Fracture Connectivity Evaluation Using Complex Network Theory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating fracture connectivity in oil and gas reservoirs are time-consuming, costly, and complex, lacking efficient and cost-effective solutions for optimizing hydraulic fracture parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method based on complex network theory that involves establishing a discrete fracture network model, converting it into a complex network dual topology diagram, calculating connectivity indices like average degree and clustering coefficient, and optimizing hydraulic fracture schemes using comprehensive evaluation indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If well test analysis method is used to evaluate fracture connectivity, then the fracture connectivity can be determined by analyzing formation pressure and fluid properties changes, but the method is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the fracture network by converting actual fracture networks into complex network dual topology diagrams. This digital model allows for rapid simulation and evaluation of fracture connectivity without requiring time-consuming physical well tests, while maintaining the essential structural characteristics of the original system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical mechanical measurement system (well tests involving actual pressure and fluid flow measurements) with a computational model-based system. By using complex network theory and calculating topological indices, the method substitutes physical experimentation with mathematical simulation, achieving both speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If numerical simulation method is used to evaluate fracture connectivity, then the formation yield can be calculated to indirectly evaluate fracture connectivity, but the method has complex models and high calculation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential topological characteristics of the fracture network (nodes representing fractures and edges representing intersections) from the complex geological system. By focusing solely on the connectivity structure rather than simulating all physical processes, the method achieves fracture connectivity evaluation with significantly reduced model complexity while maintaining evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameters from complex physical quantities (pressure, fluid properties, seepage rates) to simple topological indices (average degree, clustering coefficient, path length). This parameter transformation simplifies the evaluation model while preserving the ability to assess fracture connectivity effectively.
3Measurement precision
If traditional fracture connectivity evaluation methods are used, then the evaluation can be performed, but the methods are costly and not efficient for optimizing hydraulic fracture parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the complex network model of the fracture system and calculating topological indices before hydraulic fracture optimization. This allows for rapid assessment of different fracture parameter scenarios without repeating time-consuming measurements, significantly improving optimization efficiency while maintaining evaluation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for evaluating fracture connectivity and optimizing fracture parameters based on complex network theory, comprising the following steps: obtaining natural fracture distribution laws and characteristic parameters of the formation based on previous knowledge of natural fractures in the formation and statistical analysis of fractures in the core, and establishing a discrete fracture network model of natural fractures based on the previous step; setting up hydraulic fractures, determining intersection relations in the fracture network and coordinates of intersection points of fractures: converting the actual fracture network into a complex network dual topology diagram based on complex network theory, and calculating evaluative indexes of the complex network to realize the evaluation of fracture network connectivity; changing the hydraulic fracture parameters to get the evaluation indexes of different hydraulic fracture schemes.