A research report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Engineering, November 2018 / The main aim of the study was to develop mathematical flow model of the shale gas at the
Karoo Basin of South Africa (SA). The model development incorporates three systems
(phases) to form a triple continuum flow model, the phases include matrix (m), natural (NF)
and hydraulic fracture (HF).
The model was developed from the continuity equation, and the general equations were
formed.
(0.05������ ����
= 3.90087 × 10−15 ��2���� ����2
+ 3.90087 × 10−15 ��2���� ����2
− 1.95043 × 10−16(20 × 106 − ������),
0.01
�������� ����
= 2.00 × 10−15(20 × 106 − ������) − 2.00 × 10−9(20 × 106 − ������) + �� ����
[7.80 × 10−5 �������� ����
] +
�� ����
[7.80 × 10−5 �������� ����
]
�� ����
[0.1248269
�������� ����
] + 0.1248269(20 × 106 − ������)− 4.98 × 10−4 = �������� ����
The model was solved using numerical method technique known as Finite Difference Method
(FDM). For each phase a computer program MATLAB was used to plot the pressure
gradient. Hydraulic pressure gradient fractures propagate between the distance of 100m and
500m. The model was verified using the data of Barnett Shale. Sensitivity analysis was also
performed on the hydraulic permeability, drainage radius and the initial pressure of the
reservoir. / XL2019
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/26962 |
| Date | January 2018 |
| Creators | Makoloane, Nkhabu |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | Online resource (x, 67 leaves), application/pdf, application/pdf |
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