Flow modelling challenges in fractured reservoirs have led to the development of many simulation methods. It is often unclear which method should be employed. High-resolution discrete fracture and matrix (DFM) studies on small-scale representative models allow us to identify dominant physical processes influencing flow. We propose a workflow that utilizes DFM studies to characterize subsurface flow dynamics. The improved understanding facilitates the selection of an appropriate method for large-scale simulations. Validation of the workflow was performed via application on a gas reservoir represented using an embedded discrete fracture model, followed by the comparison of results obtained from hybrid and dual-porosity representations against fully explicit simulations. The comparisons ascertain that the high-resolution small-scale DFM studies lead to a more accurate upscaled model for full field simulations. Additionally, we find that hybrid implicit–explicit representations of fractures generally outperform pure continuum-based models.@en

Naturally fractured reservoirs hold significant reserves but are highly heterogeneous and are challenging to simulate flow in. Dual Porosity (DP) methods, although widely used, require fine tuning using production data and thus lack predictive capability in green field applications. The Embedded Discrete Fracture Model (EDFM), which explicitly represents complex fracture network geometries at the cost of computational efficiency, is an excellent tool that can complement the DP method. Using EDFM, we study water coning phenomena in a green fractured Latin American gas field. We do this by simulating gas flow in a stochastically generated sector model representative of the field. EDFM simulations performed using different well rates revealed three possible flow regimes that the field may experience: stable flooding at low flow rates, coning with matrix production at moderate flow rates, and coning without matrix production at high flow rates. These results have implications in field development plans and can also be used for validating any DP models that may be used for full field simulations in the future. Through this study, we demonstrated how EDFM can be used, before any field production, to gain insights into the flow behaviour in a green field.@en