Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implication for reservoir permeability
We have investigated common mechanisms responsible for fracture connectivity (or lack thereof) for single and multiple sets of fractures. The methods of study were based on detailed field mapping of fractures in layered sedimentary rocks, typical of producing oil and gas reservoirs and on numerical modeling of the concepts developed from the field observations. The crucial mechanisms important for connectivity have been deduced to be fracture propagation across layer interfaces with or without shearing in slightly deformed terrains in the Appalachians Plateau, central New York, and in highly deformed terrains in the Valley and Ridge province of the Appalachians in northeastern Tennessee, northwestern North Carolina and southwestern Maryland. Both of these mechanisms have been simulated by using numerical models which include fracture propagation across interfaces between dissimilar layers, and interactions between parallel faults of various scales. Fluid transport through a single fracture or a fracture network in rock depends strongly on the nature of connections between fracture segments and between the individual fractures. This study has shown that layer interfaces, particularly those with thin shale layers impede fluid flow along fractures in vertical direction, whereas additional fractures between low angle faults along the interfaces enhance it.
- Research Organization:
- Purdue Univ., Lafayette, IN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-89ER14082
- OSTI ID:
- 5691380
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/14082-T1; ON: DE92010771
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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