Multiphase flow modelling in fractured reservoirs using a novel computational fluid dynamics approach.

Hawez, H.; Sanaee, R.; Faisal, N.H.

Abstract

Numerical modelling of multiphase flow in naturally fractured reservoirs is a challenging issue for petroleum reservoir engineers. As a result of high degree heterogeneity in flow characteristics in fractured reservoirs, several mathematical, discretization, and numerical methods are introduced to forecast the hydrodynamic behaviour of naturally fractured reservoirs. This paper demonstrates two different numerical modelling approaches that have been developed using the discrete- fracture matrix model (DFM) for studying the behavior of multiphase flow in fractured porous media. The first model utilizes the viscous loss term as a source term in the momentum equation to capture the value of permeability in both free channel (fracture) and porous matrix. On the other hand, the second model is based on the coupled Navier-Stokes equation in the free channel of fracture and viscous loss term as a mass source term to measure the permeability in the porous matrix. Later, the Corey method is employed to observe saturation, relative permeability, and capillary pressure at the fracture matrix interface. Both models are validated against a Berea Sandstone imbibition core flooding experimental data. Furthermore, the first and second model numerical simulation results match with the Berea Sandstone experimental core flooding data within a 4.2% and 29% error margin, respectively. The simulation results prove that the first model which uses viscous loss term to capture permeability in the fracture and porous matrix is more accurate in comparison to the implementation of the Navier-Stokes equation in the fracture channel in the second model.

Citation

HAWEZ, H., SANAEE, R. and FAISAL, N.H. 2021. Multiphase flow modelling in fractured reservoirs using a novel computational fluid dynamics approach. Presented at the 55th US rock mechanics/geomechanics American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) symposium, 18-25 June 2021, [virtual conference].

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: 55th US rock mechanics/geomechanics American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) symposium, 18-25 June 2021
• Start Date: Jun 18, 2021
• End Date: Jun 25, 2021
• Deposit Date: Jun 28, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 20, 2023
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: Multiphase flow; Fluid dynamics; Navier-stoke equation; Modeling and simulation; Reservoir simulation; Model 2; Flow in porous media; Upstream oil and gas; Fracture matrix interface; Complex reservoir; Numerical modelling; Discrete-fracture matrix model (
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1374841
• Additional Information: The file accompanying this output is the presentation slides used in the conference, the full paper is available on OnePetro:; HAWEZ, H., SANAEE, R. and FAISAL, N.H. 2021. Multiphase flow modelling in fractured reservoirs using a novel computational fluid dynamics approach. In Proceedings of 55th US rock mechanics/geomechanics American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) symposium, 18-25 June 2021, [virtual conference]. Houston: ARMA, pages 258-269. Hosted on OnePetro [online]. Available from: https://onepetro.org/ARMAUSRMS/proceedings/ARMA21/All-ARMA21/ARMA-2021-1077/467895