Field Simulation of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Effective Permeabilities

Derived From Realistic Fracture Characterization

For natural fractured reservoirs, this study covers the field application of the author's

newly developed boundary element and simulation methodologies. Both the Carter

Knox and Rangely Fields onshore fractured reservoirs in North America were modeled

using these techniques. There is a primary depletion of Carter Knox's tight gas

reservoir, and a secondary depletion of Rangely's mature oil reservoir. Our technique

employs a wide range of complicated and explicit fracture geometries that cover the

whole field of study. Matrix and fracture flow can be correctly calculated to provide

effective grid-block tensors for effective permeability measurements. The amplified and

directed flow effects caused by cracks that may not be orthogonal to the simulation grid

are reflected in the effective permeability. To simulate field performance, a finite

difference reservoir simulator with tensor permeability input is utilized. Ad hoc

alterations to the original geological input during the history matching are minimized

since the model contains all accessible geology and well characteristics. Enhanced

reservoir performance forecasting is now possible because to this new model's

improved history-match.

When estimating Carter Knox gas production, there are two main impacts that may be

noticed. Many wells begin with high rates of production, but subsequently quickly drop.

Second, some wells exhibit high rates but less rapid decrease. Well PI must be correctly

determined in the simulation in order to give wells with adequate beginning capacity to

produce at high rates. These PI values need to represent the impacts of the hydraulic

fracture and the close interconnectivity with the natural fracture system. They must
reflect the consequences. Accurate matrix permeability and fracture connectivity must

also be captured in the surrounding area. As a result, the rate of decrease in the wells is

kept at a manageable level.

In this study, previous research is used by applying it to real-world case studies. The

tight gas condensate Carter Knox Field, which is now undergoing main depletion

development, is one possible use. This is an application for a field in Colorado to

conduct a tertiary oil recovery operation.

Using genuine natural fracture data and associated effective tensor perrneabilities

improved simulation models and improved history matching in two field cases,

according to simulation findings. We can enhance the history match in the Rangely

example without using the constant permeability multiplier that was utilized in the

initial unfractured model in the first place. We discovered in the Carter Knox case study

that including hydraulic cracks into the first well productivity calculation using an

upgraded approach is crucial. In order to understand fluid movement in the matrix and

fracture network, fracture characterization is essential. With our new approach, we're

able to zero down on the most important information. When it comes to Carter Knox,

for example, the present fracture description isn't providing long-term productivity. This

reservoir's cracks are most likely longer and more closely related than those in the

previous reservoir.