Models of natural fracture connectivity -- Implications for reservoir permeability. Final report

Technical Report · Mon Nov 14 00:00:00 EST 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10107198· OSTI ID:10107198

Pollard, D D; Aydin, A

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 the authors 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, the 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 they 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.

• Research Organization: Stanford Univ., CA (United States). Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG03-89ER14081
• OSTI ID: 10107198
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/14081-T3; ON: DE95004702; BR: KC0403010; TRN: AHC29505%%7
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 14 Nov 1994
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FLOW MODELS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
AQUIFERS
PROGRESS REPORT
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
580000
020200
030200
540210
GEOSCIENCES
RESERVES, GEOLOGY, AND EXPLORATION
BASIC STUDIES