Discriminating Fracture Patterns in Fractured Reservoirs by Pressure Transient Tests

Abstract

A new approach is described to characterise fractured reservoirs using a software code which can simulate transient well tests in a realistic 3D fracture/matrix model. By a process of iteration the geological and flow data can be reconciled to produce plausible models which could help to constrain reservoir simulation. The numerical results indicate that the simulated pressure derivatives generally show different characteristics with different fracture pattern configurations. The results also indicate that theoretical dual porosity behaviour is absent when a more realistic transient matrix to fracture flow solution is used. This approach has important implications in the use of well tests to determine parameters for input to a multiphase flow simulator, where the well positioning in relation to highly conductive fractures is critical. The advantage of the described approach, compared to conventional analytical analysis. is that the geological data are calibrated and preserved. Parameters can then be more accurately represented in a dynamic reservoir model. P. 609

Integrated fracture characterization from seismic processing to reservoir modeling

“…Well testing represents the main method of sampling the fracture network away from the well. Wei et al (1998) have shown that the resultant pressure derivative curve from a pressure transient test characterizes stic of the underlying fracture network. The DFN model is readily converted to a finite element flow grid, allowing the simulation of pressure transients (Figure 8).…”

Predictive Modelling of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Geomechanics and Flow Simulation

“…The fracture aperture and compressibility are inferred from geological data and then constrained by flow data. Previous applications of finite-element flow simulation to infer natural fracture properties from well tests include Wei et. al.…”

Scale discrepancy paradox between observation and modelling in fractured reservoir models in oil and gas industry

“…Based on the learnings gathered from iterations with dynamic simulation, the appropriate, scaled-up fracture properties can progressively be adjusted to honour the constraints from available dynamic data and fluid production history. The calibration with the dynamic data is an essential part of the workflow (Wei et al 1998;Dershowitz et al 2000;Wei, 2000;Lamine et al 2017;Richard et al 2017;Dewever et al 2020;Torrieri et al 2021). Although 3D fracture properties represent a mathematical homogenization at coarse scale, the common foundation of all the models is the detailed geological work done at the scale of the cores, thin-sections and logs (Fig.…”