, none of them shows the behavior of the Warren and Root (1963) dual-porosity model. These examples exhibit very diverse pressure behaviors of discretely and continuously fractured reservoirs. Unlike the single derivative shape of the Warren and Root (1963) model, the derivatives of these examples exhibit many different flow regimes depending on fracture distribution and on their intensity and conductivity. We show these flow regimes with our new model for discretely and continuously fractured reservoirs. Most well tests published in the literature do not exhibit the Warren and Root (1963) dual-porosity reservoir-model behavior. If we interpret them by use of this dual-porosity model, then the estimated permeability, skin factor, interporosity flow coefficient (λ), and storativity ratio (ω) will not represent the actual reservoir parameters.

Fractured-Reservoir Modeling and Interpretation

SPE Journal ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (05) ◽  
pp. 983-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fikri Kuchuk ◽  
Denis Biryukov ◽  
Tony Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Transient Behavior ◽  
Discrete Distributions ◽  
Dual Porosity ◽  
Fractured Reservoir ◽  
Well Test ◽  
Reservoir Model ◽  
Pressure Transient ◽  
Matrix Block ◽  
Naturally Fractured

Summary Fractures are common features of many well-known reservoirs. Naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) consist of fractures in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks (matrix). Faults in many naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs often have high-permeability zones and are connected to numerous fractures with varying conductivities. In many NFRs, faults and fractures frequently have discrete distributions rather than connected-fracture networks. Because faulting often creates fractures, faults and fractures should be modeled together. Accurately modeling NFR pressure-transient behavior is important in hydrogeology, the earth sciences, and petroleum engineering, including groundwater contamination to shale gas and oil reservoirs. For more than 50 years, conventional dual-porosity-type models, which do not include any fractures, have been used for modeling fluid flow in NFRs and aquifers. They have been continuously modified to add unphysical matrix-block properties such as matrix skin factor. In general, fractured reservoirs are heterogeneous at different length scales. It is clear that even with millions of gridblocks, numerical models may not be capable of accurately simulating the pressure-transient behavior of continuously and discretely NFRs containing variable-conductivity fractures. The conventional dual-porosity-type models are obviously an oversimplification; their serious limitations for interpreting well-test data from NFRs are discussed in detail. These models do not include wellbore-intersecting fractures, even though they dominate the pressure behavior of NFRs for a considerable length of testing time. Fracture conductivities of unity to infinity dominate transient behavior of both continuously and discretely fractured reservoirs, but again, dual-porosity models do not contain any fractures. Our fractured-reservoir model is capable of treating thousands of fractures that are periodically or arbitrarily distributed with finite- and/or infinite conductivities, different lengths, densities, and orientations. Appropriate inner-boundary conditions are used to account for wellbore-intersecting fractures and direct wellbore contributions to production. Wellbore-storage and skin effects in bounded and unbounded systems are included in the model. Three types of damaged-skin factors that may exist in wellbore-intersecting fracture(s) are specified. With this highly accurate model, the pressure-transient behavior of conventional dual-porosity-type models are investigated, and their limitations and range of applicability are identified. The behavior of the triple-porosity models is also investigated. It is very unlikely that triple-porosity behavior is caused by the local variability of matrix properties at the microscopic level. Rather, it is caused by the spatial variability of conductivity, length, density, and orientation of the fracture distributions. Finally, we have presented an interpretation of a field-buildup-test example from an NFR by use of both conventional dual-porosity models and our fractured-reservoir model. A substantial part of this paper is a review and discussion of the earlier work on NFRs, including the authors’ work.

Verification and Proper Use of Water-Oil Transfer Function for Dual-Porosity and Dual-Permeability Reservoirs

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adetayo S. Balogun ◽  
Hossein Kazemi ◽  
Erdal Ozkan ◽  
Mohammed Al-kobaisi ◽  
Benjamin Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Function ◽  
Oil Recovery ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Dual Porosity ◽  
Fluid Exchange ◽  
Matrix Block ◽  
Naturally Fractured

Summary Accurate calculation of multiphase fluid transfer between the fracture and matrix in naturally fractured reservoirs is a very crucial issue. In this paper, we will present the viability of the use of a simple transfer function to accurately account for fluid exchange resulting from capillary and gravity forces between fracture and matrix in dual-porosity and dual-permeability numerical models. With this approach, fracture- and matrix-flow calculations can be decoupled and solved sequentially, improving the speed and ease of computation. In fact, the transfer-function equations can be used easily to calculate the expected oil recovery from a matrix block of any dimension without the use of a simulator or oil-recovery correlations. The study was accomplished by conducting a 3-D fine-grid simulation of a typical matrix block and comparing the results with those obtained through the use of a single-node simple transfer function for a water-oil system. This study was similar to a previous study (Alkandari 2002) we had conducted for a 1D gas-oil system. The transfer functions of this paper are specifically for the sugar-cube idealization of a matrix block, which can be extended to simulation of a match-stick idealization in reservoir modeling. The basic data required are: matrix capillary-pressure curves, densities of the flowing fluids, and matrix block dimensions. Introduction Naturally fractured reservoirs contain a significant amount of the known petroleum hydrocarbons worldwide and, hence, are an important source of energy fuels. However, the oil recovery from these reservoirs has been rather low. For example, the Circle Ridge Field in Wind River Reservation, Wyoming, has been producing for 50 years, but the oil recovery is less than 15% (Golder Associates 2004). This low level of oil recovery points to the need for accurate reservoir characterization, realistic geological modeling, and accurate flow simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs to determine the locations of bypassed oil. Reservoir simulation is the most practical method of studying flow problems in porous media when dealing with heterogeneity and the simultaneous flow of different fluids. In modeling fractured systems, a dual-porosity or dual-permeability concept typically is used to idealize the reservoir on the global scale. In the dual-porosity concept, fluids transfer between the matrix and fractures in the grid-cells while flowing through the fracture network to the wellbore. Furthermore, the bulk of the fluids are stored in the matrix. On the other hand, in the dual-permeability concept, fluids flow through the fracture network and between matrix blocks. In both the dual-porosity and dual-permeability formulations, the fractures and matrices are linked by transfer functions. The transfer functions account for fluid exchanges between both media. To understand the details of this fluid exchange, an elaborate method is used in this study to model flow in a single matrix block with fractures as boundaries. Our goal is to develop a technique to produce accurate results for use in large-scale modeling work.

scholarly journals A new methodology to reduce uncertainty of global attributes in naturally fractured reservoirs

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luís Augusto Nagasaki Costa ◽  
Célio Maschio ◽  
Denis José Schiozer
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
History Matching ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Fracture Network ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Fracture Aperture ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Fractured Reservoir ◽  
Naturally Fractured

Accurately characterizing fractures is complex. Several studies have proposed reducing uncertainty by incorporating fracture characterization into simulations, using a probabilistic approach, to maintain the geological consistency, of a range of models instead of a single matched model. We propose a new methodology, based on one of the steps of a general history-matching workflow, to reduce uncertainty of reservoir attributes in naturally fractured reservoirs. This methodology maintains geological consistency and can treat many reservoir attributes. To guarantee geological consistency, the geostatistical attributes (e.g., fracture aperture, length, and orientation) are used as parameters in the history matching. This allows us to control Discrete Fracture Network attributes, and systematically modify fractures. The iterative sensitivity analysis allows the inclusion of many (30 or more) uncertain attributes that might occur in a practical case. At each uncertainty reduction step, we use a sensitivity analysis to identify the most influential attributes to treat in each step. Working from the general history-matching workflow of Avansi et al. (2016), we adapted steps for use with our methodology, integrating the history matching with geostatistical modeling of fractures and other properties in a big loop approach. We applied our methodology to a synthetic case study of a naturally fractured reservoir, based on a real semi-synthetic carbonate field, offshore Brazil, to demonstrate the applicability in practical and complex cases. From the initial 18 uncertain attributes, we worked with only 5 and reduced the overall variability of the Objective Functions. Although the focus is on naturally fractured reservoirs, the proposed methodology can be applied to any type of reservoir.

Estimation of characteristics of naturally fractured reservoirs by pressure transient analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 368-380
Author(s):  
Mohamed Gamal Rezk ◽  
A.A. Abdelwaly
Keyword(s):  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Direct Synthesis ◽  
Flow Regimes ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Log Analysis ◽  
Curve Matching ◽  
Type Curve ◽  
Pressure Transient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Naturally Fractured

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the pressure behavior in dual porosity reservoirs using different techniques in an attempt to correctly characterize reservoir properties. Pressure transient tests in naturally fractured reservoirs often exhibit non-uniform responses. Design/methodology/approach The pressure transient tests in naturally fractured reservoirs were analyzed using conventional semi-log analysis, type curve matching (using commercial software) and Tiab’s direct synthesis (TDS) technique. In addition, the TDS method was applied in case of a naturally fractured formation with a vertical hydraulic fracture. These techniques were applied to a single-layer, naturally fractured reservoir under pseudosteady state matrix flow. By studying the unique characteristics of the different flow regimes appear on the pressure and pressure derivative curves, various reservoir characteristics can be obtained such as permeability, skin factor and fracture properties. Findings For naturally fractured reservoirs, a comparison between the results semi-log analysis, software matching and TDS method is presented. In case of wellbore storage, early time flow regime can be obscured that lead to incomplete semi-log analysis. Furthermore, the type curve matching usually gives a non-uniqueness solution, as it needs all the flow regimes to be observed. However, the direct synthesis method used analytical equation to calculate reservoir and well parameters without type curve matching. For naturally fractured reservoirs with a vertical fracture, the pressure behavior of wells crossed by a uniform flux and infinite conductivity fracture is analyzed using TDS technique. The different flow regimes on the pressure derivative curve were used to calculate the fracture half-length in addition to other reservoir properties. Originality/value The results of different field cases showed that TDS technique offers several advantages compared to semi-log analysis and type curve matching. It can be used even if some flow regimes are not observed. Direct synthesis results are accurate compared to the available core data and the software matching results. It can be used to confirm the software matching results and to give reliable reservoir characteristics when there is lack of data.

A Fully Implicit, Compositional, Parallel Simulator for IOR Processes in Fractured Reservoirs

SPE Journal ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (03) ◽  
pp. 367-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Naimi-Tajdar ◽  
Choongyong Han ◽  
Kamy Sepehrnoori ◽  
Todd James Arbogast ◽  
Mark A. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Dual Porosity ◽  
Fractured Reservoir ◽  
Matrix Fracture ◽  
Naturally Fractured ◽  
Matrix Blocks ◽  
Dual Porosity Model ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Porosity Model

Summary Naturally fractured reservoirs contain a significant amount of the world oil reserves. A number of these reservoirs contain several billion barrels of oil. Accurate and efficient reservoir simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs is one of the most important, challenging, and computationally intensive problems in reservoir engineering. Parallel reservoir simulators developed for naturally fractured reservoirs can effectively address the computational problem. A new accurate parallel simulator for large-scale naturally fractured reservoirs, capable of modeling fluid flow in both rock matrix and fractures, has been developed. The simulator is a parallel, 3D, fully implicit, equation-of-state compositional model that solves very large, sparse linear systems arising from discretization of the governing partial differential equations. A generalized dual-porosity model, the multiple-interacting-continua (MINC), has been implemented in this simulator. The matrix blocks are discretized into subgrids in both horizontal and vertical directions to offer a more accurate transient flow description in matrix blocks. We believe this implementation has led to a unique and powerful reservoir simulator that can be used by small and large oil producers to help them in the design and prediction of complex gas and waterflooding processes on their desktops or a cluster of computers. Some features of this simulator, such as modeling both gas and water processes and the ability of 2D matrix subgridding are not available in any commercial simulator to the best of our knowledge. The code was developed on a cluster of processors, which has proven to be a very efficient and convenient resource for developing parallel programs. The results were successfully verified against analytical solutions and commercial simulators (ECLIPSE and GEM). Excellent results were achieved for a variety of reservoir case studies. Applications of this model for several IOR processes (including gas and water injection) are demonstrated. Results from using the simulator on a cluster of processors are also presented. Excellent speedup ratios were obtained. Introduction The dual-porosity model is one of the most widely used conceptual models for simulating naturally fractured reservoirs. In the dual-porosity model, two types of porosity are present in a rock volume: fracture and matrix. Matrix blocks are surrounded by fractures and the system is visualized as a set of stacked volumes, representing matrix blocks separated by fractures (Fig. 1). There is no communication between matrix blocks in this model, and the fracture network is continuous. Matrix blocks do communicate with the fractures that surround them. A mass balance for each of the media yields two continuity equations that are connected by matrix-fracture transfer functions which characterize fluid flow between matrix blocks and fractures. The performance of dual-porosity simulators is largely determined by the accuracy of this transfer function. The dual-porosity continuum approach was first proposed by Barenblatt et al. (1960) for a single-phase system. Later, Warren and Root (1963) used this approach to develop a pressure-transient analysis method for naturally fractured reservoirs. Kazemi et al. (1976) extended the Warren and Root method to multiphase flow using a 2D, two-phase, black-oil formulation. The two equations were then linked by means of a matrix-fracture transfer function. Since the publication of Kazemi et al. (1976), the dual-porosity approach has been widely used in the industry to develop field-scale reservoir simulation models for naturally fractured reservoir performance (Thomas et al. 1983; Gilman and Kazemi 1983; Dean and Lo 1988; Beckner et al. 1988; Rossen and Shen 1989). In simulating a fractured reservoir, we are faced with the fact that matrix blocks may contain well over 90% of the total oil reserve. The primary problem of oil recovery from a fractured reservoir is essentially that of extracting oil from these matrix blocks. Therefore it is crucial to understand the mechanisms that take place in matrix blocks and to simulate these processes within their container as accurately as possible. Discretizing the matrix blocks into subgrids or subdomains is a very good solution to accurately take into account transient and spatially nonlinear flow behavior in the matrix blocks. The resulting finite-difference equations are solved along with the fracture equations to calculate matrix-fracture transfer flow. The way that matrix blocks are discretized varies in the proposed models, but the objective is to accurately model pressure and saturation gradients in the matrix blocks (Saidi 1975; Gilman and Kazemi 1983; Gilman 1986; Pruess and Narasimhan 1985; Wu and Pruess 1988; Chen et al. 1987; Douglas et al. 1989; Beckner et al. 1991; Aldejain 1999).

Effect of DFN Upscaling on History Matching and Prediction of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ahmed Elfeel ◽  
Sarim Jamal ◽  
Chukwuemeka Enemanna ◽  
Dan Arnold ◽  
Sebastian Geiger
Keyword(s):  
History Matching ◽  
Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs ◽  
Naturally Fractured
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