--> Abstract: A Workflow and Analysis Tools for the Characterization of Fractured Reservoirs, by Arnaud G. Lange, Andre Fourno, Matthieu Delorme, Nina Khvoenkova, and Catherine Ponsot-Jacquin; #90082 (2008)

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A Workflow and Analysis Tools for the Characterization of Fractured Reservoirs

Arnaud G. Lange, Andre Fourno, Matthieu Delorme, Nina Khvoenkova, and Catherine Ponsot-Jacquin
Simulation of flows and transfers in porous media, IFP, Rueil-Malmaison, France

The workflow developed at IFP for characterizing fractured reservoirs is based on: (i) the construction of geologically-realistic models of the fracture network; (ii) the characterization of fracture properties from available field data; (iii) the up-scaling of the fracture properties; (iv) the selection of a suitable up-scaled model usable for field-scale simulations of multi-phase production methods. This fractured reservoir workflow is reviewed, and a software platform is presented, on which methodologies and tools were developed in order to perform each step of the workflow.

A geologically-realistic model is presented on which constrained modeling of the geological fracture network based on the analysis of fracture information acquired in wells and derived from seismic data has been performed. Then optimization algorithms and a 3D discrete fracture network flow simulator are used in order to automatically characterize fracture properties that are consistent with transmissivities data, flowmeters and/or well tests data. The characterized fracture properties are the mean length, mean conductivity, orientation dispersion factors, and facies-dependent properties such as the average spacing and the bed-crossing probability. The effectiveness of the optimization algorithms to characterize physically meaningful and data-consistent fracture properties is discussed. Finally, full-field upscaling of the fracture properties has been performed such that single or dual-porosity simulation model can be used at field scale, taking into account the multi-scale fracture properties.

This consistent workflow allows flow simulation models to remain interpretable in geological terms, therefore facilitating subsequent model updating. Moreover, specialists in geosciences and reservoir engineers can cooperate in a very effective way to improve the management of fractured reservoirs.

AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa 2008 © AAPG Search and Discovery