Flow properties that honor the variability of the distribution of the reservoir properties and the fracture intensity based on structural deformation provide a more accurate prediction of fracture network flow behavior. Based on this premise, Earth Decision and Midland Valley have developed a tool to incorporate both fracture properties and reservoir properties for more accurate input into flow simulators.
Fracture Generator Module (FracMV) uses the reservoir structural model and well bore data to generate a geologically constrained discrete fracture network (DFN), therefore providing a method to generate fracture-related flow properties directly from the fracture network. Output properties include: fracture permeability, fracture porosity, sigma and fracture area per volume. Use these properties directly with the reservoir model and for export into reservoir flow simulators.
Key benefits of FracMV, include:
Greater Accuracy in Reservoir Models
The addition of fracture information in the reservoir model is essential in understanding fractured reservoir behavior.
Integration of fracture modeling into existing 3D reservoir models
Models that have not been previously modeled with a fracture network can be re-opened and new fracture sets created for a more complete understanding of possible reservoir production.
Increased Productivity & Cost Savings
The addition of this module within the integrated environment of the Earth Decision Suite will simplify the task of bringing fracture information into the reservoir model. We have found that normal time savings range from days to weeks.
Ease of Use
FracMV uses the Earth Decision Suite workflows as an intelligent, easy-to-use interface with advanced 2D visualization capabilities - suited to both experienced fracture modeling users and non-specialists. Users can change controlling trends, interactively modify fracture geometry and rapidly regenerate models, assessing the model layer by layer to create as robust a version as possible. The workflow is clear and easy to follow and the modelling workflow can be saved, left or entered at various points without losing previous work.
Sensible defaults
Predefined parameters allow the non-specialist to build the model he needs without requiring the data or experts. In many cases, the user will not have all the information they need to answer all the questions the workflow will ask. In these cases, FracMV will supply geologically sensible default values. If parameter values are input which are not sensible, either geologically or specifically for that model, the user will be prompted to reconsider and offered the chance to modify their choice.
Minimizing computer time
Visualizing huge fracture networks is very computer time-intensive and FracMV offers options that will allow quick QC of answers before computing the entire model. FracMV's visualisation options will allow the user to do a rapid check of 1%, 10%, or any percentage of the network. The network fracture network will be sampled and the user informed how many fractures that percentage represents and how long it will take to show them.
Built-in upscaling routines
These routines will calculate a number of parameters from the fracture network. These will be output into the Earth Decision Suite grid and can be used as input to the reservoir model.
Reservoir simulation links
The results can be exported for use in other industry standard reservoir simulators.
FracMV was developed in cooperation with our partner, Midland Valley www.mve.com.
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