Geomodeling Insights for Numerical Simulations of Naturally Fractured Reservoirs

Abstract

The continuous evolution of technologies in subsurface petroleum exploration and characterization makes imperative the creation of multidisciplinary up-to-date technical workflows aimed to represent complex reservoirs with robust reliability. The objective of this chapter is to promote an innovative and integrated collection of the latest technologies available for the study of naturally fractured hydrocarbon reservoirs. We assembled some of the present-day advanced technologies ranging from high-resolution digital core analysis, borehole fracture characterization, numerical deformation and geomechanics modeling, stochastic fracture modeling and the numerical simulation of dual-porosity, dual-permeability fractured reservoirs. The efficient application of robust fracture models in field development is also discussed. This chapter is intended to serve as a practical and structured handbook for professionals working on subsurface reservoir modeling, with emphasis on fractured reservoirs in the petroleum industry.