techbits
Understanding Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
A recent Applied Technology Workshop (ATW) held in Houston,
Naturally Fractured Reservoirs, explored reservoir characteriza-
tion, fracture-network modeling and reservoir simulation, and expe-
rience with improved-oil-recovery (IOR) and enhanced-oil-recovery
(EOR) processes in naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs). The ATW
featured a technical agenda divided into four sessions and included
more than 20 presentations. The four main sessions were:
NFR Characterization (cochaired by El Paso Energy Petroleum
Engineer Enrique Peralta and Texas A&M U. Assoc. Professor
David Schechter).
Constructing NFR Geologic and Flow Models (cochaired by
Ecopetrol Chief Engineer and Vice PresidentExploration Andreas
Mantilla and Repsol Reservoir Engineer Hugo Araujo).
Predicting NFR Performance (cochaired by Texas A&M U.
Professor Thomas Blasingame and Colorado School of Mines
Research Professor Hossein Kazemi).
Improved and Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery in NFRs
(cochaired by Kazemi and Schechter).
NFR Characterization
Heterogeneity: Cause and EffectThe presentation by Chevron
Energy Technology Center Structural Geologist Wayne Narr, titled
Guilt and Absolution in NFR Characterization: The Cause and
Devilish Effect of Heterogeneity, examined the concept of represen-
tative elemental volume, illustration of fracture-network intersec-
tion with the well, and evaluation interval of the fracture density.
Outcrop analogs necessary for qualifying heterogeneity and model-
ing of fractured-formation systems also were addressed. The presen-
tation concluded with discussion among workshop participants on
fracture allocations for simulation, the combination of primary and
secondary porosity in simulation, and numerical modeling.
Dissimilar FracturingSandia Natl. Laboratory Geologist John
Lorenz presented Difference Between Fractures in Limestones and
Sandstones, in which observations regarding lithology were made
that supported the conclusion that production-induced pressure
(stress) changes can destroy permeability. Regarding fracture cre-
ation, discussion centered around two schools of thought: the idea
of more fractures creating less matrix permeability and whether
extension fractures are conductive.
Seismic for Reservoir CharacterizationPrism Seismic Director of
Consulting Abdel Zellou, in Seismically Driven Fractured Reservoir
Characterization, illustrated high-resolution inversion (elastic and
post-stack) and other processes that can provide a basis for model-
ing, the use of seismic attributes (e.g., impedance) to derive geologic
models (e.g., porosity) constrained by the seismic data, and fracture
drivers (seismic, geological, and geomechanical) in 3D. One topic of
discussion was drilling recommendations based on seismic attributes.
La ConcepcinDenis Marchal, Petrobras Technical Advisor
in Structural Geology, delivered a presentation on Reservoir
Characterization and Tailored Technology Application in the Mature
Cretaceous NFR of La Concepcin Field, Venezuela. Presenting
the key operational strategies used in redevelopment of the mature
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Cretaceous NFR in this field, Marchal emphasized the successful
application of selective technologies and methodologies and the
need to fully integrate the structural model with the dynamic one.
Geologic and Flow Models
Permeability EstimationU. of Texas at Austin Assistant Professor
Jon Olson, in Permeability Estimation in Fractured Reservoirs: A
Fracture Mechanics Approach Incorporating Diagenetic Effects,
emphasized interwell fracture-pattern attributes, industry-standard
models, and constrained modeling. Participants discussed the ori-
gin of strain rates, whether to include pore pressure as a nonlinear-
ity, and the creation of extension fractures.
Role of Outcrop AnalogsJuan-Mauricio Florez, iReservoir
Geoscientist, offered an overview of creating equally probable geo-
logic models and the reasoning behind the use of outcrops, and he
presented illustrative outcrop cases that indicate hierarchical shear-
ing and progressive deformation, spacing and dimension of fracture
hierarchies linked to stratigraphy, and antithetic conjugate faults
creating fracture swarms.
Integration of Conventional, Image, and Production LogsMantilla
presented a case study in which reproduction of dynamic behav-
ior (identification of fracture patterns and principal stress) was
reviewed. Discussion centered around fracture indicators other than
logs, fractures at the pore scale, and whether fracture damage dur-
ing drilling is permanent.
Discrete Fracture-Network ModelsAraujo presented the ratio-
nale of dynamic behavior of discrete fracture-network (DFN) mod-
els based on geological reservoir characterization as the first step in
constructing a credible reservoir flow model, classical deterministic
methods, and/or quantitative stochastic approaches. Considerable
emphasis was given to well-test analysis (fracture network and
non-Darcy-flow effects). Conclusions reached included NFRs being
adequately represented using a matrix system and a DFN model
with a fine-grid dual-porosity model, fracture properties needing to
be calibrated with transient well-test data, and dynamic upscaling
as the best approach to upscale fracture properties.
Predicting Performance
Fracture Network Modeling and Reservoir SimulationGolder Assocs.
Principal Tom Doe explored fracture models (stochastic, mixed
stochastic/deterministic); future uses of DFN models (whether we
are getting enough data in a producing reservoir, rigorous testing of
methodologies and hypotheses); improvements to look for in DFN
modeling (better hydraulic data through improved flow logging to
determine conductor spacing and transmissivity distributions and
better monitoring data); and issues of scaling (diffusivity values from
interference responses provide correct scaling; matching is nonu-
nique with respect to permeability and storage for linear flow).
Simulating Multiphase-Fluid Flow and Reservoir ProductionU. of
Utah Professor Milind Deo reflected on the current state of reser-
voir simulation, offering case studies and observations. According
to Deo, finite-difference simulators dominate the market. Pointing
JPT MAY 2006
techbits
out that complex domains (with complex well patterns/arbitrary
fracture patterns) are difficult to simulate, it was noted that finite-
element models with body-fitting meshes are more appropriate for
these systems. Following observations regarding capillarity, ATW
participants were introduced to a new 3D/three-phase black-oil
simulator based on the control-volume finite-element formulation.
Case studies with tilted, partially penetrating faults were presented
to demonstrate the applicability of the simulator.
Development of the West Rozel Fractured-Basalt Heavy-Oil Reservoir
In addition to giving a comprehensive overview of deposition descrip-
tion, a description and validation of the reservoir model, a layered fault-
ed-section model, and a full-field model, MK Tech Solutions Principal
Myron Kuhlman presented the formula for optimum oil recovery in
this reservoir. Findings from this case study regarding optimum oper-
ating conditions included very little drawdown with horizontal wells,
limiting liquid production to a few barrels per foot of well, optimizing
cumulative production with a low gas-production rate, and maintain-
ing reservoir pressure within 100 psia of the original pressure and
reservoir oil viscosity within a few percent of the original.
Early Diagnosis of Natural-Fracture Contribution to Permeability at the
Field-Appraisal StagePresenting a case history from eastern Siberia,
Beicip Reservoir Modeling Manager Rolf Ackerman shared fracture
characterization and conclusions for geological analysis of this reser-
voir in addition to discussing how calibrated hydraulic properties of
the fractures were obtained by integrating the dynamic data on one
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well. Conclusions from this study included that integration of different
data sets could be used to characterize the fracture network on one
well, that diffuse fractures were identified from core description and
borehole image data; that bed thickness and shalyness were factors that
controlled diffuse fracture occurrence, and that fracture occurrence was
based on analysis of the fold geometry (strain-partitioning model).
Determination and Sensitivity of Fracture Characterization Parameter
for History MatchingNitec Director Chet Ozgen addressed issues
of fracture connectivity, sensitivity analyses, and the data sources
for fracture parameters. Discussion took place on the use of finite-
difference models in integrated studies, the simulator parameters
used in finite-difference models, and how to correlate data sources
to simulator parameters.
Improved and Enhanced Recovery
Enhanced Gravity Drainage Through Immiscible CO2 Injection
Kinder Morgan Reservoir Engineering Director John Dobitz shared
experiences in the Yates field in Texas. In addition to an overview
of field history and current activities in this field, possible EOR
processes were examined, including thermal operations, methane
injection, natural-gas-to-liquids (NGL) injection, and immiscible
CO2 injection. According to Dobitz, thermal methods would have
yielded a doubtful response, methane would be expensive for void-
age replacement, and NGL injection would prove expensive and
challenging. Immiscible CO2 injection was selected on the basis
of reasonable cost and positive compositional effects. Gassed-out
horizontal producers were converted into CO2 injectors.
Dilute-Surfactant-Aided Gravity DrainageU. of Houston
Professor Kishore Mohanty reported on recent experiments of tra-
ditional vs. fractured carbonates. Experiments included wettability,
adsorption, oil-recovery range for anionic-surfactant solution, and
brine imbibition. Discussion centered on the effects of formation
water and lithology on the proposed chemicals.
Wettability Alteration in Carbonate Formations With Surfactants
Rice U. Professor George Hirasaki addressed wettability alteration,
phase behavior and low interfacial tension, anionic-surfactant
adsorption in calcite, spontaneous imbibition, and force displace-
ment. Among conclusions reached were: dependence of optimal
salinity on surfactant concentration and water-to-oil ratio can be
correlated with natural soap/surfactant mole ratio; anionic-surfac-
tant/Na2CO3/NaCl system is capable of inducing wide ultralow
interfacial tension and wettability alteration; nitrogen blend allows
the surfactant solution to be injected at optimal salinity as a single
phase; and sodium carbonate reduces the adsorption of anionic sur-
factants on calcite as long as the surfactant solution remains clear.
Experience With IOR and EOR ProcessesKazemi introduced IOR
and EOR processes, noting how gravity and capillary forces affect the
ultimate result. According to him, EOR processes in single-porosity
systems have a strong viscous displacement component; for NFRs,
viscous displacement plays a small role while gravity drainage plays a
major role. A comparison was made between IOR and EOR for steam
injection (heating and gravity drainage), CO2 injection (composition-
al effects), and wettability alteration. It was concluded that NFRs can
be produced efficiently, and use of appropriate IOR and EOR methods
should improve ultimate recovery in fracture-/karst-dominated oil
reservoirs. Viscous displacement in the matrix is minimal. JPT
Information provided by Thomas Blasingame, Texas A&M U.
JPT MAY 2006