Fluid Flow Characterization Framework for Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Small-Scale Fully Explicit Models

Journal article (2020)

Authors

Daniel Lorng Yon Wong Heriot-Watt University
Florian Doster Heriot-Watt University
S. Geiger Heriot-Watt University
Eddy Francot Total S.A. E&P
François Gouth Total S.A. E&P
Affiliation
External organisation
Multiphase flow Fractured reservoirs Hybrid models Embedded discrete fracture model Dual porosity
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Published Date

01-09-2020

Language

English

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Abstract

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.