SPE Journal
Volume 17, Number 2, June 2012, pp. 540-554

Summary

Methodology is presented and proved for determination of the best-estimate parameter values affecting the matrix/fracture-interface fluid transfer in naturally fractured reservoirs. Fracture/surface-hindered interface transfer of immiscible fluids is considered between matrix blocks and surrounding natural fractures. Improved matrix/fracture-transfer models are applied on the basis of presumed matrix-block shapes. Analytical solutions and the limiting isotropic-matrix long-time shape factors developed for special boundary conditions are used for interpretation of typical laboratory tests conducted using rectangular- and cylindrical-shaped rock samples. Workable equations and straight-line data-plotting schemes are developed for effective analysis and interpretation of laboratory data obtained from various-shaped oil-saturated reservoir-rock samples immersed into brine. Applications concerning the water/air and water/decane systems in laboratory core tests are also presented. The present approach allows rapid determination of the characteristic parameters of the matrix/fracture-transfer models for various-shaped matrix blocks, which are essential for prediction of petroleum recovery from naturally fractured reservoirs. The methodology is verified using various experimental data, and the values of the characteristic parameters (e.g., the average diffusion-coefficient and the interface-skin-mass-transfer coefficient) are determined. The Arrhenius (1889) equation is shown to represent the temperature dependency of these parameters effectively.

© 2012. Society of Petroleum Engineers

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History

• Original manuscript received: 8 November 2010
• Meeting paper published: 31 August 2006
• Revised manuscript received: 31 March 2011
• Manuscript approved: 12 April 2011
• Published online: 8 February 2012
• Version of record: 11 June 2012