Fracturing Fluid Leak-off Modeling via Coupled Flow Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling the flow of fracturing fluid in subterranean reservoirs fail to accurately predict fluid leak-off into porous media, lacking comprehensive models that account for complex fracture networks and multi-dimensional fluid dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fracture network flow model, a reservoir block flow model, and an interface flow model is used to simulate fluid flow, with coupled differential equations that account for time-dependent fluid leak-off, pressure, and temperature distribution, allowing for detailed analysis of fracturing fluid behavior in subterranean formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current modeling methods are used for fracturing fluid flow, then the model is simple to implement, but the accuracy of predicting fluid leak-off into porous media is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The model segments the fracture network into discrete fracture segments and divides the reservoir into grid blocks, allowing detailed representation of fluid leak-off at each interface while maintaining computational tractability through modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The model applies different flow equations and parameters to different regions: cubic law for fracture flow, Darcy's law for reservoir flow, and specific leak-off equations at interfaces, allowing accurate local representation of fluid behavior in each zone
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive models accounting for complex fracture networks and multi-dimensional fluid dynamics are developed, then the accuracy of fluid leak-off prediction is improved, but the computational complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The model pre-calculates fracture geometry parameters, reservoir properties, and boundary conditions before running the main simulation, and uses iterative solution methods that converge to solutions efficiently, reducing overall computational time
Solution Approach 2:
The model couples three-dimensional fracture network flow with three-dimensional reservoir block flow through two-dimensional interface surfaces, creating a comprehensive multi-dimensional model that accurately captures fluid transfer while using efficient numerical methods
3Loss of information
If detailed time-dependent simulations of fluid leak-off are performed, then the understanding of fluid behavior is enhanced, but the computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The model continuously tracks fluid pressure, flow rate, and leak-off volume throughout the injection process using coupled differential equations, providing complete time-dependent information about fluid behavior without requiring multiple separate simulations
Solution Approach 2:
The model uses numerical representations and discretized equations to simulate the physical fluid flow process, creating a virtual copy of the injection process that can be analyzed computationally without requiring physical experimentation or multiple full-scale simulations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to modeling the flow of fracturing fluid in a subterranean formation. Fluid flow within the reservoir media in a subterranean formation is modeled by a reservoir block flow model. Fluid flow within a fracture network in the reservoir is modeled by a fracture network flow model. Fluid flow between the fracture network and the reservoir media is modeled by an interface flow model. Output data are generated based on coupling the fracture network flow model, the reservoir block flow model, and the interface flow model. The output data represent characteristics of fracturing fluid leak-off from the fracture network into the reservoir media.