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Title: Proposed model for multiphase flow through naturally fractured reservoirs

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5569393

A general mathematical model is derived which may be used to describe the fluid movement through naturally fractured reservoirs. The model treats the reservoir as a double porosity medium consisting of heterogeneous, isotropic primary rock matrix blocks and an anisotropic, heterogeneous fracture matrix system. The fractures are assumed to have a general distribution in space and orientation called the fracture matrix function to represent the statistical nature of the fractures. Simplifying assumptions are made concerning flow in the individual fractures and a hemispherical volume integration of the microscopic fracture flow equations is performed to arrive at a generalized Darcy type of equation with a symmetric permeability tensor evolving to describe the flow in the fracture matrix. For flow in the primary rock matrix blocks Darcy's law for an isotropic medium is assumed. 37 refs.

Research Organization:
Univ of Okla, Norman, USA
OSTI ID:
5569393
Report Number(s):
CONF-810321-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. 9940; Conference: SPE California regional meeting, Bakersfield, CA, USA, 25 Mar 1981
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English