A Physically Based Approach for Modeling Multiphase Fracture-Matrix Interaction in Fractured Porous Media
Modeling fracture-matrix interaction within a complex multiple phase flow system is a key issue for fractured reservoir simulation. Commonly used mathematical models for dealing with such interactions employ a dual- or multiple-continuum concept, in which fractures and matrix are represented as overlapping, different, but interconnected continua, described by parallel sets of conservation equations. The conventional single-point upstream weighting scheme, in which the fracture relative permeability is used to represent the counterpart at the fracture-matrix interface, is the most common scheme by which to estimate flow mobility for fracture-matrix flow terms. However, such a scheme has a serious flaw, which may lead to unphysical solutions or significant numerical errors. To overcome the limitation of the conventional upstream weighting scheme, this paper presents a physically based modeling approach for estimating physically correct relative permeability in calculating multiphase flow between fractures and the matrix, using continuity of capillary pressure at the fracture-matrix interface. The proposed approach has been implemented into two multiphase reservoir simulators and verified using analytical solutions and laboratory experimental data. The new method is demonstrated to be accurate, numerically efficient, and easy to implement in dual- or multiple-continuum models.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- OSTI ID:
- 835352
- Report Number(s):
- LBNL-54749; R&D Project: G7017F; TRN: US200501%%88
- Journal Information:
- Advances in Water Resources, Vol. 27, Issue 9; Other Information: Submitted to Advances in Water Resources, Volume 27, No.9; Journal Publication Date: September 2004; PBD: 15 Mar 2004
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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