Geomechanical Reservoir Simulator Coupling Fluid Flow and Fracture Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture simulators for geomechanical reservoir systems lack comprehensive modeling capabilities, particularly in predicting hydraulic fracture geometry and coupling fluid flow with geomechanical and thermal processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented system that models geomechanical reservoir systems by solving a system of partial differential equations, coupling reservoir flow, geomechanical, and fracture models through a fully-expanded Jacobian, allowing simultaneous solution in a single time step, and incorporating thermal models to predict fracturing and fracture growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate simulators are used for reservoir flow, geomechanics, and fracture modeling, then each individual model can be optimized, but the overall system lacks integrated predictive capability and requires multiple sequential simulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges reservoir flow, geomechanical, and fracture models into a single integrated simulator that solves coupled partial differential equations simultaneously. This consolidation enables comprehensive predictive capability for hydraulic fracture geometry while eliminating the need for multiple sequential simulations, directly resolving the technical contradiction between individual model optimization and system integration.
2Device complexity
If sequential simulation approaches are used for reservoir flow and geomechanical processes, then computational complexity is reduced, but predictive accuracy and stability deteriorate due to decoupled modeling
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated simulator performs multiple functions simultaneously by solving reservoir flow, geomechanical deformation, and fracture propagation through a unified system of coupled partial differential equations. This multi-functional approach ensures that all processes are modeled concurrently with consistent boundary conditions, improving predictive stability without requiring separate sequential simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled equation system establishes feedback loops where reservoir pressure changes affect geomechanical stress states, which in turn influence fracture propagation, which then modifies reservoir flow paths. This continuous feedback mechanism ensures that all processes interact realistically, enhancing predictive accuracy while maintaining computational tractability through efficient numerical solution methods.
3Productivity
If simplified models are used for hydraulic fracture prediction, then computational speed increases, but modeling accuracy and geometric prediction capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The simulator employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting material properties, stress states, and fluid characteristics throughout the simulation based on coupled field interactions. This allows the model to maintain high computational speed through efficient numerical methods while simultaneously achieving accurate fracture geometry predictions by adapting parameters to reflect real-time changes in reservoir conditions and fracture propagation mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for modeling a geomechanical reservoir system to provide fracturing predictions. The model predictions are generated by solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system.