Browsing by Author "Taabbodi, Loran"

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    Transient Shape Factors for Thermal Flow Simulation in Fractured Reservoirs
    (2015-09-22) Taabbodi, Loran; Chen, Zhangxing (John)
    The simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs (NFRs) is an extremely daunting and challenging task. The most important and difficult aspect of modeling a naturally fractured reservoir is the accurate estimation of the fluid exchange between matrix and surrounded fractures, which is modeled via a shape factor. The main focuses of this dissertation are the characterization and understanding as to how shape factors are utilized for modeling non-isothermal, fracture-matrix fluid exchange in fractured reservoirs. The intention of this research, therefore, is to achieve a better understanding of the matter exchanges between fractures and matrix blocks in a dual-porosity system by defining an appropriate transient matrix-fracture shape factor formulation that accounts for a multiphase flow system in thermal reservoir simulation of naturally fractured reservoirs. A novel and more general technique are developed for the exchange of fluids between the matrix blocks and the surrounded fractures. The concept of a new transient shape factor is introduced for non-isothermal, dual-porosity models and validated against the most current shape factor formulations. In this study, the CMG STARS simulator is used to estimate and validate the proposed transient shape factor. A MATLAB code is developed and coupled with the CMG STARS to compute transient shape factor (TSF). This new technique describes the most appropriate way of treating a shape factor to capture the pertinent features of non-isothermal fluid flow in NFRs. A robust transformation function (T.F) formulation is developed between the fractures and the matrix for a better representation of a dual-porosity system in thermal recovery. The proposed transient shape factor (TSF) model is validated against a fine grid single porosity model and an historical field data to confirm the model capability for reproducing accurate physical processes and recovery mechanisms. The results clearly demonstrate that a constant value of the shape factor (e.g., Kazemi’s formulation) cannot be used to predict the overall performance in dual-media systems due to invalid assumptions. The conclusions from this study clearly show that a suitable and accurate transfer transient shape factor is required for an appropriate modeling of a thermal recovery process in NFRs when using dual-porosity formulations.