A novel multi-rate dual-porosity model for improved simulation of fractured and multi-porosity reservoirs

S. Geiger*, M. Dentz, I. Neuweiler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A major part of the world's remaining oil reserves is located in fractured carbonate reservoirs, which are dual-porosity (fracture-matrix) or multi-porosity (fracture-vug-matrix) in nature. Fractured reservoirs suffer from poor recovery, high water cut, and generally low performance. They are modelled using a dual-porosity approach, which assumes that the high-permeability fractures are mobile and low-permeability matrix is immobile. A single transfer function models the rate at which hydrocarbons migrate from the matrix into the fractures. As shown in many numerical, laboratory, and field experiments, a wide range of transfer rates occurs between the immobile matrix and mobile fractures. These arise, for example, from the different size of matrix blocks (yielding a distribution of shape factors), different porosity types, or the inhomogeneous distribution of saturations in the matrix blocks. Accurate models are hence needed that capture all the transfer rates between immobile matrix and mobile fracture domains, particularly to predict late-time recovery more reliably when the water cut is already high. In this work we propose a novel multi-rate mass transfer model for two-phase flow, which accounts for viscous dominated flow in the fracture domain and capillary flow in the matrix domain. It extends the classical (i.e., single-rate) dual-porosity model in that it allows us to simulate the wide range of transfer rates occurring in naturally fractured multi-porosity rocks. Using numerical simulations of water-flooding in naturally fractured rock masses at the grid-block scale we demonstrate that our multi-rate mass-transfer model matches the observed recovery curves more accurately compared to the classical dual-porosity model. We further discuss how tracer tests can be used to calibrate our multi-rate dual-porosity model before the water-flood commences and how our model could be employed in commercial reservoir simulation workflows.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Reservoir Characterisation and Simulation Conference and Exhibition 2011, RCSC 2011
PublisherSociety of Petroleum Engineers
Pages574-587
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)9781618394224
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
EventSPE Reservoir Characterisation and Simulation Conference and Exhibition 2011, RCSC 2011 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Duration: 9 Oct 201111 Oct 2011

Publication series

NameSociety of Petroleum Engineers - SPE Reservoir Characterisation and Simulation Conference and Exhibition 2011, RCSC 2011

Conference

ConferenceSPE Reservoir Characterisation and Simulation Conference and Exhibition 2011, RCSC 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityAbu Dhabi
Period9/10/1111/10/11

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A novel multi-rate dual-porosity model for improved simulation of fractured and multi-porosity reservoirs'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this