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Numerical Investigation for Three-Dimensional Multiscale Fracture Networks Based on a Coupled Hybrid Model

Author

Listed:
  • Xulin Du

    (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Linsong Cheng

    (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Jun Chen

    (Petroleum Engineering School, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu 610500, China)

  • Jianchao Cai

    (State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Langyu Niu

    (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

  • Renyi Cao

    (College of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China)

Abstract

The mismatching between the multi-scale feature of complex fracture networks (CFNs) in unconventional reservoirs and their current numerical approaches is a conspicuous problem to be solved. In this paper, the CFNs are divided into hydraulic macro-fractures, induced fractures, and natural micro-fractures according to their mode of origin. A hybrid model coupling various numerical approaches is proposed to match the three-dimensional multi-scale fracture networks. The macro-fractures with high-conductivity and wide-aperture are explicitly characterized by a mimetic Green element method-based hierarchical fracture model. The induced fractures and natural micro-fractures that have features of low-conductivity and small-openings are upscaled to the dual-medium grid and enhanced matrix grid through the equivalent continuum-medium method, respectively. Subsequently, some benchmark cases are implemented to confirm the high-precision and high-robustness of the proposed hybrid model that indeed accomplishes accurate modeling of fluid flow in multi-scale CFNs by comparing with commercial software tNavigator ® . Furthermore, an integrated workflow of simulation modeling for multiscale CFNs combined with a field example in Sichuan from China is used to analyzing the production information of fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs. Compared with the field production data from this typical well, it can be proved that the hybrid model has strong reliability and practicability.

Suggested Citation

  • Xulin Du & Linsong Cheng & Jun Chen & Jianchao Cai & Langyu Niu & Renyi Cao, 2021. "Numerical Investigation for Three-Dimensional Multiscale Fracture Networks Based on a Coupled Hybrid Model," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:19:p:6354-:d:650053
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    Cited by:

    1. Jianchao Cai & Reza Rezaee & Victor Calo, 2022. "Recent Advances in Multiscale Petrophysics Characterization and Multiphase Flow in Unconventional Reservoirs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-2, April.

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