Effect of a periodic action on average flow in an inhomogeneous liquid-saturated porous medium

The problem of the average flow of a viscous incompressible fluid saturating a stationary porous incompressible matrix under a periodic action is considered. It is shown that a spatial inhomogeneity of the medium porosity leads to an average fluid flow, quadratically dependent on the action amplitude, in the direction of increase in porosity. In particular, this means that wave action on an oil reservoir could lead to fluid flow on the interfaces from low-porosity,weakly permeable collector regions into high-porosity regions, for example, to flow from blocks to fractures in fractured porous reservoirs, which makes it possible to enhance oil production. It is shown that in the presence of a constant pressure gradient the flow component generated by a periodic action can provide a substantial proportion of the total flow, especially on the boundaries with low-porosity strata or blocks. With increase in amplitude this may significantly exceed the component associated with the constant pressure gradient.     

Two-dimensional flow in a fractured medium

Transport processes within a liquid-filled fractured reservoir can be modelled using a double-diffusive mechanism in fracture and block. Then it is commonly assumed that the flow in the block is purely one-dimensional (e.g. vertical). Lateral flow within the block will, however, become significant at long times. Avdonin has given an analytic solution for the pressure response in an infinite fissure bounded by two homogeneous half-spaces, allowing vertical flow only in the blocks. We extend this solution to include horizontal flow in the blocks. There are significant qualitative differences between the two cases. In particular, we find that if fluid is injected at a constant rate into the fissure and horizontal flow in the blocks is allowed, then the long-time pressure response of the fissure/block assembly has the same character as that due to a line source in a homogeneous anisotropic porous medium.     

One-Dimensional Matrix-Fracture Transfer in Dual Porosity Systems with Variable Block Size Distribution

Most of the developed models for fractured reservoirs assume ideal matrix block size distribution. This assumption may not be valid in reality for naturally fractured reservoirs and possibly lead to errors in prediction of production from the naturally fractured reservoirs especially during a transient period or early time production from the matrix blocks. In this study, we investigate the effect of variable block size distribution on one- dimensional flow of compressible fluids in fractured reservoirs. The effect of different matrix block size distributions on the single phase matrix-fracture transfer is studied using a recently developed semi-analytical approach. The proposed model is able to simulate fluid exchange between matrix and fracture for continuous or discrete block size distributions using probability density functions or structural information of a fractured formation. The presented semi-analytical model demonstrates a good accuracy compared to the numerical results. There have been recent attempts to consider the effect of variable block size distribution in naturally fractured reservoir modeling for slightly compressible fluids with a constant viscosity and compressibility. The main objective of this study is to consider the effect of variable block size distribution on a one-dimensional matrix-fracture transfer function for single-phase flow of a compressible fluid in fractured porous media. In the proposed semi-analytical model, the pressure variability of viscosity and isothermal compressibility is considered by solving the nonlinear partial differential equation of compressible fluid flow in the fractured media. The closed form solution provided can be applied to flow of compressible fluids with variable matrix block size distribution in naturally fractured gas reservoirs.     

On the theory of seepage waves of pressure in a fracture in a porous permeable medium

Seepage pressure waves in fractures in a porous permeable medium are studied. The effects of the reservoir and fracture porosity and permeability, the fracture width, and the rheological properties of the saturating fluid on the perturbation dynamics in the fracture are analyzed. It is shown that in porous permeable reservoirs, fractures are wave channels through which low-frequency fluctuations of borehole pressure propagate. Accurate solutions are obtained which describe the evolution of pressure fields in a fracture with an instantaneous change in the borehole pressure by a constant value. Based on these solutions, dependences of the fluid flow rate on time and interface pressure are determined.     

考虑诱导缝多段压裂水平井非均质改造压力动态模型研究

为了准确模拟致密油藏水平井大规模压裂形成复杂裂缝网络系统和非均质储层井底压力变化,建立考虑诱导缝矩形非均质储层多段压裂水平井不稳定渗流数学模型,耦合裂缝模型与储层模型得到有限导流裂缝拉普拉斯空间井底压力解,对两种非均质储层模型分别利用数值解、边界元和已有模型验证其准确性.基于压力导数曲线特征进行流动阶段划分和参数敏感性分析,得到以下结果:和常规压裂水平井井底压力导数曲线相比较,理想模式下,考虑诱导缝影响时特有的流动阶段是综合线性流阶段、诱导缝向压裂裂缝“补充”阶段、储层线性流动阶段和拟边界控制流阶段.诱导缝条数的增加加剧了综合线性流阶段的持续时间,降低了流体渗流阻力,早期阶段压力曲线越低;当诱导缝与压裂裂缝导流能力一定时,裂缝导流能力越大,线性流持续时间越长;当所有压裂裂缝不在一个区域时,沿井筒方向两端区域低渗透率弱化了低渗区域诱导缝流体向压裂裂缝“补充”阶段,因此,沿井筒方向两端区域渗透率越低,早期阶段压力曲线越高;当所有压裂裂缝在一个区域时,渗透率变化只影响径向流阶段之后压力曲线形态,外区渗透率越低,早期径向流阶段之后压力曲线越高.通过实例验证,表明该模型和方法的实用性和准确性.     

裂缝性低渗透油藏流-固耦合理论与数值模拟

根据裂缝性低渗油藏的储层特征,建立适合裂缝性砂岩油藏渗流的等效连续介质模型。将渗流力学与弹塑性力学相结合,建立裂缝性低渗透油藏的流-固耦合渗流数学模型,并给出其数值解.通过数值模拟对一实际井网开发过程中孔隙度、渗透率的变化以及开发指标进行计算,并和刚性模型以及双重介质模型的计算结果进行了分析比较.     

LBM simulation of fluid flow in fractured porous media with permeable matrix

To analyze and depict complicated fluid behaviors in fractured porous media with variably permeable matrix, an integrated discrete computational algorithm is proposed based on lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). This paper combines with the external force model and statistical material physics to effectively describe the feature changes while the fluid passes through the fractures within the permeable matrix. As an application example, a two dimensional rock sample is reconstructed using the digital image and characterized with different feature values at each LBM grid to distinguish pores, impermeable and permeable matrix by stating its local physical property. Compared with the conventional LBM, the results demonstrate the advantages of proposed algorithm in modeling fluid flow phenomenon in fractured porous media with variably permeable matrix.     

Immiscible displacement in vertically fractured reservoirs

A dual-porosity model is defined for saturated, two-phase, compressible, immiscible flow in a vertically fractured reservoir or aquifer. This model allows detailed simulation of the matrix-fracture interaction as well as the matrix flow itself. This is accomplished by directly coupling the matrix and fracture systems along the vertical faces of the matrix blocks, incorporating gravitational effects directly, and simulating flow inside the block. Thus fluid segregation due to gravitational effects and heterogeneities can be simulated. We show that our model can be derived via homogenization techniques. The model (in incompressible form for simplicity of exposition) is then approximated by a computationally efficient finite difference scheme. Calculations are presented to show the convergence of the scheme and to indicate the behavior of the model as a function of several parameters.     

Fallopian tube assessment of the peristaltic-ciliary flow of a linearly viscous fluid in a finite narrow tube

The present theoretical assessment deals with the peristaltic-ciliary transport of a developing embryo within a fallopian tubal fluid in the human fallopian tube. A mathematical model of peristalsis-cilia induced flow of a linearly viscous fluid within a fallopian tubal fluid in a finite two-dimensional narrow tube is developed. The lubrication approximation theory is used to solve the resulting partial differential equation. The expressions for axial and radial velocities, pressure gradient, stream function, volume flow rate, and time mean volume flow rate are derived. Numerical integration is performed for the appropriate residue time over the wavelength and the pressure difference over the wavelength. Moreover, the plots of axial velocity, the appropriate residue time over wavelength, the vector, the pressure difference over wavelength, and the streamlines are displayed and discussed for emerging parameters and constants. Salient features of the pumping characteristics and the trapping phenomenon are discussed in detail. Furthermore, a comparison between the peristaltic flow and the peristaltic-ciliary flow is made as the special case. Relevance of the current results to the transport of a developing embryo within a fallopian tubal fluid from ampulla to the intramural in the fallopian tube is also explored. It reveals the fact that cilia along with peristalsis helps to complete the required mitotic divisions while transporting the developing embryo within a fallopian tubal fluid in the human fallopian tube.     

Semi-Analytical Solutions for a Partially Penetrated Well with Wellbore Storage and Skin Effects in a Double-Porosity System with a Gas Cap

We have studied the effect of a constant top pressure on the pressure transient analysis of a partially penetrated well in an infinite-acting fractured reservoir with wellbore storage and skin factor effects. Semi-analytical solutions of a two-dimensional diffusivity equation have been obtained by using successive applications of the Laplace and modified finite Fourier sine transforms. Both pseudo-steady-state and transient exchanges between the matrix and the fractures have been considered. Solutions are presented that can be used to generate type curves for pressure transient analysis or can be used as a forward model in parameter estimation. The presented analysis has applications in well testing of fractured aquifers and naturally fractured oil reservoirs with a gas cap.     

Computational Modeling of Fluid Flow through a Fracture in Permeable Rock

Laminar, single-phase, finite-volume solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations of fluid flow through a fracture within permeable media have been obtained. The fracture geometry was acquired from computed tomography scans of a fracture in Berea sandstone, capturing the small-scale roughness of these natural fluid conduits. First, the roughness of the two-dimensional fracture profiles was analyzed and shown to be similar to Brownian fractal structures. The permeability and tortuosity of each fracture profile was determined from simulations of fluid flow through these geometries with impermeable fracture walls. A surrounding permeable medium, assumed to obey Darcy’s Law with permeabilities from 0.2 to 2,000 millidarcies, was then included in the analysis. A series of simulations for flows in fractured permeable rocks was performed, and the results were used to develop a relationship between the flow rate and pressure loss for fractures in porous rocks. The resulting friction-factor, which accounts for the fracture geometric properties, is similar to the cubic law; it has the potential to be of use in discrete fracture reservoir-scale simulations of fluid flow through highly fractured geologic formations with appreciable matrix permeability. The observed fluid flow from the surrounding permeable medium to the fracture was significant when the resistance within the fracture and the medium were of the same order. An increase in the volumetric flow rate within the fracture profile increased by more than 5% was observed for flows within high permeability-fractured porous media.     

Explicit Rate–Time Solutions for Modeling Matrix–Fracture Flow of Single Phase Gas in Dual-Porosity Media

One of the widely used methods for modeling matrix–fracture fluid exchange in naturally fractured reservoirs is dual porosity approach. In this type of modeling, matrix blocks are regarded as sources/sinks in the fracture network medium. The rate of fluid transfer from matrix blocks into fracture medium may be modeled using shape factor concept (Warren and Root, SPEJ 3:245–255, 1963); or the rate–time solution is directly derived for the specific matrix geometry (de Swaan, SPEJ 16:117–122, 1976). Numerous works have been conducted to study matrix–fracture fluid exchange for slightly compressible fluids (e.g. oil). However, little attention has been taken to systems containing gas (compressible fluid). The objective of this work is to develop explicit rate–time solutions for matrix–fracture fluid transfer in systems containing single phase gas. For this purpose, the governing equation describing flow of gas from matrix block into fracture system is linearized using pseudopressure and pseudotime functions. Then, the governing equation is solved under specific boundary conditions to obtain an implicit relation between rate and time. Since rate calculations using such an implicit relation need iterations, which may be computationally inconvenient, an explicit rate–time relation is developed with the aid of material balance equation and several specific assumptions. Also, expressions are derived for average pseudopressure in matrix block. Furthermore, simplified solutions (originated from the complex general solutions) are introduced applicable in infinite and finite acting flow periods in matrix. Based on the derived solutions, expressions are developed for shape factor. An important observation is that the shape factor for gas systems is the same as that of oil bearing matrix blocks. Subsequently, a multiplier is introduced which relates rate to matrix pressure instead of matrix pseudopressure. Finally, the introduced equations are verified using a numerical simulator.     

Particle deposition in channels with permeablewalls

The filling of a channel with solid particles is considered in connection with the problem of preserving the geometry of a slot produced by hydraulic fracturing in a petroleum reservoir. The channel walls are permeable for the fluid. In the study, an experimental model of the channel (slot) in a permeable porous medium is used, on the periphery of which a constant pressure is sustained. The conditions of particle deposition on the permeable channel walls are determined. It is shown that in the case considered the initial stage of the particle deposition is independent of the viscosity and velocity of the fluid and is determined by the particle size and the specific permeability of the channel walls. It is found that the particles moving in the fluid stop at a certain distance and fill the fracture closely, forming a slug which loses stability as the pressure difference on its edges increases. The loss of the stability of the slug is accompanied by the appearance of a wavy channel, devoid of the particles and propagating in the flow direction.     

On Barenblatt's Model of Spontaneous Countercurrent Imbibition

Water imbibition is a critical mechanism of secondary oil recovery from fractured reservoirs. Spontaneous imbibition also plays a significant role in storage of liquid waste by controlling the extent of rock invasion. In the present paper, we extend a model of countercurrent imbibition based on Barenblatt's theory of non-equilibrium two-phase flow by allowing the model's relaxation time to be a function of the wetting fluid saturation. We obtain two asymptotic self-similar solutions, valid at early and late times, respectively. At a very early stage, the time scale characterizing the cumulative volume of imbibed (and expelled) fluid is a power function with exponent between 1.5 and 1. At a later stage, the time scaling for this volume approaches asymptotically classical square root of time, whereas the saturation profile asymptotically converges to Ryzhik's self-similar solution. Our conclusions are verified against experiments. By fitting the laboratory data, we estimate the characteristic relaxation times for different pairs of liquids.     

考虑二次梯度项及动边界的双重介质低渗透油藏流动分析

在传统试井模型的非线性偏微分方程中根据弱可压缩流体的假设,忽略了二次梯度项,对于低渗透油藏这种方法是有疑问的.低渗透问题一个显著的特点就是流体的流动边界随着时间不断向外扩展.为了更好地研究双重介质低渗透油藏中流体的流动问题,考虑了二次梯度项及活动边界的影响,同时考虑了低渗透油藏的非达西渗流特征,建立了双重介质低渗透油藏流动模型.采用Douglas-Jones预估-校正差分方法获得了无限大地层定产量生产时模型的数值解,分别讨论了不同参数变化时压力的变化规律及活动边界随时间的传播规律,还分析了考虑和忽略二次梯度项影响时模型数值解之间的差异随时间的变化规律,做出了典型压力曲线图版,这些结果可用于实际试井分析.     

Solution of some problems of flow through fractured porous media

Problems of fluid flow through a fractured porous medium consisting of fractures and blocks with different filter characteristics are solved. The mass exchange between fractures and blocks is assumed to be proportional to the pressure difference between them. The porosity in the fractures is assumed to be negligibly small. Under these assumptions the determination of the pressure fields reduces to the integration of a system of linear differential equations. The solution is found by the operational method using the Efros theorem. The cases of oil reservoir operation by means of both galleries and wells are considered. The solutions are obtained in an analytical form convenient for calculations.Kazan'. Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 94–102, January–February, 1995.     

A limit form of the equations for immiscible displacement in a fractured reservoir

We study a model for simulating the flow of an immiscible displacement (waterflooding) of one incompressible fluid by another in a naturally fractured petroleum reservoir when the matrix blocks are quite small. This model is equivalent to a transformed one for immiscible flow in an unfractured reservoir with a reduced saturation and a saturation-dependent porosity. Existence and uniqueness of classical solutions are established. We present some numerical results and a comparison with a single porosity model.     

Acid Leakoff Mechanism in Acid Fracturing of Naturally Fractured Carbonate Oil Reservoirs

In acid fracturing, excessive acid leakoff is thought to be the main reason that limits fracture propagation and live acid penetration distance. Since most carbonates are naturally fractured, we developed a new model in this paper to simulate acid leakoff into a naturally fractured carbonate oil reservoir during acid fracturing. Our model incorporates the acid-rock reaction, fracture width variation due to rock dissolution on the fractured surfaces, and fluid flow in naturally fractured carbonate oil reservoirs. Given the information of the reservoir, injected acid, and pressure in the hydraulic facture and the reservoir, the model predicts acid leakoff with time. In this study, we found that acid leakoff mechanism in naturally fractured carbonates is much different from that in reservoirs without natural fractures. Widened natural fractures by acid-rock reaction act as high-conductivity conduits allowing leakoff acid to penetrate deeper into the formation, resulting in serious leakoff. Wide natural fractures have a dominant effect on acid leakoff compared to micro-fractures and matrix.     

A dual-porosity model for gas reservoir flow incorporating adsorption behaviour—Part II. Numerical algorithm and example applications

In the present study, an algorithm is presented for the dual-porosity model formulated in Part I of this series. The resultant flow equation with the dual-porosity formulation is of an integro-(partial) differential equation involving differential terms for the Darcy flow in large fractures and integrals in time for diffusion within matrix blocks. The algorithm developed here to solve this equation involves a step-by-step finite difference procedure combined with a quadrature scheme. The quadrature scheme, used for the integral terms, is based on the trapezoidal method which is of second-order precision. This order of accuracy is consistent with the first- and second-order finite difference approximations used here to solve the differential terms in the derived flow equation. In an approach consistent with many petroleum reservoir and groundwater numerical flow models, the example formulation presented uses a first-order implicit algorithm. A two-dimensional example is also demonstrated, with the proposed model and numerical scheme being directly incorporated into the commercial gas reservoir simulator SIMED II that is based on a fully implicit finite difference approach. The solution procedure is applied to several problems to demonstrate its performance. Results from the derived dual-porosity formulation are also compared to the classic Warren–Root model. Whilst some of this work confirmed previous findings regarding Warren–Root inaccuracies at early times, it was also found that inaccuracy can re-enter the Warren–Root results whenever there are changes in boundary conditions leading to transient variation within the domain.     

Transient Pressure Behavior of Reservoirs with Discrete Conductive Faults and Fractures

Fractures and faults are common features of many well-known reservoirs. They create traps, serve as conduits to oil and gas migration, and can behave as barriers or baffles to fluid flow. Naturally fractured reservoirs consist of fractures in igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary rocks (matrix), and formations. In most sedimentary formations both fractures and matrix contribute to flow and storage, but in igneous and metamorphic rocks only fractures contribute to flow and storage, and the matrix has almost zero permeability and porosity. In this study, we present a mesh-free semianalytical solution for pressure transient behavior in a 2D infinite reservoir containing a network of discrete and/or connected finite- and infinite-conductivity fractures. The proposed solution methodology is based on an analytical-element method and thus can be easily extended to incorporate other reservoir features such as sealing or leaky faults, domains with altered petrophysical properties (for example, fluid permeability or reservoir porosity), and complicated reservoir boundaries. It is shown that the pressure behavior of discretely fractured reservoirs is considerably different from the well-known Warren and Root dual-porosity reservoir model behavior. The pressure behavior of discretely fractured reservoirs shows many different flow regimes depending on fracture distribution, its intensity and conductivity. In some cases, they also exhibit a dual-porosity reservoir model behavior.