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A Triple-Porosity Model for Fractured Horizontal Wells

Fractured reservoirs have been traditionally idealized using dual-porosity models.
In these models, all matrix and fractures systems have identical properties. However, it
is not uncommon for naturally fractured reservoirs to have orthogonal fractures with
different properties. In addition, for hydraulically fractured reservoirs that have preexisting
natural fractures such as shale gas reservoirs, it is almost certain that these types
of fractures are present. Therefore, a triple-porosity (dual-fracture) model is developed in
this work for characterizing fractured reservoirs with different fractures properties.
The model consists of three contiguous porous media: the matrix, less permeable
micro-fractures and more permeable macro-fractures. Only the macro-fractures produce
to the well while they are fed by the micro-fractures only. Consequently, the matrix
feeds the micro-fractures only. Therefore, the flow is sequential from one medium to the
other.
Four sub-models are derived based on the interporosity flow assumption between
adjacent media, i.e., pseudosteady state or transient flow assumption. These are fully
transient flow model (Model 1), fully pseudosteady state flow model (Model 4) and two
mixed flow models (Model 2 and 3).
The solutions were mainly derived for linear flow which makes this model the
first triple-porosity model for linear reservoirs. In addition, the Laplace domain solutions
are also new and have not been presented in the literature before in this form.
Model 1 is used to analyze fractured shale gas horizontal wells. Non-linear
regression using least absolute value method is used to match field data, mainly gas rate.
Once a match is achieved, the well model is completely described. Consequently,
original gas in place (OGIP) can be estimated and well future performance can be
forecasted.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/ETD-TAMU-2010-08-8545
Date2010 August 1900
CreatorsAlahmadi, Hasan Ali H.
ContributorsWattenbarger, Robert A.
Source SetsTexas A and M University
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeBook, Thesis, Electronic Thesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf

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