Fracture Network Modeling and Dual Permeability Simulation of Carbonate Reservoirs

element models to compute effective matrix permeability; 3) analysis of fracture data from core, image logs, and outcrop; and 4) integration of field performance, structure, stratigraphy, and lithology. Directional equivalent fracture permeability, porosity, and matrix block dimensions are estimated using discrete fracture network (DFN) and 3D geologic models, while effective matrix permeability is derived using proprietary technology (patent pending). Fracture analysis consists of identifying structural and stratigraphic controls on fracture data from available sources, and then using this knowledge to derive a set of rules to populate a DFN model. Dual-porosity / permeability reservoir simulation models are built in EMpower™ using a similar grid geometry and cell size, effective matrix properties, and DFN-generated fracture properties. Simulation results show a better history match with less iteration than previous models when compared with multiphase production history. In test cases, dual-porosity / permeability models more accurately capture the impact of fractures on fluid flow than do single-medium models.