Tight Oil Reservoir Flow Field Simulation via Complex Potential Superposition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation methods for flow fields in multi-stage fracturing of horizontal wells in tight oil reservoirs are limited by their inability to accurately account for the complex interactions between fractures and nonlinear seepage characteristics, leading to underestimation of geological reserves and inefficiencies in oil recovery.
Innovation Solution
A simulation method that establishes a seepage mathematical model involving threshold pressure gradient, determines formation pressure distribution using complex potential superposition, and identifies an effective producing range to accurately simulate the flow field and geological reserves, considering the unique physical properties and nonlinear seepage of tight oil reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional simulation methods are used for flow field in multi-stage fracturing, then the simulation process is simple, but the accuracy of geological reserves estimation is low and nonlinear seepage characteristics are not captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the complex nonlinear seepage problem into a solvable form by changing the parameter representation - introducing a transformation function that converts nonlinear pressure gradient parameters into linear equivalents, enabling accurate geological reserves estimation while maintaining computational feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transformation function as a mediator between the complex nonlinear seepage characteristics and the simulation model. This transformation function acts as a bridge that captures nonlinear effects without requiring direct complex nonlinear calculations, thus improving accuracy while controlling model complexity
2Productivity
If complex fracture network is formed by increasing fracturing fluid, then the connectivity of tight oil reservoir is improved, but the complexity of flow field simulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-stage fracturing flow field into multiple single-fracture flow fields. By dividing the complex network into manageable segments and applying superposition, the simulation can handle improved reservoir connectivity while controlling computational complexity through modular analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple single-fracture flow field solutions into a comprehensive multi-stage fracturing simulation through superposition principles. This merging approach allows the model to capture the effects of complex fracture networks and improved connectivity while using simpler component models
3Reliability
If threshold pressure gradient is considered in seepage model, then the nonlinear seepage characteristics are captured, but the difficulty of model solving increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation of the threshold pressure gradient by introducing a transformation function. This parameter transformation converts the difficult-to-solve nonlinear threshold pressure gradient into a more tractable form, maintaining simulation reliability while reducing solving difficulty
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method more accurately simulates the effective production range of horizontal wells, improving numerical simulation accuracy and providing a basis for enhanced oil recovery strategies by accounting for the mutual interference of fractures and nonlinear seepage characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a seepage mathematical model involving threshold pressure gradient according to reservoir physical property data and production data of the horizontal well
Implementation Method 2
Tight oil reservoirs have poor physical properties, well-developed nano-micron pore throats, and have strong nonlinear seepage characteristics. And compared with the flow characteristics of conventional reservoirs, the threshold pressure gradient of the tight oil reservoirs needs to be additionally considered
Implementation Method 3
determining formation pressure field distribution of the horizontal well after multi-stage fracturing production according to the formation pressure distribution and basing on principle of complex potential superposition
Data Source
AI summary
A simulation method for flow field of multi-stage fracturing on horizontal well in tight oil reservoir is provided. The tight oil reservoir comprises multiple horizontal wells with multi-stage fracturing, and for any horizontal well of the multiple horizontal wells, the method comprises: establishing a seepage mathematical model involving threshold pressure gradient according to reservoir physical property data and production data of the horizontal well, and determining formation pressure distribution of the horizontal well after multi-stage fracturing production according to the seepage mathematical model; determining formation pressure field distribution of the horizontal well after multi-stage fracturing production according to the formation pressure distribution and basing on principle of complex potential superposition; and establishing a criterion for identifying effective producing range of the horizontal well according to the formation pressure field distribution, and determining flow field range of the horizontal well according to the criterion.