--> Abstract: A Methodology for “Full-Field” Fracture Network Modelling, by M-C. Cacas, J. Letouzey, and J-M. Daniel; #90937 (1998)

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Abstract: A Methodology for “Full-Field” Fracture Network Modelling

CACAS, MARIE-CHRISTINE, JEAN LETOUZEY, and JEAN-MARC DANIEL, Institut Francais du Petrole, France

Abstract

The geological knowledge of fracture distribution in a reservoir is still being improved thanks to new field studies and analogue modelling. Two types of fracture distribution were usually described: i) diffuse jointing which is largely determined by the lithology and ii) faulting which appears in clusters. A new type of fracture distribution is now considered: fracture swarms, which are typically observed in the carbonates.

These three typical fracture patterns involve multiple scales of space; our methodology for modelling the “full-field” fracture pattern has been improved to take it into account. We proceed in two steps:

1. At reservoir scale, we use object oriented techniques to populate the reservoir with discrete faults and fracture swarms while conventional geocellular simulation is applied to model the distribution of diffuse jointing properties. Each fault and fracture swarm is considered as a single object. The network of swarms is modelled with constrains on their spacing whereas the network of faults is modelled with constrains on their clustering.

2. Locally, we populate the fracture swarms and the cells of the geocellular model with individual fractures, using again an object oriented technique.

This methodology is now applied to real case studies and provides a more comprehensive model of the fracture system than ever obtained before.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90937©1998 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Salt Lake City, Utah