Developing a model discrete fracture network, drilling, and enhanced oil recovery strategy in an unconventional naturally fractured reservoir using integrated field, image log, and three-dimensional seismic data

Wilson, Thomas H.; Smith, Valerie; Brown, A. D. Fitton

doi:10.1306/10031414015

Cited by 40 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…The study of rock fracture systems have a long tradition in hydrocarbon geology and hydrogeology due to the role that these fractures play on the evaluation of potential oil reservoirs (Adler and Thovert (1999); Andresen et al (2012); Huseby et al (1997); Cacas et al (1990); Hitchmough et al (2007); Valentini et al (2007)). The analysis of rock fracture networks (RFNs) plays a fundamental role in determining the nature and disposition of heterogeneities appearing in petroliferous formations to determine the capability for the transport of fluid through them (Bogatkov and Babadagli (2007); Han et al (2013); Hansford and Fisher (2009) ;Wilson et al (2015); Jang et al (2013)). In many of the analyses described in the literature the use of synthetic fracture networks facilitates the analysis due to the sometimes scarce availability of real-world data (Barton (1995); Nolte et al (1989); Damjanac and Cundall (2013); ;Neuman (1988); Seifollahi et al (2014); Garipov et al (2016)).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Random neighborhood graphs as models of fracture networks on rocks: Structural and dynamical analysis

Estrada

Sheerin

2017

Applied Mathematics and Computation

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We propose a new model to account for the main structural characteristics of rock fracture networks (RFNs). The model is based on a generalization of the random neighborhood graphs to consider fractures embedded into rectangular spaces. We study a series of 29 real-world RFNs and find the best fit with the random rectangular neighborhood graphs (RRNGs) proposed here. We show that this model captures most of the structural characteristics of the RFNs and allows a distinction between small and more spherical rocks and large and more elongated ones. We use a diffusion equation on the graphs in order to model diffusive processes taking place through the channels of the RFNs. We find a small set of structural parameters that highly correlates with the average diffusion time in the RFNs. We found analytically some bounds for the diameter and the algebraic connectivity of these graphs that allow to bound the diffusion time in these networks. We also show that the RRNGs can be used as a suitable model to replace the RFNs in the study of diffusion-like processes. Indeed, the diffusion time in RFNs can be predicted by using structural and dynamical parameters of the RRNGs. Finally, we also explore some potential extensions of our model to include variable fracture apertures, the possibility of long-range hops of the diffusive particles as a way to account for heterogeneities in the medium and possible superdiffusive processes, and the extension of the model to 3-dimensional space.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Random neighborhood graphs as models of fracture networks on rocks: Structural and dynamical analysis

Estrada

Sheerin

2017

Applied Mathematics and Computation

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“…The doubly plunging anticline extends into the basement (Cooper et al, 2001(Cooper et al, , 2006 and was formed during the Laramide orogeny by reverse movement of the uplifted basement over a steeply dipping basement thrust (Wilson et al, 2015).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previous fracture studies of the Tensleep Formation include analog field studies at Alcova Anticline (Gilbertson, 2006) and Fremont Canyon (Zhang, 2005;Wilson et al, 2013bWilson et al, , 2015. Seismic attribute analyses have been carried out by Ouenes et al (2010), Gao (2013), Wilson et al (2012Wilson et al ( , 2013aWilson et al ( , 2013bWilson et al ( , 2015, Di andGao (2014), andThachaparambil (2015). A study of open fractures seen on five image logs through the Tensleep Formation was done by Schwartz (2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Interpretation of fractured zones using seismic attributes — Case study from Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA

Schneider

Eichkitz²,

Schreilechner³

et al. 2016

Interpretation

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We have used poststack seismic attributes to describe the fracture network of the naturally fractured Tensleep Formation at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA. The attributes include coherence, coherence based on spectral decomposed seismic data, attributes based on curvature, and textural attributes based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Results were compared with image log interpretations of four wells. Seismic attribute analysis allowed determination of strikes and dips as well as the intensity of fractures. The GLCMbased attributes proved especially valuable for building a discrete fracture network.

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“…Bisdom et al (2014) proposed an improved workflow based on a 2D field-digitizing tool for mapping and analyzing fracture parameters as well as relations to bedding. Wilson et al (2015) developed a model discrete fracture network (DFN) for the unconventional, naturally fractured Tensleep Sandstone oil reservoir at Teapot Dome, Wyoming with three-dimensional (3D) seismic data, fracture image logs from Teapot Dome, and field observations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing A Two-scale Fracture Model And Its Application For Drilling Strategy In A Fractured Carbonate Reservoir

Chang-rong

Wang

Feng

et al. 2015

Day 3 Wed, September 16, 2015

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In this study, we present an integrated approach to develop a two-scale fracture model for the Ordovician carbonate fractured reservoir in the Yubei area. The objective of this study is to provide new insights into the impact of fractures on oil production and to recommend drilling strategy. Fractures are characterized by using log data, 3D seismic attribute, borehole image logs and reservoir production data. Image logs illustrate that the dominant reservoir fractures trending in the NE direction parallel to the present-day maximum horizontal compressive stress and are consistent with the major fault system. The electrofacies generated with conventional logs are calibrated into different fracture units by using borehole image logs and reservoir dynamic data. The dynamic behavior of the complex matrix and fracture system is characterized for fracture units at wells. For layer bound diffuse fractures, the fracture properties are modeled statistically set by set with borehole image logs, fracture seismic facies volume representing degree of the fracturation and seismic geometric attribute. Fracture lineaments at the corridor scale are extracted directly from edge-enhanced seismic attribute. Fracture lineaments are cleaned and meshed to define their topology relationships to construct a comprehensive DFN (Discrete Fracture Network) model. Fracture networks are characterized deterministically, which constitute a unique fracture model on the reservoir scale. DFN model provides a geological representation how these fractures are spatially organized in the subsurface and how they may enhance or inhibit fluid flow. The final fracture model honored the two scale fracture models. Grid-cell permeability properties are derived from the two-scale fracture model. Based on the dynamic behavior of fracture units, fracture properties are calibrated against the dynamic data. Our results show that NE orientated fractures are open and conductive. The high productivity zones are characterized by high permeability located in the vicinity of faults. Enhanced oil recovery operations could be optimized using production wells oriented at high angles to NE orientated fractures.

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Developing a model discrete fracture network, drilling, and enhanced oil recovery strategy in an unconventional naturally fractured reservoir using integrated field, image log, and three-dimensional seismic data

Cited by 40 publications

References 31 publications

Random neighborhood graphs as models of fracture networks on rocks: Structural and dynamical analysis

Random neighborhood graphs as models of fracture networks on rocks: Structural and dynamical analysis

Interpretation of fractured zones using seismic attributes — Case study from Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA

Developing A Two-scale Fracture Model And Its Application For Drilling Strategy In A Fractured Carbonate Reservoir

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