Well Test Analysis for Naturally Fracture Reservoir

Using Warren and Root Method

Abstract

Most reservoir engineering theory has been founded on the assumption of a

homogeneous medium. However, many prolific reservoirs produce from naturally
fractured and jointed formations. Perhaps the most extensive theoretical work on
behavior of naturally fractured reservoir is that Warren and Root.

Introduction  and secondary

Warren and Root presented a
model composed of rectangular
parallelopipedes where the blocks
represented the matrix and the space
in between the fractures [fig. 1]
They evaluated this heterogeneous
double-porosity model using as a
base the following general
assumptions:
 The primary porosity
(matrix) is
homogeneous and
isotropic, and is made
up of identical
rectangular
parallelopipedes [fig.
1]
 The secondary
porosity is contained
within an orthogonal
system of continuous,
uniform fractures. A
different fracture
spacing or a different
width may exit along
each of the axis to
simulate the proper
degree of anisotropy.
 Flow can occur
between the primary
porosities, but flow to
the well can occur
only through
fractures. Flow
through the primary-
porosity elements
cannot occur.
Warren and Root made an
analytical investigation of the
unsteady-state flow in this
model. The pressure buildup
was analyzed in detail and
they found that a
conventional buildup plot
could result in to parallel
straight lines. The vertical
separation of the two lines
was related to the storage
capacity of the fractures
They conclude that two
parameters were enough to
characterize the behavior of
the double-porosity system.
One parameter (
represented a measure of the
fluid capacitance and the
other parameter (λ) was
related to the degree of
heterogeneity of the system.
Mathematically, λ and can
be written as:
  k1 rw 2 and
  2 C2
k2 
 1 C1   2 C 2

Example Problem

Data
Field Units Darcy Units
q 90.5 bopd 166.52 cc/sec
µ 1 cp 1 cp
hma 9.05 ft 275.844 cm
hf 0.025 ft 0.762 cm
C 10-5 psi 14.7 x 10-5 psi
rw 0.37 ft 11.43 cm
Өma 0.05 0.05
kma 0.01 md 10-5 darcy
B 1 1

Determine fracture porosity and double-porosity as a function of Warren

and Root’s

Solutions

Fracture Porosity
The parameter (can be calculated from:

  exp   2.303( DP / m)

= exp   2.303(8.84 / 5.53
= 0.025

is also defined as:

hf  f C f

(hma  h f )  ma C ma  h f  f C f

Then:

 ( hma  h f )  ma C ma
 f 
h f C f (1   )
0.025 ( 275.844  0.762) 0.05 14.7  10 5
=
0.762 14.7  10 5 (1  0.025)
= 0.46
 Double-Porosity System average Permeability

k f h f  k ma (hma  h f )
k 
hma
5.517  10 5 ( 275.844  0.762)
=
275.884
= 0.02 darcy

Nomenclatures

λ : dimensionless interporosity flow coefficient

ω : dimensionless matrix storativity
rw : wellbore radius
k2 : k 2 x k 2 y , effective permeability of anisotropic medium, L2
2 : secondary porosity
1 : primary porosity
C2 : total compressibility in secondary system
C1 : total compressibility in primary system

References
 Aguilera, R, “Naturally Fractured Reservoir” Pennwell books, Tulsa,
Oklahoma, 1980
 Mattews, C.S. & Russell, D.G. “Pressure Buildup and Flow Test in Wells”
Society of PetroleumEngineers of AIME, New York, Dallas, 1996