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Embedded discrete fracture modeling: flow diagnostics, non-Darcy flow, and well placement optimization

Abstract

Low-velocity non-Darcy flow often occurs in low permeability reservoirs. In this paper, we discuss how to incorporate a non-Darcy flow correction into embedded discrete fracture modelling (EDFM). The resulting method is validated by reproducing type curves containing the characteristic no-flow segment, followed by a nonlinear and a linear segment. Simulation results are also validated against a direct simulation method that uses local grid refinement to (almost) resolve hydraulic fractures. Second, we discuss how grid-based flow diagnostics can be formulated on top of the new EDFM method and used to provide computationally inexpensive predictions of flow patterns, interwell connections, and measures of dynamic heterogeneity. We then demonstrate how such flow diagnostics can be used to optimize well placement and improve oil recovery.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Shuai Ma
  • Binshan Ju
  • Lin Zhao
  • Knut-Andreas Lie
  • Yintao Dong
  • Qilong Zhang
  • Yapeng Tian

Affiliation

  • China University of Geosciences
  • China National Offshore Oil Corporation
  • SINTEF Digital / Mathematics and Cybernetics

Year

2021

Published in

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

ISSN

0920-4105

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

208

Issue

C

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