Limitations in numerical well rest modelling of fractured carbonate rocks

P. W M Corbett, S. Geiger, L. Borges, M. Garayev, J. G. Gonzalez, C. Valdez

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    40 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Interpreting well-tests in (fractured) carbonate reservoirs poses significant challenges because these reservoirs often demonstrate triple porosity system (fracture-matrix-vugs) characteristics. However, there is no "unique" triple porosity system: The matrix can behave as a double porosity/dual permeability system whilst the fractures provide the third system; there may be two fracture systems and a single matrix; there may be vugs (macropores), mesopores and micropores to provide very large contrasts in matrix permeabilities. Modelling these systems is challenging because of the need to include heterogeneity for the matrix (or multiple matrices) and fracture(s) and determine the correct coupling between these systems. The typical well test response in fractured systems - the classic double porosity "V" - can provide factors such as ? and ? as a description of fracture-matrix interaction (storativity ratio and the interporosity flow coefficient, respectively). Understanding how these two parameters relate to the description of matrix and fracture properties in triple porosity systems requires exploration of new scenarios in numerical well test modelling (sometimes called "geological well testing"). In this paper, we set out some of the reservoir description, modelling and simulation challenges to provide guidance on how to set up systematic models and determine the appropriate family of geotype (families of closely related pressure derivative response) curves for fractured carbonate systems in order to understand the interpretation of co and X. © 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSociety of Petroleum Engineers - 72nd European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition 2010 - Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2010
    Pages1135-1145
    Number of pages11
    Volume2
    Publication statusPublished - 2010
    Event72nd EAGE Conference & Exhibition - Barcelona, Spain
    Duration: 14 Jun 201017 Jun 2010

    Conference

    Conference72nd EAGE Conference & Exhibition
    Abbreviated titleSPE EUROPEC 2010
    Country/TerritorySpain
    CityBarcelona
    Period14/06/1017/06/10

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