Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

Introduction

This course covers geologic and engineering concepts, methodology, and technology used to characterize, evaluate and manage naturally-fractured reservoirs. Applications and limitations of geologic and engineering procedures and tools are discussed. Field examples and case studies demonstrate the importance of integrated geologic and engineering studies in developing effective, economical reservoir management strategies for different types of reservoirs.

Objectives

By the end of this course participants will learn how to:

• Detect and predict subsurface natural fracture occurrence and intensity from cores and well logs
• Determine fractured rock properties affecting reservoir performance
• Design and analyze pressure transient tests in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Evaluate reservoir performance in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Develop and apply numerical simulation models to fluid-flow in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Apply coupled geomechanics/fluid-flow behavior to reservoir management strategies in naturally fractured reservoirs
• Evaluate the impact of natural fractures on hydraulic fracture stimulation

Target Audience

Engineers and geoscientists interested in a multi-disciplinary approach in evaluating and predicting the overall effect of natural fractures on subsurface fluid-flow and subsequent reservoir performance.

Reservoir Engineering Outline

The course covers the following topics:

• Characterization of natural fractures and fracture systems
• Influence of mechanical stratigraphy and structure on fracture development
• Detection and prediction of subsurface natural-fracture occurrence and intensity from cores and well logs
• Fractured rock properties affecting reservoir performance
• Classification of naturally-fractured reservoirs with reservoir examples and potential production problems
• Fluid-flow in naturally-fractures reservoirs
• Well performance and well testing in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Reservoir performance in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Numerical simulation of fluid-flow in naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Geomechanics/fluid-flow
• The behavior of naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Stimulation of naturally-fractured reservoirs
• Effects of natural fractures on reservoir permeability anisotropy, drainage area and waterflood sweep efficiency