U.S. Department of EnergyOffice of Scientific and Technical Information
Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implications for reservoir permeability. Annual report for DOE Basic Energy Sciences, 1990
Abstract
Fluid flow through fracture networks in a rock mass depends strongly on the nature of connections between fracture segments and between individual fractures. Therefore the objective of this research project is to develop three dimensional models for natural fracture connectivity using an integrated field, laboratory, and theoretical methodology. The geometric models we have developed are based on detailed field mapping and observations from outcrops of both massive and layered sedimentary rocks, typical of producing oil and gas reservoirs, or of aquifers. Furthermore, we have used computer simulations and laboratory experiments to investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for fracture connectivity (or lack thereof) as single and multiple sets of fractures evolve. The computer models are based on fracture mechanics principles and the laboratory experiments utilize layered composite materials analogous to sedimentary sequences. By identifying the physical mechanisms of connectivity we can relate the degree of connectivity to the geometry, state of stress, and material properties of the reservoir rocks and, in turn, be in a position to evaluate the influence of these factors on fracture permeability.
- Authors:
-
- Stanford Univ., CA (United States). Dept. of Applied Earth Sciences
- Purdue Univ., Lafayette, IN (United States). Dept. of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Publication Date:
- Research Org.:
- Stanford Univ., CA (United States). Dept. of Applied Earth Sciences
- Sponsoring Org.:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- OSTI Identifier:
- 71655
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/14081-T4
ON: DE95012911
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG03-89ER14081
- Resource Type:
- Technical Report
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: [1995]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 02 PETROLEUM; 58 GEOSCIENCES; FRACTURED RESERVOIRS; FLUID FLOW; GEOLOGIC FRACTURES; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; SEDIMENTARY ROCKS; FRACTURE MECHANICS; PERMEABILITY; GEOLOGIC MODELS; PROGRESS REPORT
Citation Formats
Pollard, D D, and Aydin, A. Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implications for reservoir permeability. Annual report for DOE Basic Energy Sciences, 1990. United States: N. p., 1995.
Web. doi:10.2172/71655.
Pollard, D D, & Aydin, A. Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implications for reservoir permeability. Annual report for DOE Basic Energy Sciences, 1990. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/71655
Pollard, D D, and Aydin, A. 1995.
"Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implications for reservoir permeability. Annual report for DOE Basic Energy Sciences, 1990". United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/71655. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/71655.
@article{osti_71655,
title = {Models of natural fracture connectivity: Implications for reservoir permeability. Annual report for DOE Basic Energy Sciences, 1990},
author = {Pollard, D D and Aydin, A},
abstractNote = {Fluid flow through fracture networks in a rock mass depends strongly on the nature of connections between fracture segments and between individual fractures. Therefore the objective of this research project is to develop three dimensional models for natural fracture connectivity using an integrated field, laboratory, and theoretical methodology. The geometric models we have developed are based on detailed field mapping and observations from outcrops of both massive and layered sedimentary rocks, typical of producing oil and gas reservoirs, or of aquifers. Furthermore, we have used computer simulations and laboratory experiments to investigate the physical mechanisms responsible for fracture connectivity (or lack thereof) as single and multiple sets of fractures evolve. The computer models are based on fracture mechanics principles and the laboratory experiments utilize layered composite materials analogous to sedimentary sequences. By identifying the physical mechanisms of connectivity we can relate the degree of connectivity to the geometry, state of stress, and material properties of the reservoir rocks and, in turn, be in a position to evaluate the influence of these factors on fracture permeability.},
doi = {10.2172/71655},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/71655},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995},
month = {Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995}
}